May 2025 – Newsletter

It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark

Howard Huff


Let’s Talk About Emergency Management

British Columbia faces a wide range of natural and human-caused hazards throughout the year. From floods, wildfires, and severe storms to earthquakes, tsunamis, and power outages, every region in B.C. has unique risks. For people with disabilities, preparing for emergencies means planning for personal needs and ensuring supports are in place. This month, we will explore how emergency management planning can help everyone stay safe and resilient, no matter what challenges arise. Use the hazard map below to find out what emergencies could happen in your area and start planning for your unique needs.
Find Your Hazards (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/hazard-map)


Creating an Emergency Kit

Emergencies like power outages, storms, and wildfires can happen fast. In a home sharing setting, being prepared with an emergency kit can make all the difference. This guide explains what to pack—including food, water, medication, and comfort items—and how to customize the kit for the person you support. Learn tips for storing your kit, keeping it updated, and involving everyone in the planning.
Read it here! (https://homesharingbc.ca/2025/05/05/creating-an-emergency-kit/)


Free Tax Clinics

The Government of Canada offers free tax clinics (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/need-a-hand-complete-your-tax-return.html)  where eligible people can get their tax returns done by volunteers. These clinics are hosted by community organizations across Canada through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Options include walk-in, drop-off, and in-person or virtual appointments.

In order to be eligible individuals must have a modest income and a simple tax situation. This may include:
* adults 65 years and older
* housing-insecure individuals
* Indigenous Peoples
* modest-income individuals
* newcomers
* persons with disabilities
* students and youth

Find a Tax Clinic Near You (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program.html)


Important Days in the Disability Community

Asian Heritage Month (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month.html)

Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month (https://sashbear.org/)

Huntington Disease Awareness Month (https://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/hd-awareness-month/)

May 4-10 BC Emergency Preparedness Week (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/education-programs-toolkits/ep-week)

May 5-11 Mental Health Week (https://www.mentalhealthweek.ca/)

May 11 Mother's Day

May 15: International Day of Families (https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-families)

May 19 Victoria Day

May 26-June 1 National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) (https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/accessibility/celebrate-national-accessability-week/)

May 30 World Multiple Sclerosis Day (https://worldmsday.org/)


Free Tools, Resources & Training
Provided by Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC)


Each month we work hard to bring you the best tools, training and resources for little or no cost.  The following tools, resources and training is proudly brought to you by the HSSSBC.  Enjoy!


Side by Side Module (Individuals and HSP) Staying Safe on Social Media

About this module:

This module will introduce you to staying safe on social media.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
* Understand that there are risks involved in using social media.
* Explain why it is important to be safe when using social media.
* Discuss ways to reduce the risks of social media.
* Understand what to do if you feel unsafe on social media.


Module Length: 29 Minutes
Explore The Module (https://www.openfuturelearning.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=login.home)


WE’VE GOT YOU!

Navigating supports for people with disabilities can be complex. That’s why we’ve brought together a circle of trusted professionals ready to share their knowledge. Whether you're a family member, a home sharing provider, coordinator, or respite worker, Ask an Expert gives you free access to professionals including:
* Housing and Accessibility
* Disability & Income Assistance
+ Community Integration Specialist - Vancouver, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
+ Assistant Coordinator, Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL)
* Mental Health and Wellness
* Legal Rights and Advocacy
* Conflict Resolution and Mediation
* Home Sharing Best Practices
* Supports for Aging and Transitions
* Cultural Safety and Inclusion
* Navigating Government Services
* Financial Advisor

This service is for you, the people working on the frontlines of the disability community, helping others live with dignity, safety, and connection.
Learn More (https://homesharingbc.ca/home-sharing-provider-coaching-session/)


Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL)

WHAT is CRCL?
* CRCL stands for Crisis Response, Community Led
* A mobile, community-led team that offers support to individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use related crisis in the City of New West
* We are 1 of 6 programs in BC – NW Van, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George, Comox Valley (provincially funded)


WHAT DO WE DO?

Team comprised of a Mental Health Worker and a Peer Support Worker (someone with lived or living experience) attend to callers in crisis during scheduled service hours. Goal is to support, de-escalate, and provide info/resources to help ensure the PIC gets the care that they need to remain stable.


HOW:
* Person experiencing crisis or a someone worried about a person in crisis calls CRCL
* Team conducts triage & assessment via phone or text to ensure we are the appropriate service
* Crisis responders are dispatched to wherever the person is in the city of New Westminster to offer in-person support
* Connection to services + follow up conducted 24-48 hrs following crisis event (if needed)


Calls can come directly from the person in crisis, or by a 3rd party – ex: community org; fire/police; a concerned bystander; library/community centre; family, friend, or neighbour


CONSENT
* CRCL support is voluntary + consent based – support services will be delivered only if the PIC is willing to engage
* If call comes from a 3rd party:
* Team will ask if consent provided to call our team for support  If “NO” – team can still respond BUT will only move forward w/ offering support if the PIC is willing to and consents to service


Hours of operation

7:00am-11:30pm, 7 days/week; callers in crisis 13+

Team Makeup
* 2 crisis responders per shift – so if team is already on a call there may be a short wait
* We will triage calls that come in based on urgency, so there may be a wait time for response if the team is already out on a call

Learn More (https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/community-and-social-services/sb_expander_articles/2905.php)

The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors.

We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as
Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in Finance/Accounting.

Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.
Apply Now (https://homesharingbc.ca/recruitment/)


Thank you for reading till the end.



We have a little gift for you.


Tag us and another home sharing provider on social to win a gift card!

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