Shawn Parker Honoured with the Believer’s Award
For immediate release, January 5, 2024 – 211 Nova Scotia is pleased to announce that Shawn Parker has been awarded the Believer’s Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to support and empower unhoused Nova Scotians.
211 Nova Scotia presents the Believer’s Award annually to honor the legacy of the two hundred and eleven believers who supported and advocated for 211 in Nova Scotia over 20 years ago. These original believers ignited the spark of 211 by sharing their own personal and professional challenges that they encountered while searching for resources for those in need. With their help, the support for 211 grew leading to 211 Nova Scotia being launched in 2013.
Shawn Parker’s unwavering commitment to providing an empathetic, non-judgmental ear to those experiencing unmet needs led to him receiving multiple nominations for the Believer’s Award from the 211 Nova Scotia team.
As a Street Navigator, Shawn Parker supports unsheltered, street involved, and homeless individuals who are unwilling or unable to access the support people that work out of Halifax’s shelters. The Navigator Street Outreach Program, which is funded by the North End Halifax Business Association, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, and the Halifax Regional Municipality offers a proactive, positive lifeline for individuals who struggle with securing and maintaining housing and employment due to addictions, mental health issues, and homelessness.
“We’re pleased to be able to recognize and honor Shawn. Shawn embodies the same spirit, dedication, and compassion that we value as a team and organization” says Mike Myette, Executive Director for 211 Nova Scotia. “He is a beacon of positivity, and we have the utmost respect for him and his work” continues Myette.
As Nova Scotia continues to experience a rise in homelessness, the importance of Shawn, and those in roles similar to his, has increased. In 2022, 211 Nova Scotia received over 70,000 contacts from individuals looking for information and resources. Of those contacts, 29% were related to basic needs and 19% were for referrals related to mental health and substance use disorder. “One reason that Shawn’s role is particularly important is because individuals who are living rough don’t necessarily have the same level of access to services as others experiencing the same unmet needs” shares Myette. When asked about his work and motivation, Shawn’s message was simple “give back what was given to you.”
For further information, please contact:
Sherry Forester, Marketing & Communications Manager, 211 Nova Scotia
(902) 476-7436 or sforester@ns.211.ca
About The Believer’s Award:
The 211 Nova Scotia’s Believer’s Award was created in 2015, three years after 211 Nova Scotia was launched. Annually, this award is presented to an organization, or an individual having demonstrated leadership in their belief of, and support for, 211 and who, through that leadership, has contributed significantly to the growth and sustainability of 211 Nova Scotia.
The Believer’s Award nominees are chosen by the 211 Nova Scotia team and the recipient is selected by the Governance Committee. The Award recognizes the significant contributions and efforts of an organization or individual that positively impacts the lives of Nova Scotians.
About 211 Nova Scotia:
211 Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit society that offers a free and confidential service that connects people in Nova Scotia to the programs and services they need. Through information and referrals, 211 Nova Scotia helps connect people to local community groups, non-profits, and government organizations. This can include information about mental health support, access to food, financial aid, employment resources, and more. Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 support or connect via email at help@ns.211.ca or online at ns.211.ca.
About Navigator Street Outreach Program:
The navigator program works with individuals that are facing challenges and helps them through these challenging periods in their lives. By engaging with individuals who are homeless or street-involved, the navigator supports individuals with employment, finding sustainable housing solutions, preventing evictions, purchasing medications, providing financial assistance with utility arrears, addressing food insecurity, connecting with education institutions, and obtaining valid ID, etc. Referrals are also made to the appropriate community service departments.
Shawn Parker and Mike Myette interviewed on CBC Information Morning
To listen to the CBC Radio Information Morning segment, please click here.
