Siloam Mission Receives Gift of Technology from Victoria Hospital Foundation
VHF grant enabled purchase of computers and accessibility aids for community use
A set of new computers and technology aids is helping break down barriers for clients at Siloam Mission.
Thanks to a grant from the Victoria Hospital Foundation, Siloam Mission was able to purchase 10 computers for its Progressive Services Centre.
“Lack of access to technology and the internet can be a major barrier for those experiencing homelessness,” says CEO Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud. “Thanks to this generous gift, we are able to provide computer and internet access to our community, which will help people with everything from job seeking to communicating with family to accessing supports at other agencies.”
The grant for technology purchases also covered a TV and iPad for use in Siloam Mission’s Indigenous Art Therapy and Spiritual Care programs.
In addition to accessing digital content during Indigenous Art Therapy programs, the iPad will allow for some work to be created and preserved digitally. In Spiritual Care programming and learning opportunities, a TV will improve the capacity to address literacy barriers among community members.
The technology purchases were made possible by a grant of $20,500 from the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s “Community Leveraging Technology for Innovation” grant program.
“We are proud to support the health and well-being of our community by investing in the vital work of Siloam Mission,” says Nicole Chammartin, Executive Director, Victoria Hospital Foundation. “We are committed to transforming mental health care and the care of older adults in our community and this funding will help to ensure those most in need have increased access to supports.”
In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution declaring internet access a human right.
Technology and internet access has become an essential part of everyday life for most people, but estimates suggest that people who struggle with food insecurity and low income have 65% less access to the internet. Many people experiencing homelessness need internet access for scheduling medical appointments, accessing mental health supports, information gathering, and a way to connect with family and friends. Today’s gift of technology will allow critical technology access for all who come to Siloam Mission for support.
Siloam Mission is a Christian-based non-profit service organization for Manitobans who have experienced homelessness and who struggle with mental health issues, physical and cognitive disabilities, addictions or trauma, and youth who have aged out of care and are at risk of homelessness. Founded in 1987, the mission provides emergency shelter, meals and clothing, supportive housing and a variety of healing, support and recovery services to help people transform their own lives and reach their full potential.
