The Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness is celebrating its 25th anniversary while emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community among individuals facing homelessness. Chuck Lazenby, the executive director of the organization, highlighted the significance of individuals feeling valued and connected to combat homelessness effectively.
The Unity Project originated in 2001 when Chuck Lazenby, then a 21-year-old Fanshawe College student, and a group of activists and homeless individuals staged a protest at Campbell Memorial Park to draw attention to homelessness during the Canada Summer Games in London. This initial protest evolved into a shelter program that aimed to address homelessness in a unique way.
Currently, the Unity Project operates a shelter in Old East Village and is in the process of developing a larger facility to further assist those in need. Lazenby emphasized the rising cost of living over the years, coupled with minimal increases in social assistance rates, making it challenging for individuals in the lowest income bracket to afford basic necessities without additional support.
Moreover, the increase in harmful substances has heightened the complexity of addressing the needs of homeless individuals. The organization focuses on providing not only basic necessities but also long-term support to promote stability. Lazenby reiterated that housing with tailored support and increased income remain fundamental solutions to homelessness and poverty, a stance unchanged over the past 25 years.