US & THEM local resources
Virtual Film Screening & Discussion
Filmed over a decade, US AND THEM is a deeply visceral film about transformation through human connection. It all begins when filmmaker Krista Loughton is questioned by addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté about her need to relieve pain in the world. This takes her back in time when she befriended four chronically homeless people in an effort to help them heal their lives. In the beginning, there is connection and hope, but unfortunately, none are able to conquer their addictions or significantly change their lives. And then tragically, one dies. Out of her league, Krista seeks out the counsel of Dr. Maté, who forces her to confront her own motivations. Krista confesses her own emotional struggles with her remaining street friends. They display an extraordinary empathy and wisdom no one could have anticipated.
Panelists: Douglas King, Executive Director of Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS), Kellie Moriarty, Community Integration Specialist at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and film participants Eddie Golko and Krista Loughton.
Land acknowledgement from Eddy Charlie & Kristin Spray
Orange Shirt Day is held annually on September 30th, a time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their homes and taken to residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour and remember residential school survivors and their families. Here is a CLICK HERE to hear Eddy’s story.
Looking for an Orange Shirt? You can find one at the Moss St Market.
Our Panelists ….
Douglas King
Executive Director of Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)
Kellie Moriarty
Community Integration Specialist at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Karen Montgrand and Krista Loughton.
Film participants and creator
Our Hosts for this evening are…..
Virginie & Vanya, from Fairfield Gonzales Community Centre
Heather Murphy, Neighbourhood Solidarity with Unhoused Neighbours (NSUN), formerly Fairfield Gonzales Support for the Unhoused formed October 2020 under the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association (FGCA), and in response to homeless people camping in our neighbourhood parks: Gonzales, Hollywood, and Beacon Hill / Meegan. We quickly began working with other neighbourhoods in Victoria: James Bay, Fernwood, and North Park as over-night camping was occurring in their parks too. During the fall, winter, and early Spring, we provided food, managed donations, and generally got to know the campers. As time went on, we distributed phones provided by Bell Canada and through the United Way, and we worked with BC Housing and PEERS to ensure that everyone who wanted housing was on the BC Housing list. By mid May 2021, most people had moved into an indoor shelter or transitional housing. From the beginning, we have focused on relationship building, and, where possible, meeting needs as identified by the unhoused. We continue this work in the shelters and transitional housing. We advocate for the best care possible while people await adequate housing. We also support people to find market housing.
If you would like more information about NSUN please contact the FGCA or Heather Murphy hamurphy@shaw.ca Thank you.
Joanne Keelan from James Bay United Church
Rev Beth Walker from Fairfield United Church. Rev Beth will be moderating the discussion, with technical help from Nicole! Fairfield United Church will be collecting food or FOOD cards every Sunday beginning July 4th 10AM – bring it by the Garry Oak Room parking lot, we will distribute it to folks in need.
Check out our Anti-Racism page for more information
Q&A
Krista mentioned a place for volunteers called NSUN?? I tried to
open it and was directed to Nissan cars. What is the link I’m looking for?
You’ll want to connect with the lovely folks at Fairfield Gonzales Community Association! https://fairfieldcommunity.ca/events-projects/sheltering-in-parks/
2. Where is Eddy the young man in the movie? Eddy was sick that night but we had the lovely Karen from the film join us!
3. But! I missed the discussion! Where can I watch it? Here! https://youtu.be/Rb8uChRLv90
