Mr. Speaker, homelessness plagues cities everywhere and Edmonton is no exception.
In 1999 a count in Edmonton revealed over 1,100 homeless. By 2008 that number swelled to over 3,000.
Val Stevens did not accept this. A local author, she won an award two years ago for a story on changing public perceptions of homeless people.
My Home Street Home follows a woman who suffers a string of unfortunate circumstances, leaving her homeless. It is based on the lives of less fortunate Edmontonians whom Ms. Stevens met on walks in the river valley, downtown and through my riding. Val Stevens showed the remarkable resilience of women facing tremendous challenges and gave them a voice.
Sadly, Val Stevens died suddenly a year ago. Her family has relaunched Val's book to continue her campaign. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Mustard Seed Church and Hope Mission.
I encourage colleagues to support the campaign, read Home My Street Home and support Val Stevens' efforts to address homelessness in Canada.