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A Dignified Disability Supplement as a Pathway to Ending Poverty

Posted by Elle Richards on May 18, 2021

According to Statistics Canada, 6.2 million Canadians are estimated to be living with a disability. People with disabilities are likely to be living in poverty – this figure is as high as 30% - due to societal barriers including discrimination, access to education and employment, and protective social programs. Stats Canada reports a mere 40-59% in employment, depending on the severity of the disability, as compared with 80% of the rest of the population.

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London Becomes First City to End Functional Homelessness for Veterans

Posted by Elle Richards on May 11, 2021

London has made Canadian history in achieving functional zero veteran homelessness in 2021. This milestone means the city is well on its way to address the homelessness crisis as reported by the Canadian Alliance To End Homelessness (CAEH).

The secret to success? Relationship building, timely data, coordinating access, prioritizing a population group, and a shared goal. Crucial have been partnerships between the city, local agencies, and veterans’ organizations, and working through the city’s By-Name List so that no one is left behind. A targeted systems-focused strategy has enabled specific and appropriate housing and supports for veterans.

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Improving self-sufficiency for families in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Posted by Elle Richards on April 6, 2021

How can people experiencing homelessness be supported to get back on their feet? One example from a Cities Reducing Poverty member, in the county of Massachusetts, USA, demonstrates the value of believing in and investing in people. Many of the core members of OpT (Opportunity Tri-Communities) have shifted their efforts in the pandemic, while continuing to work on building resilience in the community. One husband and wife team, who took on an old Victorian building (initially to use the main floor for his medical practice) with rooms have shown a shelter is not merely bricks and mortar or a place to sleep. A shelter can be a safe space, enable healing and a champion for human potential.

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NWT Releases its first-ever Poverty Report Card

Posted by Elle Richards on March 17, 2021

In December, Alternatives North, a social justice coalition in the Northwest Territories (NWT) released its first-ever Poverty Report Card, as a partner in Campaign 2000. Alternatives North works with No Place for Poverty Coalition to advocate for ending poverty in the territory.

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Williams Lake releases poverty reduction strategy mid-pandemic

Posted by Jill Zacharias on March 16, 2021

Three years ago, when the Williams Lake Social Planning Council made a commitment to complete a poverty reduction strategy for the region a global pandemic was not on the horizon. Now, as communities across the country struggle to carry on meaningful social planning in circumstances no one has experienced before, the Thrive Poverty Reduction Strategy for Williams Lake and Area has successfully released in January this year. The strategy is a tribute to dedication and perseverance, adapted to reflect an ever-changing context that has underscored what is important to the community as well as how to work together towards a proactive response.

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Welfare Report Reveals Who’s Poor

Posted by Natasha Pei on March 15, 2021

Maytree’s welfare report cards share vital information for poverty reduction organizers and policy makers to inform what we know about some of the most vulnerable members in our communities. Amongst the pivotal domains of poverty reduction is income security. It is a cornerstone pillar for lifting people all along the scale of poverty from deep, absolute poverty towards thriving.

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