Greater Victoria Society Expands Indigenous Outreach with New Funding

A non-profit organization in Greater Victoria has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its outreach programs after receiving a grant of $40,000 from the City of Victoria and various municipalities. This funding aims to tackle the complex issue of homelessness, which, according to the 2025 Point in Time count, affects over 1,700 people in Greater Victoria, with nearly 30 percent identifying as Indigenous.

Karen Mills, the founder of the Peer2Peer Indigenous Society, emphasized the significance of cultural identity in their initiatives. “We have a different kind of culture, we have our own language and so forth,” she stated. “So we want to bring that back, just basically we’re just supporting Indigenous people, trying to fill those gaps.”

Innovative Programs and Initiatives

Founded in 2022, Peer2Peer is a Metis-led organization that offers various programs, including women’s healing circles, a hepatitis C outreach team, and an HIV community connection program. The society’s relocation program, which has recently secured renewed funding from the city, assists Indigenous individuals in finding their way back to their home communities, many of which are located on Vancouver Island. Mills noted the profound desire expressed by many individuals to return home, stating, “We heard so many folks say they want to go home for whatever reasons, they found themselves here and they could never get back.”

The organization has also made strides in healthcare by acquiring a refurbished ambulance, enhancing their wound care services. This program began when local nurses volunteered to treat wounds and infections encountered by vulnerable individuals along Pandora Avenue. “Because we’re doing it on the street, sometimes it’s undignified. People are taking their pants off and shirts, in the [bad] weather,” Mills explained. The new ambulance will allow for more dignified care and extend the reach of their services, including local transportation for individuals in need.

Future Collaborations and Opportunities

A recent partnership with the University of Victoria marks another significant step for Peer2Peer. Starting in 2026, nursing students will have the opportunity to complete their practicums on the new mobile unit, further enhancing the support available through the organization.

Mills expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the critical role of the recent city funding from the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. “The next year’s going to be massive,” she declared. Looking ahead to 2026, she detailed plans for the integration of nursing support, expanded relocation services, and enhanced HIV programs.

For those interested in supporting Peer2Peer, whether through donations or volunteering, further information is available on the Peer2Peer Indigenous Society’s Facebook page. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of the Indigenous community in Greater Victoria.