Peer Role Models are Leading the Way
“Clients are far more than people in need—they are individuals with unique stories and situations whose voices are worthy of being heard and who are deserving of love and compassion.” – Rev. Rebecca Jess, EHM Vice-President
The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on all of us, and the clients and tenants EHM serves felt its impacts especially keenly. The stress, isolation, and grief of the pandemic compounded the daily stresses of homelessness and poverty so many were already experiencing.
Even at the height of the pandemic, on those dark days, your compassion has allowed EHM to offer one of our most critical services: the Spiritual Care Program.
As some of our most vulnerable community members experienced an onslaught of deaths and losses during COVID-19, they came to EHM looking for purpose, meaning, and human connection. One of the first things we did during social distancing was to set up memorial services outdoors, honouring those we had lost.
Recognizing the urgent need for connection, your support helped EHM adapt our Spiritual Care Program activities to ensure they remained accessible and safe for all community members – even if that meant staying outside. As we move forward, we continue to prioritize both client safety and human connection.
Spiritual Care combines pastoral care with social services best practices to affirm the inherent worth of the people we serve. Through one-on-one counselling, community dinners, weekly services, and more, you help ensure no one must feel alone in their struggles – or their successes.
Whether a client wants to celebrate a new milestone in their sobriety, needs advice about navigating a stressful family relationship, or is seeking a reminder of their purpose, the Spiritual Care is here to meet their unique needs.
Sometimes what we want most is simply a listening ear, a calming voice, and some supportive company. Your generosity helps EHM provide just that. Together, we are offering people hope, and reminding our neighbours just how special, important and loved they are!