The Homefulness Podcast

"I want you churches," the city councillor declared, "to put us on notice that you’re not going to offer charitable food anymore.”



For many in the room, this challenge was a shock to the system. But for those of us rethinking the food ministries at Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral, it added much-needed fuel to the fire. This was the kind of change we were seeking to bring about, we didn't yet know how to get there.



In this episode, Andrew Stephens-Rennie reflects on the process of transformation that started to lead the Cathedral's food ministries beyond charity towards justice.





Show Links:

Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium: https://www.empireremixed.com/homefulness

Empire Remixed: https://www.empireremixed.com

Sorrento Centre: https://www.sorrentocentre.ca



A Sort of Homecoming: https://www.amazon.ca/Sort-Homecoming-Honoring-Academic-Community/dp/1532683553

Maundy Cafe Website: https://www.thecathedral.ca/maundycafe

At a neighbourhood meeting, local churches are asked what they're doing about increasing homelessness in their neighbourhood. The short answer: not much.



That provocative question got members of Vancouver's Grandview Church thinking—and acting—in response to the needs in the community surrounding their church building. Years later, after a variety of experiments in housing and economic development, Co:Here was born.



In this episode we hear from Jeanette Moss, Director of Strategy and Development for the Salsbury Community Society. A lot has happened to transform a former church parking lot into a brave community space.



Jeanette takes us on an inspirational journey, and challenges faith communities everywhere to engage in coordinated responses to the needs around us.



Show Links:

Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium: https://www.empireremixed.com/homefulness

Empire Remixed: https://www.empireremixed.com

Sorrento Centre: https://www.sorrentocentre.ca



Salsbury Community Society: http://salsburycs.ca/who-we-are/

Watch the CoHere Story here: https://vimeo.com/387547687

“I have heard endless stories of queer folks who tell me that when they came out, they lost their church home…which in some cases will lead to losing housing if it was attached to their church community or support system,” shares Becca Sawyer, a 2SLGBTQ+ community builder, facilitator, speaker, and future psychotherapist.



Through story and statistics, Becca explores the high rates of homelessness in the queer community, and aspects of such homelessness, all. the while pointing forward in hope.



In this episode, Becca wonders how we might work together to create safe and supportive spaces where the gifts of queer people are recognized and celebrated. Our response to that question, in relationship with the queer community, could literally save lives.



This is Becca’s presentation from the Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium co-hosted by Empire Remixed and the Sorrento Centre in Spring 2021.



She was speaking to us from the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations, in the city now known as Toronto, which is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.



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In today’s episode, we hear from housing advocate, the Rev. Michael Shapcott, Executive Director of the Sorrento Centre. Michael shares from decades working on the front lines—and in back rooms—to secure the right to dignified and affordable housing for all people in Canada.



This is Michael's presentation from the Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium co-hosted by Empire Remixed and the Sorrento Centre in Spring 2021. Michael was speaking to us from the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Secwe̓pemc peoples.



Show Links:

Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium: https://www.empireremixed.com/homefulness

Empire Remixed: https://www.empireremixed.com

Sorrento Centre: https://www.sorrentocentre.ca



Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness: https://caeh.ca/

In today’s episode, we hear from the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Executive Director of First United Church’s Social Housing Society, located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

This is Carmen's presentation from the Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium hosted by Empire Remixed and the Sorrento Centre in Spring 2021.

Show Links:
Beyond Housing to Homefulness Symposium: https://www.empireremixed.com/homefulness
Empire Remixed: https://www.empireremixed.com
Sorrento Centre: https://www.sorrentocentre.ca

Rev. Lansdowne's Website: https://www.salaconsulting.ca/
Rev. Lansdowne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/revviec

First United Church's Redevelopment Project: https://firstunited.ca/redevelopment/