Building UP Homelessness with the Cardboard House

The YWCA Niagara Region, with the support of Mountainview Homes built a 24×16 foot Cardboard House to raise awareness about the growing problem of homelessness in Niagara.

The Cardboard House is an interactive display that tours visitors through the many misconceptions, realities, and solutions to homelessness in Niagara. Breaking down the stereotype that “homelessness could never happen to me”, is perhaps the strongest message within the House. Upon entering the door, visitors are confronted with their own image, and are challenged to recognize that homelessness is not selective – it can happen to anyone.

The Cardboard House was up at the end of June 2019 for the Building Up Homelessness Initiative created by the Seaway Mall in partnership with Giant FM and the YW! We are so grateful for all of the support from the community and are proud to announce that we were able to raise over $5000!

Check out the setup HERE!

The Cardboard House has helped us raise awareness of poverty and homelessness all over the Region:

Pen Centre
United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast
Church of Christ Tintern
Niagara Regional Housing
St. Paul High School Niagara Falls
St. Michael High School Niagara Falls
Brock University

It is here that we, at the YW, and the rest of the community have an opportunity to reflect on what homelessness means, how it affects all of us and how we can address this very real epidemic. If you are interested in putting up the cardboard house, please contact Franziska Emslie.

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Thank you Susan Ryzebol, Rick Vanderkuip, George Miedema, John Vanderperk, Tom Venema, Dennis Teeuwsen, Dave Wiersma, James Vahrmeyer, Derek Ryzebol, Jeremy Froese, Ryan Vander Veen, Ryan Vanderberkel, Rick Hoogendam, Darrel Buys, Doug Bratton and Hank Rensink for helping us assemble and disassemble the house.
We would like to especially thank Chad Bezuyen, who always makes sure that we have enough volunteers to help out with the (dis)assembly of the House. We are touched by your dedication and kindness.

Presented by: The YWCA Niagara Region

Graphics designed by: Suzanne Veenstra

Built by: Mountainview Homes

Sponsored by: Mountainview Homes, The Brick, Reimer Graphics, Future Shop