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Meet the humans of Victoria's unhoused community
Meet the humans of Victoria's unhoused community
Every week we interact with hundreds of people who are experiencing homelessness on the streets of Victoria. Each one of them having lived a challenging life, each one of them full of beauty and humanity. During our van runs, we take our time to connect and care for each person, knowing their names and knowing their stories. Taking time to build relationships, helps us understand how we can best support the unhoused community of Victoria, BC.
Hi, my name is Kyran
Hi, my name is Kyran
"Kyran, who had lost everything, received a waterproof backpack filled with essentials and a new hoodie—it was his 37th birthday gift. He wrote “Justice” on the strap and gave me a huge hug. Johnny came to the van without shoes, but we found him a perfect pair from Doug’s donations. Sam also got new runners, and we handed out plenty of socks as usual.
Our last stop was the parking lot on Government Street, where we served Jessie, Alex, Jerry, Devon, and Lance. Jerry received a sleeping bag, Devon a blanket, and we handed out the last of the sandwiches, muffins, oranges, and drinks. As we packed up, Sean remarked that it had been a special day serving our friends—and I couldn’t have agreed more."
—Frank Woods (Founder of JVS)
Hi, my name is Deb.
Hi, my name is Deb.
"It was a Thursday afternoon and the Justice Van was serving the Street Community. Deb, who we know well and have been involved with for about 6 years, told me her friend Kasper was in hospice. I was surprised and it seemed we had served him not long ago. Deb said Kasper was scared to die. I suggested we go see him on Saturday. I arranged to meet Deb but we got our wires crossed. However when I went to her hotel she happened to see the Van. We went to the 8th floor at RJH palliative care. Kasper looked beyond frail and I knew this would be the last time we would see each other. I asked if it was okay to pray for him. After I finished, Deb was crying emotional tears. We went outside for a coffee and doughnut & just hung out. We returned to his room and I told him I had to go. He was not able to speak as he had lost his voice. He wrote on the whiteboard thanking me for what the Justice Van had done for him and 'til we meet again'. It was a very emotional moment as I put my arm on his shoulder & said good-bye. In reflection, I knew I would not have been able to bring him comfort and pray for him without the Van having served him all these years. Building up trust is so important...what a gift I received that day"
—Frank Woods (Founder of JVS)
Hi, my name is UNKNOWN.
Hi, my name is UNKNOWN.
"She came into the drop-in centre, quietly asking for a drink. 'How about a bag of chips?' 'Sure' - as she looked down and turned to go. 'Is there anything I can pray for you?'. Silence. 'I struggle with self confidence'. 'Can I ask you permission to hug you?'. 'Yes'. Tears flowed and I wondered when the last time was that someone just hugged her. 'God loves you just as you are. He sees the beautiful person that you are and there is nothing you need to do to have Him love you.' More tears. And a smile. Maybe even some confidence as she walked away. "
—Volunteer
The unhoused community of Victoria needs your help.
The unhoused community of Victoria needs your help.
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