Homeless Nation Blog

From the Homeless Nation Blog

History

Homeless Nation is a non-profit endeavor founded by Daniel Cross, a documentary filmmaker whose films deal with social justice and Canada's homeless. In the making of his films "The Street" and "S.P.I.T. - Squeegee Punks In Traffic", hundreds of Montreal's homeless community shared their many, amazing stories with him. So many, that he was not able to fit them all into his films.

He conceived of a forum where these stories would not be lost. Where Canada's homeless community could share their stories and refuse to be ignored. A place to create equal access to online media, of sharing truths through audio/visual content for everyone to learn from. To have these stories told as an on-going dialogue for social awareness and positive change.

In 2006, with the help of Dan's film company partner Mila Aung-Thwin (producer), Brett Gaylor (filmmaker and web architect) and Anuj Khosla (administrator), www.homelessnation.org went live.

Our Goals

Build and strengthen communities, both virtual and actual, across Canada

Provide access to the Internet, media and training to Canada's homeless population

Encourage discussion and learning on social issues surrounding homelessness

Create dialogue between Canada's homeless and mainstream society to counter isolation and marginalization

Recycle and re-purpose technology for use by Canada's homeless communities

Break down stereotypes and barriers in our society

Community development uniting resources serving the homeless

Create a national collective voice by and for Canada's homeless population

What We Do

Homeless Nation's outreach workers across Canada work in a variety of ways in collaboration with the homeless community. We work in shelters, day-centres, squats, at protests, community events, on the street and online.

We are dedicated to ensuring that digital tools for media, learning and communication are made available for homeless Canadians.

We place donated computers into shelters and drop-in centres. Our outreach workers provide opportunities to create audio, visual or written testimonials from those whose voices are kept silent by their circumstances. We provide computer and Internet training. We meet Canada's homeless individuals where they are, and collaborate to add as many voices to the chorus as we can.

Our website is an on-going community development project...a place for people to share their experiences and to learn about others... a place to look for lost friends...a place to connect to resources in Canada where one can find shelter, food, health care, harm reduction and legal assistance.

www.homelessnation.org is our online home for those who have none, and our tool for social justice and positive change.

Who We Are

Staff

Executive Producer: Daniel Cross

Producer: Mila Aung-Thwin

Web Producer: Brett Gaylor

Administration: Anuj Khosla

Co-Producer for the NFB: Kat Balou

Outreach Locations

Montreal, Quebec
Radio and podcast co-ordinator: Eric "Roach" Denis
Outreach: Anya

St. John's, Newfoundland
Community Partner: For The Love of Learning
Executive Director: Robin Grant

Vancouver, British Columbia
Outreach co-ordinator: Janelle Kelly
Outreach: Colin Ford, Chris Fink

Victoria, British Columbia
Outreach co-ordinator: Richard Boyce
Outreach: Rose

Web Design and Programming - Whisky Echo Bravo

This site runs on DRUPAL, an open source content management system.

Legal Counsel: Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC)

Co-Produced in association with:
The National Film Board of Canada
The Canada Council For The Arts
Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Quebec
The Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund
Human Resources and Social Development Canada