2. Who are we?
The Kindness Connection – Upper Lake Melville Project goal is to reach out to those in need (homeless, low income, and hidden homeless) by meeting them where they are and providing for their basic needs, at the same time connecting them to community resources in the area.

3. How did we start?
In the fall of 2014, a community resident approached Denise Cole, NLHHN’s Housing Development Coordinator for the Labrador region, that she was noticing a need for outreach to Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s homeless population. After some discussion, this idea was brought forward to local agencies who were engaged in front line service provision to those who are homeless and/or at risk of homelessness.
Thus, the first outreach project team was established in November The Kindness Connection name was then developed by team members as a very fitting title for the type of outreach that they were wanting to accomplish. The main premise of the project was and continues to be meeting individuals in need ‘where they are’, providing basic need supplies, and building relationships to bridge gaps to connect people to services/supports.

4. Our Partners
The partners presently involved in the Kindness Connection project team are:
Nunatsiavut Government
The Salvation Army
RCMP
Mokami Status of Women Council
Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation (Home & Community Care)
Northern Cross Church

5. What do we do?
On the first Saturday of each month, the Outreach Team provides and refills backpacks and other essential supplies, while The Salvation Army supplies food and beverages, in at least three areas of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

7. Location

8. Our Friends We want to create a relationship with those we service.
We want to create a safe space.

9. Backpack items Sunglasses Socks Refillable Water Bottle
Refill Kits:
Brown bag lunch
Hygiene kit
Dental kit
Bottle of water
Candle/Matches
First Aid Kit
Socks (1 pair)
Hot pockets x 2 (winter)
Mosquito coil (summer)
Other items
Seasonal items – Fall/Winter
Gloves/Mitts
Scarf
Toque
Seasonal items – Spring/Summer
Ball hat
Female Hygiene Kit
Service Cards/Warming Places
Magazines/Books
Antibiotic Ointment
Bug Spray
Blankets/Sleeping Bags/Tarps
Clothing Vouchers
Kid’s items/backpacks
Sunglasses
Socks
Refillable Water Bottle
Bottle of Water
Garbage bag
Toilet Paper (or tissues in hygiene kit)
Sewing Kit
Reflective Armband/Keychain
Flashlight (ensure working batteries)
Notebook & Pen/Pencil/Sharpener
Candle Kit
First Aid Kit
Dental Kit
General Hygiene Kit
Brown Bag Lunch
Hot Pockets (2) (winter)
Mosquito Coil kit (summer)
Mini luggage tag

11. Statistics 2017 Averages of friends served Total Individuals – 20
Male – 7
Female – 13
Homeless -7
Hidden Homeless – 2
Housed - 11

12. Challenges Lack of affordable housing Transportation
Lack of supports (addictions & mental health)
Weather/Climate (frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, fly bites)

13. The Future Larger emergency shelter More housing options
More supports for addictions & mental health

14. Current Change
Starting in the month of April, the Kindness Connection will operate solely from the Housing Hub.
All “friends” (Clients) will be able to pick up items needed at the shelter on Thursdays from 9 am-4 pm.

15. Thank You!