Foundation targets 'chronically homeless'

New StreetoHome Vancouver Foundation to rely on big money philanthropists
Cheryl Rossi, Vancouver Courier
Published: Friday, October 24, 2008

Recent crashes in financial markets spurred Jae Kim to do something she's never done before.

"I have to tell you, it's the first time I've started praying for rich people," she said.

Kim is president of the soon-to-be-launched StreetoHome Vancouver Foundation, which will use hefty donations from philanthropists and large companies to provide supportive housing spaces for those who have been homeless for more than a year. Organizations such as Vancouver Coastal Health could provide services to those being housed.

The foundation's first goal is to house and support 150 chronically homeless individuals by October 2009. The goal was stated in a letter to city council authored before the market collapse.

Its second goal is to house and support 300 chronically homeless people no later than April 2009 in conjunction with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a national non-profit organization. By the same date, it pledges to establish a plan to end homelessness in Vancouver by 2015.

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