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A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Life gets in the way...


I wanted to take part in the poverty challenge.  It didn’t happen.

 

Life gets in the way of good intentions.

 

It sounds odd to say that I was too busy to organize being on a low-income budget but there is a truth in it.  Being without money, even for a short period of time, takes a lot of organizing. If nothing else, that is my lesson from the challenge. I often hear service providers complaining when some one with a low income can’t seem to get organized to be at an event or appointment. I am pretty laid back about that usually but I am more aware than ever that money gives us access.  Time and energy gets sucked up when you are focused on surviving.  

 

I had hoped to let people know about resources at the Nechee Centre.  There is a lot going on. I am with the urban healthy living program and our activities are all free.  Exercise was a big subject during this year’s blog. I know that it is hard to get motivated to exercise, especially when living on a low-income but exercise increases energy and improves health. I encourage everyone to check out what is available. We welcome everyone to take part in our activities.In addition to adult fitness we have the Akwe’go and Wasa-Nabin Youth activity programs for children and youth. We don’t care whether you have money or not-it’s about getting and maintaining health. We also have the following programs:  Lifelong Care program, Aboriginal Health & Wellness, Healthy Babies, Family Support, Drug Education & Learning.  Don’t forget about our Street Patrol and Emergency Shelter projects for the most marginalized citizens of Kenora. We also have a variety of justice and cultural programs to meet needs of our clients.  For those who are trying to rise out of poverty, our Alternative Secondary School Program and the Apatisiwin Employment Program help to create opportunities for a more prosperous future.

If you see me around town, ask me about these programs or call our office at 468-5440.

 

I certainly appreciate all of the blogs that were shared this year and I will take the learnings with me. Meegwetch
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