Photo: Contributed

A local group is helping to connect area homeless with people wanting to help.

The Christmas wish list is a website com that has personal stories and wish lists from Vernon’s homeless and shelter people.

Homeless Partners’ intention is to promote a personal connection between individual homeless/sheltered people with community through caring, respect and understanding of lived experiences.

The project encourages the community to treat those without a home as people of equal worth and dignity rather than "invisible."

“Every person wants to feel cared for and this project is a safe and effective way to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness through community support for the project. Community participation in the project may encourage decision-makers to take action to reduce homelessness in our community,” said Maggie Metz, homeless partners co-ordinator Turning Points Collaborative Society.

Homeless individuals are interviewed or complete interview questions on their own. Questions ask for personal stories, along with a Christmas wish list as a way of bridging the person with the community.

Community members read the personal stories and wish lists and hopefully, make a personal connection,” said Metz in a press release. “The community member can then send gift(s), letters and/or cards to the individual at the shelter. Staff at the shelter distribute gifts and cards to the intended individual by matching the pseudonym to the intended person.”

Metz said many people want to help the homeless but are not sure how best to help. Some people are reluctant to give money because they want to ensure their gift will not be used in unhealthy ways. The Christmas wish list is a way to provide direct, personal expressions of caring by delivering a gift or message directly to people that need it most. Tax receipts will not be given.  

In Vernon, Turning Points Collaborative Society operates communities shelters. The Howard House provides emergency shelter beds, transitional beds and a supportive recovery program. The Gateway Shelter provides men and women emergency shelter. Both shelters provide services to the absolute homeless who may be suffering from economic downturn, illiteracy, addictions and/or mental health challenges. 

Gifts can be dropped off at 102-3301 24 Ave.