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September 2025 – Newsletter
“We must stand together, not because we are the same, but because we share a common future.”
Ovide Mecredi (Cree lawyer, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations)
Let’s Talk About Indigenous Peoples
In British Columbia, Indigenous people represent about 6 percent of the total population. There are more than 200 distinct First Nations communities and over 30 Indigenous languages still spoken today.
Yet, Indigenous people with disabilities face some of the highest barriers to housing and supports. Research shows that Indigenous people are twice as likely to live with a disability compared to the non-Indigenous population in Canada. Access to safe, culturally respectful housing and supports remains limited, especially in rural and remote communities.
Home sharing is one model that can make a difference. By listening, learning, and respecting cultural needs, providers can help ensure that Indigenous individuals experience safety, belonging, and inclusion in their homes.
Indigenous Peoples: Strength, Challenges, and Pathways Forward
Indigenous peoples carry a deep history of resilience, knowledge, and strong connections to both community and land. However, when it comes to disability, many Indigenous individuals and families face extra barriers in accessing support, resources, and equal opportunities. To create real change and build inclusive systems, it is vital to understand their unique experiences within the disability sector.
This article looks at the intersection of Indigeneity and disability, outlines some of the challenges Indigenous peoples encounter, and points to resources and pathways for support across British Columbia.
Read Here: LINK
Join Us for HSSSBC’s Annual General Meeting
The Home Sharing Support Society BC invites our community to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm (PST).
You can join us online from anywhere in BC. Please register to receive the link.
The AGM is an opportunity to:
- Learn about HSSSBC’s activities and finances
- Hear reports from our Co-Chairs, Treasurer, and Executive Director
- Ask questions and provide input
- Only members can vote
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 pm PST
Online Option: Link will be sent 48 hours before the event
Please register to attend remotely here:
Register Here: LINK
We look forward to connecting with our members and partners at this important event.
Join Us for the Home Sharing Provider Awards 2025!
We are excited to invite you to this year’s Home Sharing Provider Awards, a celebration of the dedication and impact of home sharing providers across BC.
Register Here: LINK
This will be an engaging event filled with inspiring stories, community connection, door prizes, and much more. Stay tuned for additional details as we get closer to the date!
Important: Zoom links will be sent out 24 hours prior to the event to all registered attendees.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Important Days
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Awareness Month
- September 1 Labour Day
Labour Day, the first Monday in September, has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894. It originated in the first workers’ rallies of the Victorian era. Historically, workers marked the day with various activities. These included parades, speeches, games, amateur competitions and picnics. The holiday promoted working-class solidarity and belonging during a time of rapid industrialization.
- September 7 World Duchenne Day
- September 21-27 Gender Equality Week
Gender Equality Week is the result of the passing of Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. This legislation designates the fourth week in September as Gender Equality Week. In Canada, the foundation of gender equality can be found in the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the right to equality is protected by federal gender equality laws.
Gender equality exists when people of all genders – women, men, trans and gender diverse people – are equal in every sphere and can achieve their full potential in society. It affects and benefits people of all backgrounds in all their diversity.
Tools and indicators have been developed over the years to help assess systemic inequalities, such as the Gender-based Analysis Plus, and to measure progress on gender equality, such as the Gender Results Framework.
- September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Inherited Retinal Disease Awareness Month
- September 1 Labour Day
- September 7 World Duchenne Day
- September 21-27 Gender Equality Week
The New HSP Guidebook
We know from the HSP community that finding clear and consistent information about home sharing can be a challenge. To help, we created the Home Sharing Provider Guidebook.
This guide pulls together important information from many different sources into one easy-to-use resource. It covers what you need to know as a provider, whether you are just starting your journey or already have years of experience.
You can find the guidebook in the Resources section of our website: LINK
We welcome your feedback. Have a topic you’d like to see included?
Email us at executiveassistant@homesharingbc.ca
Words Matter: A Learning Module by Nina Tame
Words carry power, and how we use them can shape the world around us. Words Matter is a thought-provoking module by Nina Tame that explores the impact of language when talking about disability.
The module shows how the words we choose can challenge stereotypes, influence attitudes, and either strengthen or weaken inclusive environments. You will gain insight into why respectful, empowering, and accurate language is essential in building dignity and equality.
By completing this module, you will be able to:
- Explain how language influences perceptions of disability and inclusion
- Recognize and avoid harmful or outdated terms
- Use respectful, person-centered language that promotes dignity
- Understand the difference between identity-first and person-first language, and when each may be preferred
- Reflect on how everyday phrases and labels can affect people in positive or negative ways
Watch Video [Mini Learning Module – Words Matter]
Length: 2:20 minutes
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.
- 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 Person In Crisis 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/team makeup
- 7:00am-11:30pm, 7 days/week; callers in crisis 13+
- 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
CALL/TEXT: 778-727-3909 HOURS: 7 am to 11:30 pm, 7 days/week If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Board Director Recruitment
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 people outside the Lower Mainland with experience as self-advocates, home sharing providers, service providers, or with a background in finance or accounting. By joining, you will 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: LINK