The Comfort Kit Social was collaboratively created by and for neighbours, those experiencing homelessness and those who are not. We organized together around our shared values of wellness, dignity, and community care. We were united in a need and desire for connection, cheer, and comfort in these hard times.
In early spring, our community’s only shelter closed. As part of the grassroots response, the qathet Coalition to End Homelessness (qCEH) started a parking-lot community-powered evening meal-train for anyone in need. As a volunteer, I chatted with folks about what brings comfort and cheer into their lives – and the idea for the Social was born. As neighbours, we decided to host a ‘Make Your Own Comfort Kit’ Social with a focus on self-care in a relaxing space with good food.
Together, we brainstormed the list of items that would be comforting and useful. We made posters and sent out direct requests via social media, emails, and cold calls – word spread through solidarity networks (off-and-online). By the end of August, with generous community support, we ended up with over 1000 items! This included everything from toiletries, make-up/nail polish, camping lights, power packs, scarves and mitts, wound care supplies, and so much more! Behind the scenes, we counted, itemized, and organized each item. Each item received was entered into a point system – folks had decided this would be the best way to equitably distribute all the items. The qCEH kindly offered to host the event at their new Clubhouse – so grateful for all their support and encouraging and optimistic presence at the event and in our community!
Over two nights in September, over 40 community members experiencing homelessness stopped by the qCEH’s Clubhouse during the evening meal and took part in the Social. Volunteers brought and served food. We set up a ‘Make your Own Kit’ market-style station. Each person chose a waterproof bag and received a certain number of points to spend on items of their choosing. We raffled off 10 prize packages each night – through a ‘guess the mystery items’ game. All remaining items were donated to Peer Outreach and re-distributed back into community. It was a lovely time. We shared good food, good company, laughs, and a bit of a rest – with lots of gratitude for each other and the supportive community in which we live.
This was truly a collaborative effort rooted in hope, care, and dignity. The process was dynamic – folks shared their ideas and priorities to make it a meaningful, useful, and comforting experience. It was important to stay true to the spirit of the project while adapting to our varied capacities and abilities, in real time. The power of solidarity networks and our shared values of creativity, dignity and community care made this gathering possible.
We are so grateful to our neighbours! To the rad folks most impacted by homelessness for sharing their creative ideas, priorities, and energy. Grateful for the 25+ generous community members who donated items and cash. Thank you to Be with Good Company, Everyone Deserves a Smile, Neighbourhood Small Grants, Powell River United Church, Shoppers Drug Mart, Steve & the Team at No Frills, and qathet Coalition to End Homelessness for their support. And appreciation to those who helped behind the scenes and those who shared and supported our efforts through solidarity networks (online and offline).
Read our blog post + see pictures here: https://heartashome.com/blog/
