The Hot Potato Initiative, Vancouver, BC (2026)

02/28/2025

Black History Month is a time to highlight resilience, recognize contributions, and amplify voices. As we reflect on history, we must also acknowledge the present—Black communities continue to be disproportionately affected by homelessness. Equity begins with awareness and action. Let’s listen, learn, and support initiatives that work toward housing justice.

02/20/2025

Be part of the journey! Sign up for our Newsletter for early access to modules, exclusive updates & insights on our impact. Join us!

02/08/2025

💙 Introducing Module 2: Breaking Barriers 💙

1 in 5 Canadians will face a mental health disorder—but discrimination in healthcare, housing, and opportunities creates obstacles to support. Mental health and homelessness are deeply connected, fueling a cycle that’s hard to break.

Education and awareness are key to making change. Learn more in Module 2—scan the QR code or hit the link in our bio to access it now! 📲✨

01/01/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from the Hot Potato Initiative! 🥔✨

As we step into 2025, we hope to do better and continue the incredible journey we’ve had in 2024—thanks to you. Together, we’ve raised awareness and made strides toward supporting those facing homelessness.

06/24/2024

Hi everyone! Reminder that the executive application closes tonight at 11:59.

05/26/2024

Hello everyone! We are now officially recruiting high school and university students for our Executive Team. Apply now to engage with socioeconomic inequality, drive systemic change and foster the same from Canadian youth. You may find the application form, and with it the role descriptions, in our Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/hotpotatoinitiativefoundation?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=202f50ac-7fef-48f8-b7d4-bbac067c29c0

Deadline to apply: June 8th 2024 at 8:59 PST / 11:59pm EST

03/06/2023

Introducing the engagement portfolio, we have Dania as Director of Engagement, and Tej and Kevin as the Directors of School Network. 🤝

Name: Dania Pennimpede
Position: Director of Engagement
Program: McGill BEng Software Engineering '24
Fun fact: I have a twin brother!
Why you joined HPI: I joined HPI to be a part of an organization with likeminded people and to do my part in spreading awareness about individuals experiencing homelessness. I am looking forward to the new modules we create and new schools we partner with!

Name: Tej Nathoo
Position: Director of School Network
Program: Grade 11
Fun fact: Going on hikes with my dog is one of my favourite summer activities!
Why you joined HPI: Understanding that homelessness is a fluid, individual experience instead of a state that is applicable to anyone shifted my perspective on homelessness as a topic. I realized there was a stigma surrounding homelessness and a tendency to avoid it in day-to-day conversation. I joined HPI because I see the value of disseminating education to de-stigmatize homelessness and fight socioeconomic inequality, and I resonate with HPI's vision of young Canadians taking the wheel on systemic change. I'm very privileged to be working with this team, and I'm looking forward to working with our amazing chapters across Canada to collectively grow HPI's impact!

Name: Kevin Seo
Position: Director of School Network
Program: Moscrop Secondary Grade 11
Fun fact: I like toothpaste flavoured jellybeans
Why you joined HPI: I joined HPI because I believed that my personal goals aligned with the organization, and thought it would be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people! I hope we can get the School Chapters running smoothly and making an impact.

03/06/2023

Introducing the engagement portfolio, we have Dania as Director of Engagement, and Tej and Kevin as the Directors of School Network. 🤝

Name: Dania Pennimpede
Position: Director of Engagement
Program: McGill Software Engineering '24
Fun fact: I have a twin brother!
Why you joined HPI: I joined HPI to be a part of an organization with likeminded people and to do my part in spreading awareness about individuals experiencing homelessness. I am looking forward to the new modules we create and new schools we partner with!

Name: Tej Nathoo
Position: Director of School Network
Program: Grade 11
Fun fact: Going on hikes with my dog is one of my favourite summer activities!
Why you joined HPI: Understanding that homelessness is a fluid, individual experience instead of a state that is applicable to anyone shifted my perspective on homelessness as a topic. I realized there was a stigma surrounding homelessness and a tendency to avoid it in day-to-day conversation. I joined HPI because I see the value of disseminating education to de-stigmatize homelessness and fight socioeconomic inequality, and I resonate with HPI's vision of young Canadians taking the wheel on systemic change. I'm very privileged to be working with this team, and I'm looking forward to working with our amazing chapters across Canada to collectively grow HPI's impact!

Name: Kevin Seo
Position: Director of School Network
Program: Moscrop Secondary Grade 11
Fun fact: I like toothpaste flavoured jellybeans
Why you joined HPI: I joined HPI because I believed that my personal goals aligned with the organization, and thought it would be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people! I hope we can get the School Chapters running smoothly and making an impact.

02/14/2023

Hi Everyone! HPI is back and we are so excited to kick off another great year. This week we will be introducing our new executive team starting with our two amazing Executive Directors: Isabella and Margret.

Name: Isabella Grajczyk
Position: Co-Executive Director
Program: University of Regina BA International Studies ’22
Fun fact: I currently work for the United Nations Development Programme.
Why you joined HPI: I really liked the mission of the organization and I wanted to contribute to educating people on homelessness in Canada. I am really excited about our team this year and I am looking forward to increasing our reach across Canada.

Name: Margret Lo
Position: Co-Executive Director
Program: McMaster MPH ’23
Fun fact: I am born on Christmas Eve!
Why you joined HPI: HPI really focuses on systemic change. Homelessness is stigmatized and HPI works to educate individuals in order to mitigate this. The team is really passionate about creating change, and working with youth is so incredibly amazing. Super excited to work with everyone, and educate you all about homelessness!

02/14/2023

Hi Everyone! HPI is back and we are so excited to kick off another great year. This week we will be introducing our new executive team starting with our two amazing Executive Directors: Isabella and Margret.

Name: Isabella Grajczyk
Position: Co-Executive Director
Program: University of Regina BA International Studies ’22
Fun fact: I currently work for the United Nations Development Programme.
Why you joined HPI: I really liked the mission of the organization and I wanted to contribute to educating people on homelessness in Canada. I am really excited about our team this year and I am looking forward to increasing our reach across Canada.

Name: Margret Lo
Position: Co-Executive Director
Program: McMaster MPH ’23
Fun fact: I am born on Christmas Eve!
Why you joined HPI: HPI really focuses on systemic change. Homelessness is stigmatized and HPI works to educate individuals in order to mitigate this. The team is really passionate about creating change, and working with youth is so incredibly amazing. Super excited to work with everyone, and educate you all about homelessness!

The Hot Potato Initiative

02/28/2025

02/20/2025

02/08/2025

01/01/2025

06/24/2024

05/26/2024

03/06/2023

03/06/2023

02/14/2023

02/14/2023

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request