519pursuit

About 519pursuit

519Pursuit is a community-owned, grassroots organization located in the SoHo neighbourhood of London, Ontario, dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. The organization serves the local community by providing a friendship-based approach to outreach, aiming to build lasting connections and provide dignity to those who are often overlooked. Their mission focuses on establishing relationships rather than just providing transactions, meeting people in locations such as encampments, bus shelters, and alleyways. The organization offers a variety of outreach services 365 days a year, including the distribution of hot lunches, snack packs, clothing, hygiene products, and essential seasonal gear. They host "Better Days" events designed to foster social connection through shared experiences, food, and games. Additionally, the group manages a signature annual campaign known as the 519Pledge for Socks to address a persistent need on the streets. They also operate a care package program fueled by a donation team that hosts donation days twice a week. 519Pursuit was founded in November 2017 by Co-Founder Allison DeBlaire, who began the initiative by serving chicken noodle soup to those without shelter. The organization grew with the help of Co-Founder Amber Irvine and a dedicated team of volunteers. To address food security, the group has established partnerships with The London Food Bank, RBC Place London, and Y.O.U. (You Made it Cafe). The organization acknowledges that it operates on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lēnapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples and maintains a commitment to reconciliation and honoring the treaties of the territory.