Coalescing global factors this fall sent Mylan Clairmont into a contemplative and introspective search for a way to provide a positive impact on the world around him.
Living and running a business in downtown Victoria, one way to pitch in on the impacts of local and global crises stared him in the face on a regular basis.
“Seeing a lot of unhoused folks and the rough situation they’re in was an obvious place to start,” Clairmont said.
His contemplation coincided with the early days of Victoria’s draft budget, and he filtered through it looking for a section carved out for housing or other services – learning the city isn’t responsible for addressing the underlying issues.
“I think they’re trying to do what they can within their jurisdiction,” Clairmont said. That led him to speak with Coun. Dave Thomson, who connected him with Solid Outreach to seek any ideas on how he could “ease the burden” or take some work off.
That’s when he learned of the non-profit’s bid to purchase new transitional housing, facing the hurdle of gathering capital for a down payment.
He did a little legwork researching Solid Outreach and found it a good support net for people who might not meet the criteria or fit into other supports available in the region.
Solid Outreach has been working with the street community since 2007 and currently operates two facilities in Greater Victoria, in addition to an overnight shelter at St. John the Divine church and several outreach and harm reduction teams. The organization aims to raise $400,000 for a down payment on a new supportive shelter in the region. With 20 to 25 beds, the low-barrier housing would include wrap-around supports. While not a safe injection site, it would follow a housing-first philosophy which doesn’t require sobriety for anyone needing shelter.
Clairmont launched the crowdfunding initiative Feb. 17 and feedback's been mostly positive, with the occasional frustration.
“It’s really easy to be negative and say things are terrible and this is why, it’s a lot harder to be part of the solution. I understand some people's frustration, but when an opioid crisis, health crisis and housing crisis get together it’s not like there’s one solution that will fix it,” he said.
“I would pay an extra couple hundred bucks a year if it meant there were less people sleeping on the street less than a block away from me.”
It raised $13,000 in the first three weeks.
On top of making a difference and showing impact, donors receive a tax receipt. The organization offers sponsorship opportunities at the new facility and shout-outs for businesses on all forms of media.
Large donations and matching offers are more than welcome, but even a $5 donation would show support for the initiative, another secondary goal to the campaign, Clairmont said.
“I’m really just trying to get everybody on board in whatever way we can.”
Learn more or donate online at canadahelps.org/en/dn/127463.
