People with homelessness experience, general public, city manager and city council leadership
Performances:
15 performances (12,000 audience members, including online)
Specific policy issues:
Safety and quality of housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness
Impact:
Changed food distribution laws in the city to prevent food waste and improve distribution of food to those in need
Instituted mandatory 24/7 presence of management teams in single occupancy facilities for rough sleepers
Long term impact:
The project inspired further work within the field on mental health, and received two awards for innovation in theatre. It also led to a touring production by mental health patients and caregivers, through which policy reports were delivered to audiences of mental health providers through Western Canada.
Challenges encountered:
Raising funds and overcoming administrative challenges to provide the necessary conditions for homeless participants, including housing, wages, and culturally appropriate support; as well as implementing firm accountability measures when the council’s declaration cooperate was not backed up with action.
