For many of us, it’s heartbreaking to witness people experiencing homelessness in Victoria. Often, people want to help but aren’t always sure how to.
At The Mustard Seed Street Church, we meet people every day who are doing their best to survive tough situations. Some have lost jobs, some struggle with health issues, and others are dealing with being priced out of the housing market. Homelessness is often due to a series of challenges that pile up faster than people can recover from.
The good news? There are real, practical ways to help. Here are five simple but powerful things you can do to make a practical difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.
1. Start with Compassion
The first step is simple: see the person, not the problem. A smile, a kind word, or a simple “hello” can go a long way. Many people experiencing homelessness face isolation every day, and human connection matters more than we realize.
Compassion changes how we respond. Instead of turning away or passing by without making eye contact, try to share a smile or strike a conversation. Acknowledging someone’s dignity costs nothing, but it reminds them they’re not invisible.
2. Donate Food or Funds
One of the most direct ways to help is through giving. Food insecurity is often a major part of homelessness, and hunger can make it harder to rebuild stability.
At The Mustard Seed, we provide groceries, meals, and essential support to more than 60,000 people every month. We rescue and distribute over $10 million worth of food each year, feeding about 15% of Greater Victoria. Donations, whether financial or food-based, are what make that possible.
If you can, please consider donating non-perishable food items or giving financially through mustardseed.ca. Every dollar you give helps us provide about three dollars’ worth of food through our rescue and distribution network.
3. Volunteer Your Time
If you want to make a hands-on impact, volunteering is one of the best ways to do it. At The Mustard Seed, volunteers help sort food, serve meals, and assist in programs that support families and individuals at risk of homelessness.
All you need is the willingness to show up, no special skills necessary. We also welcome students aged 16 and above, and workplace teams who want to serve together. You’ll meet amazing people, learn more about your community, and see firsthand how your effort helps others.
Volunteer opportunities are listed at mustardseed.ca/volunteer.
4. Advocate for Change
Homelessness doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s connected to larger issues like affordable housing, mental health access, and fair wages. While donating and volunteering help meet immediate needs, advocacy helps change the systems that create homelessness in the first place.
You can start small: such as by resharing our social media posts to raise awareness or by reaching out to local leaders about affordable housing policies. When we speak up together, it shows that our community cares.
5. Support Organizations That Prevent Homelessness
There are a variety of organizations in Victoria that work to fight and prevent homelessness, tackling issues like housing, food insecurity and more. At The Mustard Seed, we help focus on prevention and response. We work to keep people stable before they lose their homes by providing food security and community connections. When people don’t have to choose between paying rent and eating, it helps them stay housed and build toward a stronger future.
Supporting organizations helping the community is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact. Your donations and volunteer hours directly help people at risk avoid homelessness altogether.
Homelessness can feel overwhelming, but your actions, no matter their size, matter. When you give food, offer kindness, or volunteer your time, you’re helping someone take a step toward stability and hope.
If you’d like to get involved, please visit mustardseed.ca to learn more. You can also donate or subscribe to our email list for updates on local needs, success stories, and ways you can help.
