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Lessons in Coping from Calgarians in Chronic Poverty

When Calgary’s poverty reduction strategy, Enough for All,was developed, it would have been hard to imagine a city where we are quite seriously considering that phrase as it relates to our current crisis, to ourselves and to our families. Is there enough for all of us? Is there enough for me? The greatest irony of our current predicament is that people in our city who have been living in chronic poverty have a lot to teach us about how to handle our new normal. They have been living it for years.

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Rent Banks: An Innovative Strategy in a Time of Crisis

As the economic toll of COVID-19 continues to deepen across Canada, Canadian renters are facing an unprecedented housing crisis. Many have lost their jobs and are worried about keeping a roof over their head in the months ahead. While renters wait for federal and provincial relief programs to come into full effect, local rent banks are ramping up their efforts to support low-income households that are no longer able to pay their rent or utilities.

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Food as a Basic Necessity Now More than Ever

The supermarket shop is one of a few outings we as a society are permitted to do. If we are healthy and able, if shopping was once enjoyable, the guilt some may feel for venturing out along with the rules one must follow can impose an anxiety-inducing experience, ripping what little pleasure we might hope to get from perusing the isles while dreaming up marvellous meals to create with all the time at home. Nevertheless, it is a privilege and we are grateful for it and to all those who keep this convenience going. But not everyone has access to this privilege.

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5 Ways Cities Reducing Poverty Members are Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

Cities Reducing Poverty collaboratives have worked for years to build local relationships that  support residents and neighbourhoods to thrive. These efforts have strengthened the social infrastructure communities need to be resilient and quickly organize in an emergency situation, such as COVID-19.

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Shelter for Vancouver’s Most Vulnerable

Vancouver has converted a privately-owned hotel and two downtown community centres into facilities that will provide food, shelter, and medical support for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations who need to self-isolate during the pandemic. With the city’s homeless population at more than 2,200 people and shelters already operating at 100 percent capacity, physical distancing is a huge challenge.  

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Neighbourhoods Connect in Lethbridge and Stony Plain Alberta

Recognizing the strengths and assets with our own neighbours can lead to a stronger, more engaged and supportive neighbourhood. Working together ensures neighbourhoods stay strong, healthy and connected. The Town of Stony Plain has launched a Neighbourhood Connect Initiative as a local response to the COVID-19 crisis to address issues of isolation. In Lethbridge, organizations is collaboratively working to improve accessible connections for community members through: a Postcard Campaign and Wellness Checks.

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