Local Safety & Inclusion Solidarity Networks are collective actors rooted in a local, geographic community, made up of grassroots front-line service providers and community members of diverse marginalized populations, specifically Indigenous, Black African and other racialized groups, refugees and people with intellectual, psychosocial and cognitive disabilities. The aim is for these groups to work in solidarity, and using a gender-based lens to build a holistic web of support around these marginalized communities through community-led interventions designed to: 1) enhance economic security; 2) improve health status; and 3) prevent and more effectively respond to violence.
Toronto – A housing model specific to women and gender diverse people, where 24/7 culturally accessible supports, i.e., culturally responsive mental health and addictions support, Indigenous, ethno-specific, trans and disability-sensitive trauma counselling, work with elders, migrant community leaders, etc., will be offered to systemically marginalized people who are vulnerable to poverty, violence and homelessness.
Vancouver – The Mamook Kloshe Community Safe Hub will expand Warriors Against Violence Society’ existing programs, i.e., Community Outreach, Elders Program, Food Security, Group Therapy Sessions, Individual and Family Counselling, Basic Needs Support, Community Potluck and Events, plus offer short-term residential services for Indigenous men, including their children.
Saint John – The Hearth is a community space that is for, and led by Indigenous, Black, racialized, refugee people, transwomen and people with intellectual and mental health disabilities and their supporters. This will be a place for Indigenous cultural and healing practices; ethno-cultural and disability-sensitive trauma counselling and harm reduction approaches; cultural and disability sensitive approaches to gender-based violence that aim to heal the whole family; peer support groups and work with elders. As well holding arts workshops and organizing celebratory events for the community.
Winnipeg – This solidarity network is envisioning a community gathering space that will be opened 24/7 and will offer a “One Stop Support Circle”, providing holistic supports, where “you see the whole person and supports are tailored to that person”.
Montreal – This network focuses on the distinct issues in Montréal and Québec. Participants are discussing developing a community centre that would offer various services aimed for refugees, immigrants and/or racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, older adults, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. They are particularly concerned about the difficulties marginalized people have in accessing services and supports and the lack of awareness of existing services. Another issue of prime importance is food security and the idea of distributing food aid.
Iqaluit – The Iqaluit group is our newest network. Issues of concern that have been discussed is that non-Inuit people tend to run most of the social services and therefore making the decisions for Inuit people. The issues need to be addressed holistically and led by Inuit people. The need for ‘circle of supports’ around an individual, all services, the community, and the family working together to support the person through healing from trauma. The Inuit Support System was an idea put forward, where traditional foods would be available and other cultural supports. The idea of a free grocery store, where people could select their own goods was also identified as a need.