National initiative provides voice to women experiencing homelessness
Women experiencing poverty and homelessness usually don’t have a voice, even though women comprise 25 per cent of the visible homeless population in Calgary.
To unite voices of vulnerable women in the city, the YWCA of Calgary is hosting the All Our Sisters 2014 National Forum banner at their downtown location from December 10 to 12, 2013.
A kick-off media event is being held on December 11 at the YWCA to welcome the banner to Calgary and provide women of lived experience, supporters and contributors the opportunity to support this national effort.
Women with lived experiences related to poverty and homelessness are invited to sign the banner and add their voices to the All Our Sisters 2014 National Forum, which works to improve women’s access to safe, secure, affordable housing across Canada.
The banner will travel to 30 different locations across Canada, gathering signatures before its arrival at the May 2014 forum in London, Ontario.
Several advocates fighting to end homelessness will be welcoming the banner at the YWCA of Calgary.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: YWCA of Calgary, downtown
2nd Floor, 320 5 Ave S.E.
Speakers:
Sue Tomney, CEO, YWCA of Calgary
Dr. John Rook, President and CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation
Susan Scott, Author of The Beginning of the End
Jennifer Sputek, woman of lived experience
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About the YWCA of Calgary:
The YWCA of Calgary provides emergency shelter, housing, counselling and skills to women who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, family violence and social exclusion. For more than 100 years, YWCA of Calgary has continued to adapt to the changing needs in the city. Serving more than 8,700 clients in 2012, across a continuum of more than 30 programs and services, the YWCA is focused on empowering women and their families to move from a place of vulnerability to one of hope and resilience. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca.
For information and interview inquiries please contact:
Carla Link
Manager, Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 403.705.5779 l Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
