The first time Noreen walked into an Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) facility, she wasn’t sure what to expect. It was 2015, and she had just completed her volunteer training course. She had read the brochures and listened to the presentations, but nothing quite prepared...
Volunteers play a crucial role at ICCS, driving hands-on work and collaborative efforts to ensure optimal care of residents. Sue, a dedicated ICCS volunteer, also serves as the board chair of directors at the organization, a position she more or less “fell into.” Sue’s ICCS...
At Orca Place, many of our residents face the challenge of stigma and negative stereotypes due to the common misconceptions surrounding supportive housing. However, Kasey and Tyra, two of our residents, have taken the initiative to make a difference. They had the idea of taking...
Last week, we celebrated our Project Rise fall cohort graduates with a graduation ceremony. Our Project Rise coordinator, Emily, recognized every grad with a certificate and kind words about their strengths and what makes them unique. The grads all spoke highly of the program and...
An essential element in dismantling the stigma of homelessness is introducing the individuals affected, humanizing their experiences. With this, Kasey’s story is a relevant reminder of the humanity within homelessness, offering an inside look on the lives of those impacted by the housing crisis. ...