When we talk about homelessness here in Vernon, I know exactly what images come to mind for many of you. You see the encampments along the highway, the people pushing carts through our downtown core, or those seeking a place to rest in Polson Park.

These sights can spark a range of emotions—concern, frustration, or even a sense of helplessness. But as the Executive Director of the Upper Room Mission, I see something else beneath the surface of these visible struggles. I see a devastating reality we call relational poverty.

Imagine waking up tomorrow with no one to call. No family, no friends, no safety net. Research shows that as many as 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness have completely lost their social support systems. In Vernon, our neighbours aren’t just financially poor; many are relationally bankrupt.

Now, you can blame them for the poor choices they have made. You can point to their addiction or their mental health, turn your back, and walk away. But we have to ask ourselves: how many of us would survive our own worst mistakes if we had to face them entirely alone? Most of us have a “safety net” of people who catch us when we fall. For many on our streets, that net has been shredded. Without the foundation of a supportive community, “making better choices” is an almost impossible task.

The Invisible Barriers

In our recent blog series, we explored what it actually takes to get off the streets in our city.

• In Part 1, we looked at the hurdle of identification—how a missing ID card can lock a person out of every system designed to help.

• In Part 2, we discussed the “Financial Access” where digital-only applications feel like an impossible mountain to climb for someone in survival mode.

What I’ve learned is this: You cannot navigate these hurdles alone.

Our New Vision: Walking Alongside

This is why the Upper Room Mission is leaning into a new chapter. We are moving beyond just providing services; we are focusing on walking alongside those who are struggling. Our new vision is rooted in the belief that connection is the bridge from a park bench to a permanent home. When we offer a relationship instead of just a hand-out, we provide the dignity and support necessary for real change to begin.

Read about our New Vision Statement here

This vision of “walking alongside” isn’t something the Mission can do in a vacuum. It requires a community that is deeply invested in the lives of its neighbours.

Imagine the shift in Vernon if we expanded our circle of support. When you support the Mission, you aren’t just buying a meal; you are joining a collective effort to build the bridges that end relational poverty. Whether it’s through your time, your voice, or your donations, you are the reason someone doesn’t have to struggle alone.

If you have questions or want to talk about how to get involved, I would love to connect with you. Please click the link below to schedule a meeting with me.

Blessings,