Navigating Homelessness: Community Perspectives and Solutions

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on “Navigating Homelessness: Community Perspectives and Solutions,” where we will explore the critical issue of homelessness in our communities.

This event aims to bring together diverse voices, including community services, policymakers, and subject matter experts, to share their insights and experiences regarding the challenges and innovative solutions responding to and addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Through open dialogue and shared stories, we aim to foster understanding and collaboration among key partners in the York community, highlighting grassroots initiatives and policy recommendations that can pave the way for sustainable housing solutions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists, share their perspectives, and contribute to a collective vision for a future where everyone has access to safe and adequate housing.

Register for the webinar here:

https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ksKxeiQmSlCFTvWnsV4TIg

Panelist Biographies:

De’Janna Mignott (she/her), Community Engagement Lead, Toronto Community Crisis Service – North West Canadian Mental Health Association – Toronto

De’Janna Mignott is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the social services field, specializing in crisis intervention, mental health, social justice, and refugee support. Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities, with a focus on advocating for individuals at the intersection of mental health challenges, social inequities, and systemic barriers.

Driven by a strong sense of purpose, De’Janna brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating positive, lasting change in the communities and organizations she serves. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and compassion, spearheading initiatives that have had a meaningful impact on individuals and families. As a passionate and impactful leader, she continues to empower those she works with, helping to create opportunities for healing, growth, and justice.

Clovis Grant (he/him), Chief Executive Officer 360°kids

Clovis has provided leadership in the Human Services sector for over 25 years in the areas of homelessness, employment, social assistance, mental health and disabilities. He is currently CEO of  360°kids, an organization serving homeless youth,  and as a volunteer, Co-founder of Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support, a group for Black caregivers supporting a family member with special needs supporting over 250 families across Canada.  Through his work, Clovis has been a leader of equity in organizations to transform systems and recently, has developed a specifically designed housing program houseless Black youth. Clovis holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and, has the designation of ICD.D from the Institute for Corporate Directors.

Dagma Koyi, Founder and Executive Director, REST Centres

As a passionate advocate for equitable support, Dagma is dedicated to addressing systemic barriers that hinders Black youth from accessing essential resources. As the founder and Executive Director of REST Centres—the only Black-led organization in Peel addressing homelessness—she has revolutionized support for Black youth experiencing housing insecurity. Under her leadership, REST Centre has raised millions to drive innovative, culturally sensitive shelter diversion initiatives and holistic youth development strategies that empower marginalized young people to successfully navigate adolescence and transition into adulthood.

Andrea Watters Westbrook, Manager of Complex Communities, York University

Andrea has recently joined York University as the Manager of Complex Communities. She has been a registered social worker for over 12 years, predominantly in the downtown east of Toronto working within the HIV sector, community mental health, and with people who are street-involved. She has extensive experience in harm reduction, alternative community safety models, and accessible mental health programming, and has held leadership roles in program development, clinical supervision, and crisis response, including managing one of the inaugural Toronto Community Crisis Service teams. She is also a lecturer and PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, with a research focus on community-based mental health crisis interventions.  Throughout her work, she has seen the importance of delivering a diverse range of support needs and styles, and she loves discussing how we can be creative within our approaches to this work. She feels privileged to be invited into the communities she gets to work in and to have personal stories of strength and resiliency shared with her. She doesn’t take this privilege for granted.