About OLS
OLS operates with two Advisory Committees in part because the communications needs and languages of members within each committee are vastly different. Whenever possible, members of each committee will be welcomed to engage in OLS discussions wherever they occur. OLS’s Executive Director, Care Coordinators and Support Volunteers help bridge communication gaps and encourage interactions between members of the two committees to help develop common processes and language over time.
Our Livable Solutions is a registered non-charitable public benefit corporation which adheres to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).
Unhoused Advisory Committee
OLS ideas come from the people OLS supports. As OLS walks alongside people navigating systems and coordinating care, OLS listens, observes and identifies challenges. OLS discusses possible solutions and enables people with lived experience to participate in advocating for and developing those solutions. Anyone with living experience, recent lived experience and front line support workers are welcome on the Unhoused Advisory Committee.
Housed Advisory Committee
To change processes, policies and access research and resources, OLS needs the help of the broader community. OLS’s Housed Advisory Committee is fluid and responsive to the needs of the Unhoused Advisory Committee, participation changes depending on the challenge OLS is trying to address. Anyone with an interest in helping to end homelessness is welcome on the Housed Advisory Committee.
Board of Directors
The bulk of the work at OLS happens in the two Advisory Committees. OLS’s Board of Directors manages the administrative responsibilities of having a transparent and accountable governance model.
President - HollyAnn Meeks
Treasurer - Valerie Gray
Secretary - Derek Vanalstyne
Director at Large - Chrystal Wilson
Director at Large - David Stewart
Acting Executive Director
Responsible for recommending the direction, goals and overall strategy of OLS, and overseeing and directing OLS’s day to day operations, the Acting Executive Director will be an unpaid volunteer role assumed by Chrystal Wilson during the pilot project. Over time, but not during the pilot project, it is expected this role will transition to a paid employee position following a process aproved by the Board.
Care Coordinators
Responsible for ensuring the wellness and care for the residents, coordinating various services and agencies and much of the day-to-day oversight of the cabin community, care coordinators are currently the only paid positions within OLS. Care Coordinators are advocates for the residents; they support the residents, acting with direction from and in the best interests of the residents at the forefront.
Volunteer Coordinator
Responsible for assisting the residents and care coordinators by arranging the provision of workshops, activities, connections etc being offered by volunteers, community groups or COUNCILS according to the needs and desires of the residents.
Supporting Volunteers
Members of the Kingston community who help build resilience within OLS’s cabin community by engaging with residents in meaningful conversation and activities. Volunteers will be encouraged to participate in OLS’s trauma informed education and courses. To become a Support Volunteer, please email us.