tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63331699415869183262024-03-12T23:44:53.018-04:00Poverty Awareness in York RegionRaising community awareness and working to affect poverty reduction and income security issues in York RegionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-4899523103032563352017-01-09T23:30:00.001-05:002019-02-06T17:38:54.432-05:00Cold Reality of the Truly Homeless<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Homelessness in York Region should be no surprise.</h3>
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As the local newspapers focus headlines throughout the winter through
feel-good pieces aimed at propping up our social network assist vehicles
- instead of dissecting what we could be doing better - it seems in
keeping with York Region politicians.<br />
<br />
It's no secret that Y.R. has had not only a shortage of government
assisted housing units for those in need for many years, as highlighted
in the 21010 <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf">York Region Social Audit</a> <b>Behind The Masks</b>
which was presented to Council in deposition, and which they supported
in principle and then used / sent to the Ontario government towards
helping them formulate a plan to coordinate funding and services for
this area but it has also had one of the <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/06/york-region-canadas-worst-provider-of.html">lowest owned units-to rental units</a> ratios in the entire country, as well availability rates - also country-wide close to worst. So it's no secret. See the <a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA">Social Audit Video.</a><br />
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In the download of $ and services to the municipalities from the Ontario
government, the Region took away certain safe-guard initiatives
designed (that are / were part of The ACT) to help <u><b>individuals in need avoid becoming homeless and those just out of prison or institutions.</b></u> It was called the <a href="http://www.accessinformation.ca/documents/2012/08/Backgrounder-for-General-Distribution-2-3.pdf"><b>Start Up Fund </b>u</a>sed
to help residents avoid eviction or 1st and last to obtain a place to
live and could be applied for no more than once every three years. It's
no longer available through the municipalities take over, and its
replacement deemed unattainable by former user types, so those same
people now are <u><b>more likely to go homeless.</b></u> At the time when the download of services was still in proposal mode, I specifically mentioned this safety net program to <b>Y.R. Councillor John Taylor </b>who assured me all would be kept. It wasn't. <b>Notice a crime spike of late?</b> It's no coincidence.<br />
<br />
<b>Not going to say I told you so. But I did.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58I5bVsyULw/WHFRdmLntlI/AAAAAAAAj80/kx_W66GqaYs0KAVJ-UIeXx6g_uPqoRdeQCLcB/s1600/bob%2Bproperty%2B014.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58I5bVsyULw/WHFRdmLntlI/AAAAAAAAj80/kx_W66GqaYs0KAVJ-UIeXx6g_uPqoRdeQCLcB/s320/bob%2Bproperty%2B014.JPG" width="320" /></a>Instead,
the Region seems to think putting everything into shelters has been the
answer - spending more than 10 years focusing all available funding -
over $10,000,000 - towards building <b>one</b> women's shelter, Belinda's Place, as well as some assisted temporary housing for the same single women only category. <u><b>Problem is / was, most of Y.R.'s homeless are men</b></u>,
a fact I have long crowed, but now have tangible proof of, from the
just released stats collected by United Way Toronto / York Region..<br />
<br />
This week's <b>Era Banner</b> headlines scream out <b><a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/7035642-york-region-homeless-shelters-overrun-inn-from-the-cold-demand-up-50-per-cent/">Shelter use up </a>50%.</b>..crisis levels..blah,blah,blah but are they not aware <b>the one and only full time men's shelter Leeder Place - is full 100% of the time? </b>That's
not a story? Only in winter I guess when its sexy to write about it and
INNs from The Cold gets their overflow. Thank goodness for them at
least.<br />
<br />
<b>Cold Warning in effect </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak9lWG1NJSI/WHFRgml6D6I/AAAAAAAAj84/P667W7JQPCgMnXV7ozfvxaTNCgtNsKQIACLcB/s1600/bob%2Bproperty%2B015.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak9lWG1NJSI/WHFRgml6D6I/AAAAAAAAj84/P667W7JQPCgMnXV7ozfvxaTNCgtNsKQIACLcB/s320/bob%2Bproperty%2B015.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yesterday,
I came across a struggling guy, one who fights addiction issues but one
who also works and works hard. I know, because I worked several jobs on
which he was hired to assist, and in seeing his willingness to do a
great job, I've since assisted him into something more regular,
including the last one he's held for 6 months now. But they just don't
have the hours for him come January and there he was, last night, out in
the bitter cold begging for money.<br />
<br />
Knowing I have a video taping upcoming this month for which I've
budgeted in a P.A. I gave him $20 advance and told him I'd be in touch
about the exact date. "But no more tonight eh? Go home." I said. He
thanked me and did just that. He and his girlfriend struggle to keep a
roof over their head. They could also benefit from nonexistent rehab
programs to assist towards living a "normal" life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7oemCbP-EE/WHFUJ62G8KI/AAAAAAAAj9E/_39No8JrlMsjC5yLakBCxXHlrN4dnEd0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7oemCbP-EE/WHFUJ62G8KI/AAAAAAAAj9E/_39No8JrlMsjC5yLakBCxXHlrN4dnEd0ACLcB/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YOURK news covered MPP's start-up</td></tr>
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Ironically <b>I 've been trying to find an operator group</b> for a
housing or rehab complex of 18 self- contained, up-to-code units, yet no
incentives enough seem to exist to entice operators to run anything. <a href="http://tomstop10realestate.blogspot.ca/2014/06/house-of-hope-rental-resurrection.html">So why can't YR controlled funds go here?</a><br />
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A longtime trailer dweller asked me,<br />
<br />
<b>" What are they doing with the $16 million dollars the federal government gave to assist with these issues?</b>"<br />
<br />
Good question.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markham Community Centre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPK10ybA-eQ/WHFZM3Yg52I/AAAAAAAAj9g/1yoiFw5sSK8gM7vqbb1zh0luipLpaSi2wCEw/s1600/YOURK%2BREGION%2BTOWER%2BSIGN.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPK10ybA-eQ/WHFZM3Yg52I/AAAAAAAAj9g/1yoiFw5sSK8gM7vqbb1zh0luipLpaSi2wCEw/s640/YOURK%2BREGION%2BTOWER%2BSIGN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest, right here, long time homeless camp</td></tr>
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So where <b>IS</b> all this <b>new money</b> going in assisting those in
need and those who want to live outside the dangerous and undignified
shelter system? I don't know, but it's not getting to those most in
need and this to me seems an abuse of process.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, I gave you resources!</td></tr>
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The recent York Region Media articles have headlined cherry-picked
themes taken from a report by United Way Toronto/Y.R., like the obvious
such as aboriginals having a higher than average ratio - as it is in the
rest of the country - and they've headlined children, family and youth
poverty, but they've actually left out the most staggering headline stat
of all that <u>a full </u><b><u>100% of the homeless they found with no attachments to any shelter of any kind in York Region were male</u>.</b> <span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.unitedwaytyr.com/research-and-reports">100%</a>. </span>They further found that 70% of all shelter dwellers were male.<br />
<br />
Now I'm not going to come out and say that our social safety-net system
seems sexist but...well actually I am, and it is. We have no shelters
for males to escape abuse even though stats show spousal abuse is about
50-50, yet we have a number of shelters for women in this regard, <i>in addition to</i>
the family shelter and single women's shelter and transitional
temporary housing. There is no temporary housing for any single men. Men
are last on lists for Y.R. housing too since abuse victims and families
- often single moms - also rate ahead of them, regardless of the fact
there are extremely few single assisted housing units to begin with in
York Region, so vulnerable men often have little chance to get housed,
and these <b>men</b> will statistically die much younger than the average person - often by two decades.<br />
<br />
So that is what <b>WE</b> are supporting with our current system. We're sentencing men to an early death.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpYSBuhqe-c/WHFdFc-09UI/AAAAAAAAj-A/jlWTcCZShjoVayC1T5QQuopPdO1GZjR1gCLcB/s1600/snow%2Bbranches.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpYSBuhqe-c/WHFdFc-09UI/AAAAAAAAj-A/jlWTcCZShjoVayC1T5QQuopPdO1GZjR1gCLcB/s320/snow%2Bbranches.jpg" width="320" /></a>The
social audit was clear back in 2010 that the lack of housing was
already critical and that men were not only lacking in programs and
housing but in how they were being treated and that has still had no
change.<br />
<br />
<b>We need more male social workers according to some men mired in the system.</b><br />
<br />
"Women don't understand what a mans goes through", said one <br />
<br />
"They hire women right out of battered women's shelters and they don't treat us good."<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>F</b><b>ormer Shelter Dweller,</b></i> <i><b>now deceased</b></i>. <a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA">See his and other video testimonials here. </a><br />
<h4>
<br />I've written in the past of several <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html">men who have died</a>
while living on the streets or couches in YR after years in the shelter system
and yet not a word from the local media. Shame on them, but shame on us
for doing nothing while men die. That would soon include our now area
Housing <b>Minister Chris Ballard</b> who did not invite myself nor <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/"><b>P.A.C.C,</b></a>
Y.R.'s voice for poverty, to participate in any reforms nor for
consulting, since his quick promotion from regular M.P.P.. </h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---1vLvI4AVc/WHFfSoRJytI/AAAAAAAAj-U/WVMxbRT8xzc_6FoNi4I4TpXKQSzrduxpgCLcB/s1600/10448573_10154259569865300_2191632144980255772_o.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---1vLvI4AVc/WHFfSoRJytI/AAAAAAAAj-U/WVMxbRT8xzc_6FoNi4I4TpXKQSzrduxpgCLcB/s320/10448573_10154259569865300_2191632144980255772_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" House of Hope" sits empty<a href="http://tomstop10realestate.blogspot.ca/2014/06/house-of-hope-rental-resurrection.html"> begging for use</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />
I'll give the provincials this much, they have the "cahoonahs" to study a fixed <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/03/13/ontario-will-test-idea-of-a-guaranteed-minimum-income-to-ease-poverty_n_9451076.html"><b>basic minimum income</b></a> model and as I see it, this type of system may help stop those who often
fall through the cracks to better survive in cold Canada. I guess we'll see.<br />
<br />
Tom PearsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Markham, ON, Canada43.8561002 -79.3370188000000143.6729787 -79.6597423 44.0392217 -79.014295300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-28716705969626190772016-05-01T23:08:00.000-04:002019-02-06T17:44:48.111-05:00PACC - Character Matters<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Hoorah! Watch what kind of Citizens we're making here!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mM7qs52_lII/VyJwc_YI-SI/AAAAAAAAXlg/9vOqjiEm6cM_oMIFB4PBkYEDDSOOYWZNwCLcB/s1600/11664816_10155777157990607_1746958826_o.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mM7qs52_lII/VyJwc_YI-SI/AAAAAAAAXlg/9vOqjiEm6cM_oMIFB4PBkYEDDSOOYWZNwCLcB/s320/11664816_10155777157990607_1746958826_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC has been a tireless advocate for the disabled</td></tr>
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<b>Character Matters</b> is supposed to celebrate character and I have
no doubt past recipients in its short history have been good people, but
I'm sure just as many who were deserving have never been even
considered to receive one. That's fine, we can't hand them out to
everyone, but. inevitably they become political, and why I hate awards
of any kind.<br />
<br />
<b>Spokes-head Steve Hinder,</b> as I understand, one of the originators of <b>Character Matters,</b>
having come on the scene via Belinda Stronach as her assistant when our
M.P. in the area, had requested a meeting with me in 2006, after
appearing on CBC live to Canada criticizing Stronach for concentrating
on the world's impoverished when we had a record 50,000 people using
food banks right in York. <br />
<br />
<b>"At first I thought you were just a disgruntled hockey dad, but you're not" I recall him saying. </b><br />
<br />
I had wanted to use the meet opportunity to get him to influence <b>Magna</b> and <b>Neighbourhood Network, </b>which was just starting up, to become a part or sponsors of of our <b><a href="https://youtu.be/GC_Vjwmrb9o">Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road Hockey Challenge</a> </b>as<b> </b>I'd
been involved in a community development project (this is when I was
approached to Chair Poverty Action for Change Coalition by various YR
agencies) from which I'd learned of many issues that seemed appalling to
me including kids having nothing and was why I / we organized York
Region's first ever demonstration about poverty on the front lawn of the
regional building.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iHTtMbtGiU/VyJxYwMGJcI/AAAAAAAAXlo/-z-WklPPC6klIVWVOwfQatOGa__Qrpo3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5304.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iHTtMbtGiU/VyJxYwMGJcI/AAAAAAAAXlo/-z-WklPPC6klIVWVOwfQatOGa__Qrpo3gCLcB/s320/IMG_5304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 years after - Had to tell these kids no tourney in 2015</td></tr>
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I'd explained that our event started as a way to <b>engage</b> the local youth and <b>bridge</b> them to the broader community through <b>road hockey</b>
as the tourney allowed all kids to form neighbourhood teams and compete
against each other on neutral turf and taught newcomers a Canadian
tradition and helped them adjust and form friendships. This also gave
the kids much needed esteem boosts as it connected them to the broader
community and showed they could compete with anyone which enabled us to
have a direct influence upon some kids who might coming from a home life
in turmoil.<br />
<br />
I recall one kid, about 10, he came from a home where the parent was
addicted to crack. I think it was the second year of the road hockey
event, at that time still held inside Mulock Village a mixed income
neighbourhood, and it was particularly cold and snowy that year - a ref
quit mid game, players complained and the vibe, at least to me, was all
too serious as the emphasis was supposed to be on fun. At the end, as I
pondered ever doing it again as no one seemed to be having fun, and as I
walked over to the local cafe where I had entertainment and <b>PACC</b> had free hot meals set up for the kids and trophy ceremony, this kid walked up to me and said,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"You know that was the most fun I've ever had".... That blew me away." <span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></b></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkWkf4uoaF0/VyJ0jMd9nwI/AAAAAAAAXl0/uWVE8vvIJ7s5CmQSf4L7abTkF0OHXxYLQCLcB/s1600/ivan%2Bbackground.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkWkf4uoaF0/VyJ0jMd9nwI/AAAAAAAAXl0/uWVE8vvIJ7s5CmQSf4L7abTkF0OHXxYLQCLcB/s320/ivan%2Bbackground.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC has organized a voice for poverty 10 years also</td></tr>
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From these experiences, I helped form and chaired for four years <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>Operation Sparrow</b></a>
(now Newmarket Cares) which allocated and transported kids into after-school activity
programs <b>free </b>alongside the other kids. I made sure it was designed
to eliminate stigma and embarrassment for the parents as well, but left
when they seemed to be ok with a board member coming back on board only
before the election. <i><b>Character.</b></i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XABwKUIQgYY/VyJ0jCESZWI/AAAAAAAAXl4/ig_69kQSBN03T4laSQItPCSLXq27ZtxDwCKgB/s1600/Ivan%2BProcopchuk.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XABwKUIQgYY/VyJ0jCESZWI/AAAAAAAAXl4/ig_69kQSBN03T4laSQItPCSLXq27ZtxDwCKgB/s320/Ivan%2BProcopchuk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Int Day to Eradicate Poverty gives poverty a voice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting back to my meeting with then M.P.'s assistant <b>Steve Hinder</b>.
I explained to Steve about the road hockey 'program", why it was
started and included that the murder of Mulock resident Mike Thornhill
outside a local donut shop, had motivated me to start the <b>Mike Thornhill Award</b>
$ for youths showing leadership in the community and not the best
hockey player. I explained the whole 9 yards. My ask to him was simple
as I explained that the way the tourney best worked was through
challenges - as kids we'd challenge another team to play - and that I'd
love to get an Aurora team in it. To maybe challenge the town to form a
team to play Mulock. I mentioned that with " <b>Neighbourhood</b> Network" being in Aurora it would seem a natural attachment to the Friendly <b>Neighbourhood</b> Road Hockey Challenge and maybe <b>Magna</b> corporation (Stronach's company) could even sponsor? <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"A challenge. What a great idea!" I recall him exclaiming.</b></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeBrM_f9LaM/VyJ0jMwRiVI/AAAAAAAAXmE/w6rMfNaXSN4Ljelhk89GPbKN5PIVzJYaQCKgB/s1600/spotlight%2Bmulock.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeBrM_f9LaM/VyJ0jMwRiVI/AAAAAAAAXmE/w6rMfNaXSN4Ljelhk89GPbKN5PIVzJYaQCKgB/s320/spotlight%2Bmulock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC hosts neighbourhood BBQ bringing in talent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Great, I thought, finally we can take this thing to the level it should
be at! But, unfortunately, as I found out later, that eureka moment was
not for me as to my surprise Stronach (Hinder) had become somehow part
of promoting the local hockey teams, and announced within a month or so,
"<b>The Challenge on Yonge St</b>", then the <b>"Battle of Yonge</b>", between the rivaling Jr A teams. They'd offered us free tickets for some kids. <b>Could they have simply taken my idea!?</b> <b>N.N.</b>
promoted our event not one iota, making no response to our requests
about it. I think I did manage to wangle a $50 program ad from<b> Magna</b>
the one year and that was it. We never made on any short list for the
Hoe-down funds either. I believe their challenge match continues to this
day<br />
<br />
Fast forward <b>2016</b>, N.N<b>.</b> hosted a "collaboration" for
community groups. As you can imagine, I didn't attend...That buzz phrase
is long gone passe anyhow, and they should concentrate on what it is
they actually do - knowing a disabled person who suffered the entire
winter without a 'volunteer" from them assigned to help shovel his
driveway, despite being semi-assisted the previous year - after their
volunteer quit. <b>They claim 6,000 volunteers yet not once could do his driveway in 2015-16 winter,</b>
so, in my opinion, they shouldn't be hosting anything until that's in
order. That is their mandate, not hosting "collaborations". That would
be my thought if I were its CEO or Chair.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCC5ln9scsc/VyJ2R1_EwkI/AAAAAAAAXmM/LhJTsYl3YpwhLD18os6oxwXnqU_zYrmPwCLcB/s1600/spotlight%2Bfairy%2Blake.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCC5ln9scsc/VyJ2R1_EwkI/AAAAAAAAXmM/LhJTsYl3YpwhLD18os6oxwXnqU_zYrmPwCLcB/s1600/spotlight%2Bfairy%2Blake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC creates opportunities for youth to participate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few years after <b>N.N.</b>, <b>Character Matters </b>was started which Hinder somehow was a part of its originating panel and announced they would be handing out " <b>Character Awards</b>"..Hmmm.<br />
<br />
The kicker for me was when they launched their "<i><b>Character Matters</b> </i><b><i>after-school ball hockey program </i></b>so<b> "new Canadians could learn a Canadian tradition while...."</b>
almost identical to our description of our program. You get the
picture? Who's going to fund us when a similar program runs? All
coincidences of course.<br />
<br />
Suddenly he was a local superstar, <br />
suddenly began showing up on various boards, and somehow the <b>Newmarket Chamber of Commerce</b>,
even though N.N. was based in Aurora, and on a hospital board which
was recently disbanded when its membership all quit for unreported
reasons among others.<br />
<br />
In between, in my role as <b>Chair of PACC,</b> I unfortunately had had
to point out political and operational / agency short comings as the
squeaky wheel, none of which was personal, but all of which had seemed
to be taken so - quietly kept off boards of directors such as the <b>Blue Door Shelters</b>
with a member telling me he thought I was a natural fit but that was
told when he suggested me " Not yet" by a former mayor who's son became a
local politician and who was also part of Neighbourhood Network's board
as well as the shelters'. Maybe sonny will put in a good word!<br />
<br />
During that time I'd naively started the <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2010/06/poverty-square-table-meetings.html"><b>"Square Table on Poverty"</b></a> which included politicians from every level - another YR first - but which was marred by lack of attendance by <b>Belinda Stronach</b>
(attending but one monthly meeting in a year) as attendees interest
waned. Walking across the floor politically put a fork in it, with then <b>M.P.P. Frank Klees</b>,
already a reluctant participant, no longer interested to follow up the
initiatives we'd started, such as a recycling pick-up program at
restaurants, an initiative brought to the panel through a person in a
wheelchair who'd noticed a trend of places tossing bottles with $ value.
<b>Character.</b><br />
<br />
We also organized Y.R.'s largest collaboration of its kind in history, York Region's social audit with <i><b>"Behind the Masks",</b></i> <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf">the resulting report</a>
critiquing the local services and shelters in things like how they
treated people using them among other sensitive findings. I also
assisted developing two feature stories that I provided not only info
for, but connected the writer to those who were in poverty for which the
paper won prestigious awards - twice - the last one about <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1424566-homeless-father-son-struggle">a homeless father and son</a> eliciting more reaction to any story in recent history, <b>YRMG</b> Writer <b>Chris Traber</b> had told me. I wasn't invited to those awards nor received any credit nor even was offered a thank-you. Oh well...my blogs and <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2011/01/homeless-father-son-story-reactions.html">video series</a>
on the two also went hand in hand with those stories and continue to
educate and inform today. And that is supposed to be the goal.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5AEJV0TDx4/VyJ3e2kIiII/AAAAAAAAXmY/z-L2PTjOUpkLRLzJNXkSZxjBa2fPzw1awCLcB/s1600/hope%2Bcbc.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5AEJV0TDx4/VyJ3e2kIiII/AAAAAAAAXmY/z-L2PTjOUpkLRLzJNXkSZxjBa2fPzw1awCLcB/s320/hope%2Bcbc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC put homeless to work renovating a home for mental health patients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I couldn't understand why I couldn't seem to get the schools on board with promoting our <b>free tourney,</b> but now it makes sense.<br />
<br />
Next up we seemed to lose support for the event from the town, with road
blocks seemingly being placed to the point we had to move the location 4
or 5 times with participants and sponsors showing up at the wrong
location at times over it. Suddenly we could not play in the area were
told we would, but instead now to a parking lot, and told we needed
rental fencing at a $1500 cost even though Councilor Sponga had pitched
this new <b>Riverwalk Commons</b> to me before built to support it, had
said we'd still be able to play there still, when I voiced concern
about losing our location if built - which we did...but he did pay for
the fencing. Then the <b>Mayor's Charity </b>dropped us, as well a <b>Main St business,</b>
who had a politically loyal owner who had once told me she would
support it as long as we held it. That was another $1000 gone right
there.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03q3cX6wtkA/VyJ5Zj6ppzI/AAAAAAAAXmk/TX30G1nDEtI7LmpiKE3l-nTWNUaKd7aBACLcB/s1600/kids%2Bmulock%2Bhockey%2Bold.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03q3cX6wtkA/VyJ5Zj6ppzI/AAAAAAAAXmk/TX30G1nDEtI7LmpiKE3l-nTWNUaKd7aBACLcB/s640/kids%2Bmulock%2Bhockey%2Bold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original team members who started it all</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went from <b>playing on Main St,</b> and on page <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2011/02/21/17357591.html">3 of the <b>Toronto Sun</b></a> for having such a great town for putting road hockey on Main<b>,</b> to a <b>back parking lot</b>,
not even road hockey anymore, which to a theme guy, is devastating.
Until then we'd always had an element of it on an actual road. Meantime,
traveling the province, I'd passionately pushed the virtues of the road
hockey program, expressing a wish to see it go national only to watch
as others started their own including in Oakville on its Main St.,and
the hospital fundraiser starting up that morphed into an across Canada
event with a big sponsor / organizer taking it over...Great idea! But it
was ours first and we started first - and no one can take that way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOtNyB-N7Vg/VyJ8kJ0MFdI/AAAAAAAAXm8/CON6bxUXd6gte30zl-uAQp96ItilsiIFACLcB/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOtNyB-N7Vg/VyJ8kJ0MFdI/AAAAAAAAXm8/CON6bxUXd6gte30zl-uAQp96ItilsiIFACLcB/s640/IMG_0458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main St - only one year road hockey event played on it so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So I began seeking out other new sponsors ( Neither Tim Horton's nor
Canadian Tire ever responded to any previous attempts, but C.T. instead
started their own <a href="http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/headline/54-blog-archived-headlines/244-sport-chek-ball-hockey-tournament"><b>Jumpstart ball hockey program</b> now with Sportcheck who had been OUR sponsor</a>,
while the local Tim's never saw fit to help the tourney and award that
kept a memory alive of a youth tragically killed on their property),
with 2013 only being pulled off because I donated my entire winnings of
$2500 for producing the winning one minute ad spot in an across-Canada
contest for the Canadian Labour Congress with, <b>One Pay Check Away,</b>
to PACC, which helped until we lost our main sponsor only weeks before
the event launch in 2014, apparently because the previous year they'd
not been able to find what location we'd been moved to at the last
minute (we'd been allowed access to RiverWalk Common's stage area for
cars and booths and mini-kiddy games previously but they decided no). We
still held it, but we were limping, and the lack of coverage was
hurtful, but I was resourceful enough online to make it still happen.
Barely. With no money, and admittedly tired, 2015 saw the first year in
11 that it wasn't held. By 2016 and with no media coverage - <b>YRMG never even printed a word about ours from our press release to announcing it,</b> I'm about ready to admit defeat...I guess I have no character.<br />
<br />
I was nominated one year for a <i>Character Award </i>and attended only
to appease my nominee as I find the whole idea of awards choice
processes deplorable, like most any awards. For Our <i><b>Mike Thornhill </b></i>"Character
Award", we simply drew the winner from the all deserved nominees on our
list (each team could nominate a player) and that was our winner.
Predictably I didn't win that night, as saving a cat in Georgina or
something was deemed more important than saving lives I guess. And yet
it seems people getting paid to do a job get a nomination or win
awards... for doing a job they were paid for. Mr Hinder got an award...
for his community commitment I suppose. I don't know.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HKS9kKZw-Fo/VyJ7haBLVNI/AAAAAAAAXmw/t-NLPpUGDYwmfJHqTAHwCMCxegmy05OmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HKS9kKZw-Fo/VyJ7haBLVNI/AAAAAAAAXmw/t-NLPpUGDYwmfJHqTAHwCMCxegmy05OmQCLcB/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belindas Place</i> finished but don't expect to find her there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I stood in line that night, I saw a "Character Matters "nominee I
hadn't seen in some time. Ten + years previous I'd been involved with
him in a partnership for an comedy show and after I'd spent months
writing games for the show, producing, and arranging for it to become a
cable TV show over two seasons, including having the station tape it
live, at their cost and then designing a program course to be taken into
schools, he made a dirty play to try and be rid of me using a frivolous
reason. After some thought & anger, I just decided to let it go. As
a struggling single dad fresh out of returning to film school at the
time, it was devastating to lose that much investment, however some egos
are better left to their own devises was my thought. But not before
he'd revealed having once been the first person in Canada ever charged
with internet stalking of a minor (called it an ex). He'd then held
improv classes at area schools for years afterwards, and I assume why he
was nominated for a 'Character Award". If you're reading this, I didn't
forget you pal! <br />
<br />
<b>Character Matters? Yea, sure it does. But it's not defined by any group handing out awards.</b><br />
<br />
Recently I heard of another set of awards for <b>"Volunteers"</b>in the
community, and no offense, but I see people who have spent a couple
months or years on an issue being awarded, while guys like me and
organiations like PACC (my first volunteer stint here was in 1994 for
the <b>Newmarket Youth Centre</b> as an original board member, the
centre now built) never an article in the paper about, no one telling
the world what a wonderful guy I am for volunteering in community
development, or for my youth work, or for helping those in need,
seniors, the disabled or for spending 6 months all told of full time
hours, all working towards gathering info and writing a report,
ultimately endorsed by YR council to the Ontario Government. A report I
might say was worth 10's of thousands of dollars, donated free for their
use, yet sits there as an unused asset. Not one a feature story or any
story on PACC either, ever, whilst some groups get coverage several
times every year. So it was a tough sled my friends. Capeche?<br />
<br />
To set the record straight, I've <b>never been paid a dime</b> for any of my poverty or community development work, and so when someone wrote to the <b>Era Banner </b>inferring
I was ' a highly paid..." I never got an opportunity to rebut since
they stopped printing my letters to them years ago when I criticized for
us building only a single women's shelter (men were openly homeless on
the streets) when their <b>Editor in Chief </b>was also on its board -
despite the assistance I've given them to get award winning stories and
being Chair of the voice of poverty in York Region no matter how they
tried to ignore them. And when <b>I realized and wrote of men dying</b> while living on our streets and they wouldn't cover that even, that's when I dug in .<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K2cWwij5iY/VyJ-1txmbqI/AAAAAAAAXnc/0w2G_3zndisUinlnMIkMg01sSzw-UiRFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K2cWwij5iY/VyJ-1txmbqI/AAAAAAAAXnc/0w2G_3zndisUinlnMIkMg01sSzw-UiRFgCLcB/s640/IMG_4845.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer run PACC gives donated pumpkins at the 2014 IDE of Poverty event @ Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got involved, originally because I saw a <b>need</b>, in a community
that seemed to have little pride and saw kids without esteem or
discipline in some cases, and not for political reasons. My literal
first act was to stop kids from banging a pipe on a road sign in the
neighbourhood. <b>"You live here. Have some respect I'd said".</b>
Ironically it seemed they welcomed my words and attention and I later
found out even the local schools had treated the kids living there
differently which I found unacceptable. People were being treated
unjustly in my eyes and kids were the victims often, so there seemed
much room for improvement and hoped I could make a difference. I know I
did now because the kids, now adults, have told me I did. That's the
only award I need. Although I did accept the Queens Diamond Jublilee
Medal because of my nominee - Canadian Crime Victims Foundation. Of
course that was for my contributions to Cnada from the queen, and not
local recognition. That stays vacant.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUMVFeBZXII/VyJ-0yokitI/AAAAAAAAXng/qGFEFXGVW_ornhfqV3sgYhpJ_kMZfP4tQCKgB/s1600/IMG_4775.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUMVFeBZXII/VyJ-0yokitI/AAAAAAAAXng/qGFEFXGVW_ornhfqV3sgYhpJ_kMZfP4tQCKgB/s320/IMG_4775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Thornhill Award winner enabled to play ice hockey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIHisM8ZNzI/VyKAj73UHiI/AAAAAAAAXno/SyM7kN3F8PwYPkL2aOjfPSwUPSsWj2RtwCLcB/s1600/1553.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIHisM8ZNzI/VyKAj73UHiI/AAAAAAAAXno/SyM7kN3F8PwYPkL2aOjfPSwUPSsWj2RtwCLcB/s320/1553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YR Commissioner Adelina Urbanski</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Youths have approached me all winter about the road hockey event and the
nets balls and sticks supply, but no more, as even stalwart York Region
Housing, which'd always been willing before to help out, has ignored
it's own community <b>assets</b>, no longer providing those funds, I
suppose to use an unproven regional fave for all their youth
funding...and a lot more I'm sure than the $300 we ever got to operate
for their teams entered. I still sit as a now 6 year volunteer on their
housing advisory committee though, despite, in my opinion, their failure
to use what's right in front of them. But you see, I don't hold it
against them, as strategies are assigned by the municipality Region of
York and know some things they cannot control - and the kids are more
important than my personal beliefs...and because <b>character matters</b>. <i>Lowercase.</i><br />
<br />
And despite contrary <a href="https://youtu.be/20ecMd0Z_Bs">assertions from York Region's Commissioner</a>, so long as York Region continues to and Newmarket and Aurora continue
to leave grassroots groups and members out of their boards and strategy sessions, they will
continue to miss the mark. I learned long ago that <b>the best programs originate from the ground up</b> and not the top down, and, until they have some inclusion, that won't change. That's one of the first changes I'd make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0gDGg1D8EY/VyKBP1PHP9I/AAAAAAAAXnw/UiGzwrdqKjoFwvbnzUbG9_S1SWUfjQoRQCLcB/s1600/1587.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0gDGg1D8EY/VyKBP1PHP9I/AAAAAAAAXnw/UiGzwrdqKjoFwvbnzUbG9_S1SWUfjQoRQCLcB/s320/1587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My private business seems to have a hard time getting any traction
locally, despite being an industry award winner, with anyone that deals
within certain circles I've noticed, and no one has ever offered me a
full time job within the Region or in the agencies either - while my
colleagues have - so believe me when I say I've had every reason to back
off. Geez yet I'm even trained in dispute resolution and group
facilitation through C.M.H.A..<br />
<br />
But you know, upon reflection, with my experience now, with having dealt
with ministers and attended dozens of invite only meetings, being
locked-in for budgets and attended for both the provincial and federal
governments in addition to the initiatives I started or participated in,
including presenting deputations to both town and regional councils and
attending in parliament, and through advocacy, I've come to forge relationships that should be beneficial to the cause.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-objFidZHUjM/VyKEZbGfv8I/AAAAAAAAXoA/1ehYQD0B5-AG93v6KHZksMZXlhniiPOpwCLcB/s1600/homeless%2Bfairy%2Blake.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-objFidZHUjM/VyKEZbGfv8I/AAAAAAAAXoA/1ehYQD0B5-AG93v6KHZksMZXlhniiPOpwCLcB/s320/homeless%2Bfairy%2Blake.jpg" width="320" /></a><i> </i><br />
<i>Last I heard the Character Matters after school</i><br />
<i>ball hockey program had morphed to ice hockey and then cancelled altogether,</i><br />
<i>once again showing me they're missing the mark.</i><br />
<i>and its about a life in between the games, not the game itself...and
engaging them a bit to influence. Meantime those kids are sitting on
green boxes now instead of goal creases.</i><br />
<br />
<i>It's where they live, for them more than </i><br />
<i>beating boredom, forming friendships, a team, a community a belonging, pride. Constructive.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><span id="goog_982759511"></span><span id="goog_982759512"></span></i><br />
<b>What was it Al Pacino's character Col Slade says in the movie <i>Scent Of A Woman</i>
when he addresses the "character" the school was teaching through its
action of rewarding a rich, privileged kid who's parents were big
donors, at the expense of ruining a poor kids life,</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Hoo - rah! Watch what kind of citizens you're making here!" </b></span><br />
<br />
Tom out.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-8256193055734278752016-04-14T01:53:00.000-04:002016-04-14T02:25:09.896-04:00Newmarket Library Odour Issue<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGT3U-AwP5M/Vw8dXp_gp7I/AAAAAAAACTk/j9xNIZWk8jUg898QcKgp21zswTupCfFsACKgB/s1600/facebook_1460608216011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGT3U-AwP5M/Vw8dXp_gp7I/AAAAAAAACTk/j9xNIZWk8jUg898QcKgp21zswTupCfFsACKgB/s640/facebook_1460608216011.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posted in the bathrooms. Criminalizing them won't help.</td></tr>
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You may have read about the recent smelly affair and controversy in the Era Banner or <a href="http://m.torontosun.com/2016/04/13/newmarket-library-puts-smelly-visitors-on-notice">The Toronto Sun</a> where I'm quoted in regards to a letter that is being distributed by the Newmarket Public Library to " offenders" in an effort to rid them of , well, human smells. Oh, perfumes are apparently covered by it as well but I've never read a policy <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/library-letter-odour-1.3534084"><b>quite so worded</b></a>. The signage posted in the washrooms also tells a story. But, in all fairness, Librarians aren't, and shouldn't be expected to be, social workers.<br />
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That said, and notwithstanding that fact, the groups they conferred with seem to me to be the ones at fault here. I'm not sure who they asked, but it definitely wasn't <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>PACC</b></a> which hosted York Region's only ever social audit in 2010 which included political leaders from across the region, front line workers, to shelter dwellers, to ODSP recipients, to the disabled (<a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA"><b>See the video</b></a>) complete with follow up report / recommends, co-written by myself along with the former <b>York Region Food Network</b> and NDP federal Mp candidate, <b>Yvonne Kelly</b>. <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf"><b>That report took us 6 months.</b></a><br />
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PACC's <b>first concern</b> was making it as user friendly as possible and to make everyone feel welcome while treating the participants with dignity and respect. <br />
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In fact many York Region entities scored poorly from conditions at "domicile" group homes to narrowly targeted services. One of the main themes that stood out was the<b> lack of supports for men</b> and the treatment people were receiving from social services and from distributors of many of the the existing supports. The lone full time men's Porter Place shelter users were particularly vocal that workers there did not treat them with any respect and that the programs were non existent or inaccessible for most. Even the location is remote, miles from any town, in between Bradford and Newmarket, along a desolate stretch. It's all they have here, outside winter, when they are put in a big room to share the possible unpleasant smells of those dragging themselves in to escape the cold. But no one gives that a second thought.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbsykdZ5XQc/Vw8Zx1DCXhI/AAAAAAAACTc/8WFr9ibmYis_1LvCetwLdqehOBMDeiWuACKgB/s1600/NOT%2BTHE%2BBETTER%2BWAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbsykdZ5XQc/Vw8Zx1DCXhI/AAAAAAAACTc/8WFr9ibmYis_1LvCetwLdqehOBMDeiWuACKgB/s640/NOT%2BTHE%2BBETTER%2BWAY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With few options, York Region men also end up in Toronto </b></td></tr>
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Getting back to the library. Examining why the homeless attend the libraries can lead all the way back to the stem - no home - never mind a shelter. Libraries provide warmth, access to peers, jobs, friends, family, and a place to socialize and sometimes wash up or change in a pinch. But they aren't a social club. And the white elephant of nice families and kids attending and perhaps being dissuaded to do so because of them is also present. So I get it. But we can actually use the library experience to make a positive. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/a-library-is-often-the-safest-place-for-homeless-people-thats-why-this-one-hired-a-social-worker_us_56fbf43ee4b083f5c6063b0d?utm_hp_ref=impact"><b>Click here </b></a>to see where this library homeless hub idea is already working!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dd9BDjOpgQ/Vw8h3XuewCI/AAAAAAAACTw/5DwUcILh1Wo_c5ktKLsHNTrwzRVeMplrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dd9BDjOpgQ/Vw8h3XuewCI/AAAAAAAACTw/5DwUcILh1Wo_c5ktKLsHNTrwzRVeMplrwCLcB/s640/IMG_0499.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Newmarket Public Library</b></td></tr>
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What if we somehow used the library as a place to intervene? A place where you can engage them and perhaps steer those in need into a real help like a psychiatrist coming once a month or a housing support group or assist getting them access to medical and community supports. Even hold fun supportive types of events including art therapy, poetry reads - whilst always having refreshments and some type of access to computers etc in that area set for them within the library. This wouldn't mean they would be unable to use the whole library just encouraged to use 'theirs".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4IT1-b-LxU/Vw8ZxpEyM0I/AAAAAAAACTc/ulYGIUuMQqYRE-Mj8GwhWSIHWeqLLuUzgCKgB/s1600/Ipad%2Bfor%2Bhomeless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4IT1-b-LxU/Vw8ZxpEyM0I/AAAAAAAACTc/ulYGIUuMQqYRE-Mj8GwhWSIHWeqLLuUzgCKgB/s640/Ipad%2Bfor%2Bhomeless.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It may sound far fetched but libraries have become hubs for them for a number of variables, particularly in small towns, and so I say we embrace it as an opportunity to engage and save some lives. Studies in the US and Australia show men committing suicide 3 to 1 vs women and with men making up the bulk of our street homeless I think its about time we offered them too an option of life - which all starts with a home - for which they'd be last on any lists in York Region to get any. <br />
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<b>Patriarchy</b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPz3h-WQgl4/Vw8vHMSoiBI/AAAAAAAACUA/NF9OflfUOXYIWnIMbwczSg_MuaNNTjvugCLcB/s1600/york%2Bhousing%2Bhub%2Bvisit%2B049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPz3h-WQgl4/Vw8vHMSoiBI/AAAAAAAACUA/NF9OflfUOXYIWnIMbwczSg_MuaNNTjvugCLcB/s320/york%2Bhousing%2Bhub%2Bvisit%2B049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New YR women's shelter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One could take it one step further and say that stats also show that domestic abuse is closer to 50 / 50 between the sexes yet with men being reluctant to report such occurrences, they are not even acknowledged by the region - or how else do you explain the discrepancy with there being 6 shelters for abused women, one for just single women with 40 beds, one for single moms and families and every new spot for transitional housing was slotted to only the single women to go with the only other transitional housing YR has for abused women but only 26 full time beds for single men who make up the overwhelming bulk of the street homeless. Fair? Fair enough. Then let's not complain about smells. It should be the least of what we're concerning ourselves with right?<br />
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I went to the Trinity Church to find out about showers they direct the "public' to use if apparently in need as deemed by the <b>smells police</b> but at 3:45 the doors were locked and no one answered the bell even though the operation hours say until 4... But gee that absessed tooth that stinks won't be removed by a shower anyway, nor my dirty clothes. Well no library today I guess.<br />
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<b>Sample of scent policy </b><br />
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This is sample of what a notice looks like from a coalition we are involved in looking to bring dental care to low wage earners -
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<b>The next Dental Coalition meeting is being held on Mar 22/16 from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_433299735" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:00-11:00am</span></span> at VCHC boardroom. Please find attached the agenda and the last meeting minutes.</b></div>
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<b>Thank you and hope to see everyone,</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "brush script mt";">Hosay</span></b></div>
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<b>Vaughan Community Health Centre</b></div>
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<b>9401 Jane Street, Suite 206, Vaughan, ON L6A 4H7</b></div>
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<b>The VCHC promotes a Scent-Free Workplace. In
consideration to those who are sensitive to chemicals, VCHC kindly asks
you to refr</b>ain from wearing perfumes, colognes and other scented
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PACCman outAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-89629219475505848992015-05-18T13:20:00.001-04:002019-02-06T17:24:21.718-05:00House of Hope for Mental Health Care delayed license in Y.R....Why?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfo7sjPwz9M/VVoQ_8db-AI/AAAAAAAACMk/3DzoaeKFM1Y/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfo7sjPwz9M/VVoQ_8db-AI/AAAAAAAACMk/3DzoaeKFM1Y/s640/IMG_3468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>It's been almost a year </b>since we last helped find a suitable tenant for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/173840062659245"><b>"House of Hope"</b></a> located just north of Green Lane on Leslie St in Newmarket, Ontario, or Sharon, technically. The people we found have experience running homes for those in need and have been running this place since moving in, like a clean, well oiled, machine.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqB0UQoWbk0/VVoP6M8WhUI/AAAAAAAACL0/aUyGIDHLuFA/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqB0UQoWbk0/VVoP6M8WhUI/AAAAAAAACL0/aUyGIDHLuFA/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has been home of a type to help people for generations now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The residents there are dished out their medications of course, and each gets their own room (some domicile housing providers puts 3 and 4 in one room!), but, unlike a previous well known Cross Links group that ran a home their for 9 years (and ran / runs many more), and which applications for licenses seem to get rubber stamped despite long time complaints about the 'care' they take of the residents in their care, they are not allowed to smoke in their units or eat in their rooms, and it's enforced - keeping the possibilities of any mice or ants infestations to a minimum.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4H2fm_IYpkw/VVoP6B0ZAsI/AAAAAAAACLw/_43ILILFlrc/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4H2fm_IYpkw/VVoP6B0ZAsI/AAAAAAAACLw/_43ILILFlrc/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every room has natural light</td></tr>
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For 9 years this so called group of "care takers" either allowed smokers to smoke in bed without repercussions, or turned a blind eye to it one supposes, along with any "inspectors", as evidenced by being found in such a state whenever the building's owner would drop in for visits often finding piles of butted cigarettes bedside in some units as well as holes, and walls left with nonsensical writing across them. Residents were also fed microwaved frozen meals as their nourishment to eat in their rooms. He also relayed that people never seemed to be doing anything either when he'd visit.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHnNhOMSb8/VVoP53xm62I/AAAAAAAACLs/0V6xYg6sRvY/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHnNhOMSb8/VVoP53xm62I/AAAAAAAACLs/0V6xYg6sRvY/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This new group makes home made meals and has a supper table and common areas that seat everyone, changes clean linens regularly, and keeps the place spic and span. If an employee doesn't do the job expected and up to standards they are let go, period. <br />
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<b>In fact, in the</b> <b>9 years a previous group had the place the owner did not recall an inspector ever coming out to check on how they ran things</b>. He'd even find drug needles in corners of common areas and bring it to their attention, another time a resident had a sword-like knife in their room which is not allowed. Yet never an inspector it seemed. <br />
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He also told me the current proprietor of the residence he owns does a <b>10x better job of keeping the place clean, feeding residence real meals, enforcing no smoking rules </b>and runs a no nonsense ship - unlike the rubber stamp group - yet still they have no license issued all these months later.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldMrQMqn7R8/VVoRBMJm-YI/AAAAAAAACM0/nqms-1eByaE/s1600/IMG_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldMrQMqn7R8/VVoRBMJm-YI/AAAAAAAACM0/nqms-1eByaE/s320/IMG_3485.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House room view</td></tr>
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Inspectors have come and have been nit-picking the place for months now, one asking a fire door be added, while the next one asked it be removed etc, all the while denying their application for miniscule reasons compared to the years of squalor previously witnessed. Meantime the other group seems to be getting rewarded with new regional contracts / licenses, including now a youth residence they will be apparently running. Are they blind inspectors?<br />
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The home was left a mess too, as I was involved at the time in the initial cleanup, <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmywDvqvBis/VVoW6_p5Z4I/AAAAAAAACNg/_T_85vfQUYE/s1600/hope%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmywDvqvBis/VVoW6_p5Z4I/AAAAAAAACNg/_T_85vfQUYE/s320/hope%2Bwall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical wall condition left by previous tenants in 2010-11</td></tr>
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and wondered how in the world they could run a place in such a state and get away with it let alone continually be rewarded with licenses to run more. I still wonder, and meantime await this new group being approved soon as <b>we desperately need more of this type of housing provider </b>that both cares and knows what they are doing from a grass roots level.<br />
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Something is drastically wrong when we continue the status quot without checks, and reward groups that even our own <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf">York Region social audit </a>pointed out our current providers are / were not handling people well, nor providing dignified care and activities, often essentially stripping residents of all their welfare funds leaving them with little or nothing to spend, and care residents despondent and depressed, often and afraid to speak up. No atmosphere for anyone to endure let alone in someone's "care". <b> </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uq1t5XyRTAQ/VVoW7dQE6-I/AAAAAAAACNs/UplHLpKlxUs/s1600/hope%2Bwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uq1t5XyRTAQ/VVoW7dQE6-I/AAAAAAAACNs/UplHLpKlxUs/s320/hope%2Bwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completely redone after long time residents left from need</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Despite providing private rooms and home made meals</b><i><b>, The House of Hope</b></i> still takes less from those in residence there than other domiciles help themselves to, leaving more money in the hands of the residents to control and<b> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">be active</span></b> with....and the residents actually like living there. Does that not matter to the Region?<br />
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Another such place run on the outskirts of town has / had residents there living in fear. A young man I went to visit said another resident came into his room, which he also had to share, and helped himself in his drawer. It was common for a group of them to be in an apartment with everyone there toking etc while someone surely is dealing there. The host was busted for selling them cigarettes illegally also, yet last I heard is still in business. Wow. I guess as long as the paper work is filled out correctly, that is the main criteria. She'd actually been interested in the House of Hope, which I'd advised the property owner against, knowing what I knew.<br />
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<b>"Unfortunately, it's all about big money Tom" </b>the property owner replied to me as to his opinion to why, when I inquired how it didn't make sense his tenant being denied a license so long when it's evidential that so many are run so poorly. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUD5JniGhus/VVoW65ZoOeI/AAAAAAAACNc/9XGrkg1BiSs/s1600/hope%2Bcbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUD5JniGhus/VVoW65ZoOeI/AAAAAAAACNc/9XGrkg1BiSs/s320/hope%2Bcbc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can always get the CBC to check out why, need be again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>All people deserve a place to live that is dignified, clean, safe and encouraging and that is what the current proprietors at the House Of Hope offer, so <span style="font-size: large;">stop delaying good care and rewarding poor care.</span> It doesn't look good, nor make sense in this desperate time of need for housing and care, to our residents mired with mental health and addictions. </b><br />
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<b>Absolutely no reason these people should be facing barriers at this time, in fact the Region should be happy to have someone who actually cares in the 'business". They may not run a slew of them, but it's about quality of care, not quantity of units. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-JRHixLV60/VVpmvoLvMvI/AAAAAAAACOE/jBWjrUMa47U/s1600/hope%2Bpainted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-JRHixLV60/VVpmvoLvMvI/AAAAAAAACOE/jBWjrUMa47U/s320/hope%2Bpainted.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front room corner after tape & paint in 2011</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are 3 of the outcomes mentioned as found in York Region through the social audit "<a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA">Behind the Mask</a>s" in 2010</b></span><br />
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4.) We recommend that all organizations and agencies, governmental and non-governmental, along with various levels of government, utilize a Healthy Communities Model based on the Social Determinants of Health</div>
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, in their planning, service / program delivery and policy development, with a vision toward realizing health equity for all members of our communities. </div>
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5.) We urge municipal, provincial and federal levels of government to take action on key items such as the availability and affordability of housing, the availability and affordability of transportation, and the income insufficiency of marginalized groups in our communities. </div>
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6.) We urge all organizations, agencies and service providers to review their practices / policies and challenge themselves to provide the best service possible, while respecting the dignity and rights of the individuals they are serving.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Sharon, ON N6P, Canada42.893517 -81.35145499999998719.612610500000002 -122.66004899999999 66.1744235 -40.042860999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-83730795121397950872015-04-22T23:29:00.000-04:002015-04-22T23:29:03.288-04:00York Region Voices heard in Queens Park<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
YRMG's Era Banner needs to respect Grassroots Voices
</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uWCpQUrfkw/VTe9ojegveI/AAAAAAAAKcA/urOx1WspCvk/s1600/IMG_5234%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uWCpQUrfkw/VTe9ojegveI/AAAAAAAAKcA/urOx1WspCvk/s1600/IMG_5234%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1083942490"></span><span id="goog_1083942491"></span>Recently
I had a call from The Newmarket Era Banner asking me to comment on the
Ontario government's announcements regarding their latest poverty
reduction methods. I'm reluctant sometimes to do interviews with the
paper as at times they misquote me, and, for a number of years now, have
not published any of my many letters to the Editor nor any pictures.<br />
<br />
The pics one is odd, as another recent time they'd actually asked me to
come for a pic, after being asked to comment about the fact that York
Region Council had voted to <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4082396-public-transit-fares-one-step-closer-to-10-hike">raise transit costs again</a>
- they are already the countries highest for local transit. I came
down, they did the pic and they didn't run it. No explanation, and the
article went on to replace my statement of it being the among highest in
the entire country to "already high".<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwVv_IlHTwg/VTfBOxJ1yjI/AAAAAAAAKcM/Ki9OPk0TQfI/s1600/IMG_4358_1.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwVv_IlHTwg/VTfBOxJ1yjI/AAAAAAAAKcM/Ki9OPk0TQfI/s1600/IMG_4358_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In the most recent article they quoted me fairly well, however in the
following issue in " Letters to the Editor", allowed to go unchecked a
letter to by a writer claiming <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/"><b>PACC</b></a>
was in lock- step with the government. One need only Google the terms '
Poverty York Region" to find that is far from the case. The letter
writer had used it as a <b>sedge-way</b> to discuss their own pet peeve,
non-related to the subject of homelessness agenda, and I / we were left
without defense or rebuttal so I wrote a letter to the Editor. Again,
no print.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zv2v08bATM/VTe9cNglobI/AAAAAAAAKb4/MMufZPJQZBg/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zv2v08bATM/VTe9cNglobI/AAAAAAAAKb4/MMufZPJQZBg/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelter behind schedule due to plans changes</td></tr>
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My lock-step point had been they should simply raise O.D.S.P. - Ontario
Disabilities Support Program and welfare rates as their
'anti-homelessness" strategy and they'd be able to eliminate most of the
"need" for their 'programs and such a heavy reliance on food bank
solutions. Hardly a "lock step" position, yet it made " Letter to the
Editor" without question and left for all to surmise it true since<a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/5539070-housing-transit-huge-issues-for-impoverished"><b> the column it referred to with my quotes</b></a> was not in the same issue which leaves the reader with a final false impression and notion about <b>PACC. </b>I
wonder if any other groups get this kind of treatment, where no pics
and no letters or no articles are ever written by the newspaper yet they
still call you on occasion for controlled quotes because they must.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrSllA3kak0/VTfBkpnBRiI/AAAAAAAAKcU/ET9E4Q91TXw/s1600/PACC%2Blogo%2B1B.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrSllA3kak0/VTfBkpnBRiI/AAAAAAAAKcU/ET9E4Q91TXw/s1600/PACC%2Blogo%2B1B.gif" width="287" /></a></div>
Funny PACC's work is recognized by the Region and by the community at
large, as shown through the chair being nominated for and receiving The
Queens Jubilee Award for contributions to country and co-authoring the <a href="https://plus.google.com/+TPEntertainmentProductionsNewmarket/posts/c7YQh8Csggx"><b>region's social audit</b></a>.<br />
<br />
PACC's expertise and experience gets us invited to consult with
government and various departments in order to help steer the direction
they take, not because of any lock-step arrangement. They recognize who
we are. It's time <b>YRMG </b>did as well and allow our voices truly heard.<br />
<br />
How about a feature on <b>PACC</b> and all they've managed to
accomplish, without government funding, for over 10 years, despite the
silo they've been given to work in at times.<br />
<br />
This week on Ontario budget day I will be <i><b>locked in</b></i> prior
to the announcement and able to see the budget before the public does
and ask questions of the Ministers prior to the budget announcement.
Prior to this budget being tabled, we were asked to participate in input
sessions to examine the directions the government would / should take -
often at odds with what we felt priorities should be.<br />
<br />
We didn't attend to say how wonderful they were doing, we attended to
try and influence the direction in a way that is fair, but we always
come back to a simple deduction - raise the rates first to pre
Harris-like levels, and then you'll eliminate most of your "at risk"
population. Add <b>real</b> addictions services - including gambling and drug alcohol rehabs and you'll eliminate it even further.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQz2-_wW_WU/VTfFpON1o5I/AAAAAAAAKcg/zuCMIwYQ2-c/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQz2-_wW_WU/VTfFpON1o5I/AAAAAAAAKcg/zuCMIwYQ2-c/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join Dan's <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2015/01/stroll-and-roll-to-freedomroll-up-rates.html"><b>Stroll & Roll to Freedom</b></a></td></tr>
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<b>Simple Math - A LOCAL ROOM FOR RENT AD - $525 is the only ad I see
for shared accommodation in the the Era Banner I have now. Welfare rates
top out at around $600. Food banks give 3 days rations per month.</b><br />
<br />
We'll be locked-in for tomorrows provincial budget. Should anybody
request a comment we won't be allowed until after the 4pm provincial
budget announcement. I won't hold my breath.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You can show your support for a BETTER DEAL for those on disability support on the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/856812211031428"> Stroll & Roll to Freedom.</a></b><br />
<br />
TP out
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-33030072412600964322015-01-12T20:46:00.000-05:002015-05-15T16:54:56.921-04:00Stroll and Roll to Freedom...Roll up the Rates to Win July 7 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nobcy6mkjyQ/VLRyxPK_keI/AAAAAAAACGg/t22gurjnuu8/s1600/Ice%2BStorm%2Band%2Bsnow%2Bnature%2B2013%2B111-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nobcy6mkjyQ/VLRyxPK_keI/AAAAAAAACGg/t22gurjnuu8/s1600/Ice%2BStorm%2Band%2Bsnow%2Bnature%2B2013%2B111-SNOW.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderland for some..nightmare for others</td></tr>
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As winter begins its blanket of fear upon the downtrodden, some are hurt more than others but everyone feels it. Those prone toward suffering depression are especially hard hit this time of year and those in wheelchairs, particularly those with muscular diseases as they are much harder hit. Winter for some is brutal but for others its a nightmare.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzm6S68P5a8/VLRwdYKmEjI/AAAAAAAACGI/UJQftKUmlb0/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzm6S68P5a8/VLRwdYKmEjI/AAAAAAAACGI/UJQftKUmlb0/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" width="320" /></a>Shopping excursions for some become a monthly affair, not wanting to have to venture out more than is necessary, and <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>socializing</b></span> means <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/856812211031428/">mostly online</a> and any workers that come to your door, some not into that part of the job, leaving you feeling frustrated, downtrodden and often lonely. On top of that, you've had to decide between keeping internet or eating as your <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyhyo6kI5W0&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA&index=7">food portion</a> has long been whittled away by inflation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0LO_zPu0o/VLRxGM0ev2I/AAAAAAAACGU/CoKcFZpxWUc/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0LO_zPu0o/VLRxGM0ev2I/AAAAAAAACGU/CoKcFZpxWUc/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Outdoor art for summer entertainment..Fun wow!</td></tr>
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There was a time in your life when it wasn't like this. You walked. Ran. Worked. Socialized. But now you are controlled by others at the mercy of a system that seems brutal at times within its own best intentions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2015/01/stroll-and-roll-to-freedomroll-up-rates.html"><b>Surely a better deal can be worked out with the Ontario Government</b></a>. </span><i>One that allows such a person enough living income to afford new shoes once in awhile, taste a home-made roast on occasion, and perhaps even - egads! A night out! </i><br />
<br />
<b>Follow Dan in his</b><br />
<span style="background-color: orange;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/12/seniors-inspire-ontario-poverty.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stroll & Roll to Freedom </b></span></span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com1York Regional Municipality, ON, Canada43.9884612 -79.47038850000001343.2583397 -80.761282000000008 44.718582700000006 -78.179495000000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-72603409409512322472015-01-08T11:58:00.000-05:002015-01-08T12:50:37.979-05:00Men in York Region Dying Homeless <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxt7gOUoEEk/VK6fhtnFKWI/AAAAAAAACFo/jTQqyVSvNG4/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxt7gOUoEEk/VK6fhtnFKWI/AAAAAAAACFo/jTQqyVSvNG4/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 2014, it was reported a man had been found dead at the <b>Go</b> parking lot in Newmarket, Ontario. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What wasn't reported,</span> was that he had no money, no place to go, and that he had been seen there that night for hours out in the cold by the cabbies that sit at the Go station and by <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">patrolling police officers. U</span>ltimately, he still died... He might have been able to prolong his life if he didn't fear prosecution by jumping on a bus as is often done by those men who are turned out into the cold when no beds are available at the shelters or he has no means to get to one.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In 2013, I</span> attended<span style="font-size: small;"> the funeral</span> of yet <b>another</b> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Newmarket</span> man </b></span>whose life consisted of a revolving shelter door. He was only 56. Men like him, who for whatever reason are not able to attain a stable roof over their heads and all the accolades that go along with that - like a healthy lifestyle and diet - usually live shorter lives. These men stay in the shelters for the maximum allotted time of 6 weeks and then couch surf or live on the streets until such time as they can return again. Whilst staying in the shelters, they are of course expelled during the day first thing in the morning and not allowed back in until the evening. This type of lifestyle takes its toll, especially as one gets older. <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Statistics <span style="font-size: small;">prove</span></b></span> those living under these conditions live <i><b>considerably shorter lives</b></i>. <u><b>Our current safety net system supports this</b></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHjKGKH1p5k/UFdHxHoExII/AAAAAAAAAzE/uE-SbmaZ06g/s1600/Damian+edward+and+spinoffs+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHjKGKH1p5k/UFdHxHoExII/AAAAAAAAAzE/uE-SbmaZ06g/s320/Damian+edward+and+spinoffs+007.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man lived in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80TmRkvPbE&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">York Region forests</a> with his son...in winter!</td></tr>
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<br />
I attended a <b>housing consultation workshop</b> in York Region ( hosted by the Region), and although a number of organizations were there claimed to want to make a difference, I couldn't help but notice how many exist <i><b>because of</b></i> marginalized people, and wondered if they <b>all</b> had their motives in the right places?<br />
<br />
At the funeral, the presiding Chaplain asked if anyone would like to say anything and a number of people from a local shelter got up and spoke nicely of him. But he didn't go to those places because he <span style="font-size: large;"><b>wanted</b></span> to - he hated shelters and community meals - he went because he <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>had</b></span> to, as he had no choice, because we leave guys like him - guys unable to quite do everything it takes to survive on their own - especially with the minimal income they're expected to try and pull their bootstraps up on, against the backdrop of average rental costs here, to fend for themselves. No<a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/5242669-women-s-centre-in-newmarket-helps-abused-women"> " York Region's best kept Secret"</a> Men's Centres here. Subsequently, men like him <span style="font-size: large;"><b>have</b></span> to attend these often dangerous shelters, but, make no mistake, <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>they'd rather not</b></span>.<br />
<br />
When I spoke of this man who died far too young, from the pulpit, it was in genuine glowing memory of how he'd look forward to <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">volunteering</span> for our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mCJvwxmS44&feature=share&list=UL7mCJvwxmS44">road hockey tourney</a></b></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mCJvwxmS44&feature=share&list=UL7mCJvwxmS44"> </a>every year as it was held right near his turf - Main St - where he could be found most any day perched in a doorway watching "his" street and where we literally played the tourney one year - right on Main St. Afterwards, the Salvation Army Chaplain noted aloud how it was nice to hear how <i><b>these organizations </b></i>allowed him to volunteer with them, but the reality is he <b>only <i>volunteered for our event</i></b>. That was the one <i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>he chose</b></span></i>. In fact most other organizations wouldn't allow him to volunteer as he didn't "qualify", but they sure don't mind asking for testimonials from to solicit sympathy funds for their "causes".<br />
V<b>ideo - All these organizations, yet still men die homeless here with no plan to change </b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dycOTSxaZPo5R9MCorYFUk3fjWR8LOOw41dNA_3b42zWOxnXuIskg2gnc7eEbbpvXTveV9AUrxug1U-pYl6Pg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some</b> </span>of the "do-gooders" attending, most of whose organizations don't seem to respond to requests to participate in the annual<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b><a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">Oct 17</a> International Day for the Eradication of Poverty </b><span style="font-size: small;">event</span></span>, which is a day sanctioned by the U.N. as <span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><b>THE day to speak out against poverty</b></span>, should be ashamed to call themselves <i>part of the solution.</i><br />
<br />
Part of the solution, is allowing people to have the <b>tools and where-with-all to survive <i>without charitable supports where possible, </i>and with <span style="font-size: x-large;">real dignity,</span> and speaking up for their right to do so.</b> The do-gooders want to do good? Come out Oct 17 to Riverwalk Commons and <b>speak up</b> about the <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>lack of affordable housing</b></span> for these men, programs lack, and income supports, but they're all too busy blindly hosting fundraisers for shelters and giving to food banks to notice men are really <b>dying out there</b>. Slowly and quickly both.<br />
<h2>
Charity / Nonprofit organizations are mandated to devote 10% of their budgets to social justice advocacy so we would expect to see them <i>all</i> on <span style="font-size: x-large;">the <i>only day</i> designed specifically for that reason</span> - <span style="font-size: x-large;">Oct 17 </span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd6oELmInsc/UFdHRRLPquI/AAAAAAAAAy8/6Mpame06PYo/s1600/homeless+apt+etc+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd6oELmInsc/UFdHRRLPquI/AAAAAAAAAy8/6Mpame06PYo/s320/homeless+apt+etc+002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Gloves boxer <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/04/york-region-politics-meet-feds.html">John Fletcher</a> died living here behind a Tim Hortons </td></tr>
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<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/04/york-region-politics-meet-feds.html">I wrote about</a> another long-time street person dying in 2012 here - a former golden glove boxer no less - and not one word written in the media. The year before, an elderly homeless man died of exposure in an abandoned trailer off Davis Drive, this relayed to me by a homeless man who had been drinking with him that night. Again, not one word written.<br />
<br />
I certainly have nothing against <b>EMERGENCY</b> shelters <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when needed,</b></span> but, sorry, I don't hear about our women dying on our streets, yet you wouldn't know it for all the kerfuffle about the "need' for another women's shelter. Shelters are not homes, and Y.R., with the among <span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">lowest rentals / owned housing ratios in the country,</span> needs more permanent housing. We have 7 existing shelters already and of the 7, 6 already accept women in various categories. When the family shelter opened, the other women's shelter use numbers actually dropped, yet we are still building women another one for $10 Million dollars just in build costs.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But Where will they go afterward? </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;">Where will these women, who will have to come here from across Ontario to fill it, go afterwards?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
I've said it before and I'll say it again - and all the <b>stats and reports back m</b>e - what York Region needs is <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">more <b>affordable housing</b></span> - particularly for singles - and especially for its <b>homeless men.</b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>PACCman</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com2York Regional Municipality, ON, Canada43.9884612 -79.47038850000001343.2583397 -80.761282000000008 44.718582700000006 -78.179495000000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-57867737627337398382014-12-15T17:16:00.002-05:002015-05-15T16:57:52.088-04:00Seniors Inspire Ontario Poverty Reduction's Stroll and Roll to Freedom July 7 2015<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Az2ZopU6U/VI8xIkupCSI/AAAAAAAACDI/Wc-nVaIw0Xo/s1600/dan%2Bontario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Az2ZopU6U/VI8xIkupCSI/AAAAAAAACDI/Wc-nVaIw0Xo/s1600/dan%2Bontario.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan Philion, happy with initial meeting with M.P.P.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday was inspirational. It actually started the night before, when <a href="http://youtu.be/-XaBJ3ZwktM"><b>Dan Philion</b></a>, stricken with Muscular Dystrophy and confined to a wheelchair, with limited physical capabilities, was trying to beg off going to a meeting with <a href="http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=7282">his MPP. </a><br />
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Dan has done a lot for the community, awarded for his efforts, and a single dad at one time raising two alone, then a partner since gone. Hey, she can walk now, a story for another time, leaving Dan with limited access to his daughter.<br />
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So he lives alone, often relying on the help of others to assist him with certain tasks that he has a tough time doing, such as shopping, cooking (food), and household maintenance although he does get a cleaner and personal support workers who drop by, including assistance dressing, and getting into and out of bed at night - having an electric hoist-like pulley with velcro straps that is used to position him for bed or chair or...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2RzLG0rtCI/VI9C9572CgI/AAAAAAAACDY/CM6TvA0apuU/s1600/poverty%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2RzLG0rtCI/VI9C9572CgI/AAAAAAAACDY/CM6TvA0apuU/s1600/poverty%2Bboots.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rejected shoes or makeshift boots</td></tr>
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Of course, if he had it his way, he wouldn't need anyone with anything, but knows that isn't in the cards. Still, he feels the <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>basic necessities</b> in life <b>he should be able to afford</b></span> as its not his fault he's in this predicament. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He had no shoes for the meeting.</b></span></span><br />
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" I'm not going to the meeting Tom. It's not that important to me anyway", he lied, trying to soften the blow. I'd known it meant a lot to him, he was just nervous about having to speak about it with someone like this in this forum and I knew it. That and the fact he had no shoes or boots.<br />
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" What size are you I asked?" I'll get you shoes, but you're going!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVduV1Mpqng/VI9D-SYT8vI/AAAAAAAACDg/f-jynPwCrpw/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVduV1Mpqng/VI9D-SYT8vI/AAAAAAAACDg/f-jynPwCrpw/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M.P. Lois Brown once awarded Dan for community service</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0vVRPNOVUg/VI9EsRH7bSI/AAAAAAAACDo/dMCYVeSqcLY/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0vVRPNOVUg/VI9EsRH7bSI/AAAAAAAACDo/dMCYVeSqcLY/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MP supports charity solutions like free coats </td></tr>
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<b>I've </b>gotten to know him pretty well over the past 10 years or so and can get away with talking to him like that because we're friends now. Danny's a pretty straight shooter as well. He'd gotten into the habit of not having his drop-in, personal support workers dress him in the morning, giving him another out for not venturing out of the home. But these are often tell-tale signs of oncoming depression also, and, with winter, he is also affected much worse by cold than " normal" blooded people, with his illness, not to mention cleaning the wheel tracks he can't reach or making sure the driveway is cleared by someone in order to get out. He's a social guy, and shines when he does go out which was sorely needed at that time for him. Lucky for us, on this day after the first snow storm of the year, a <a href="http://youtu.be/-XaBJ3ZwktM"><b>Neighbourhood Network</b></a> volunteer showed up, eliminating yet another barrier to his participation in life. <br />
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That night before I had an event and was unable to get out for his boots, but had managed to locate a pair of 12 wide dress shoes, along with strips, that could be worn to simulate boots, which Dan immediately shot down upon seeing for the first time.<br />
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<b>"I'm wearing track pants", he said, " I'm not wearing dress shoes with track pants.. And what the F$#@& are these?" he added, laughing at the leather leg pieces.</b><br />
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" You said boots", I meekly offered.. "I've worn them for the Santa suit and for the Grinch..."<br />
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" Ha, you wear them then, I'm not".... He wore his usual thick wool socks instead of shoes.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jC3FddoYV5Y/VI9HhtSslRI/AAAAAAAACD4/_SKiLukCoR4/s1600/20141212_120518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jC3FddoYV5Y/VI9HhtSslRI/AAAAAAAACD4/_SKiLukCoR4/s1600/20141212_120518.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some community accreditation Dan has received</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxob5Dzas40/VI9W4vJMq1I/AAAAAAAACFA/BcR1YBiXzVo/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxob5Dzas40/VI9W4vJMq1I/AAAAAAAACFA/BcR1YBiXzVo/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/08/york-region-politics-facts-fiction.html">I visited</a> the canvassing Chris Ballard during the election</td></tr>
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Going into the meeting, I wasn't expecting much, knowing the M.P.P. new to the caucus / processes, as a rookie, and the strategy was to give a little background first on Dan - like how he literally fell down one day at work, never able to work / walk again without assistance - and how his disease progressively gets worse, so he's unable to do much physically anymore, about P.A.C.C., and about the issue and inform him about the plan for the spring of a <b>march to his office</b> called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/856812211031428/"><b>Stroll and Roll</b> <b>for freedom</b></a>, with the hope he could support an increase to what those in Dan's position get in income. We weren't going to ask that he support the 50% increase that Dan thinks would be fair, but rather if he could agree that he deserved better than having to come asking without shoes. It's a tough one to decline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyRHS916eM0/VI9HhVbN3AI/AAAAAAAACD0/4blI0BEmLOc/s1600/20141212_152050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyRHS916eM0/VI9HhVbN3AI/AAAAAAAACD0/4blI0BEmLOc/s1600/20141212_152050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan is tired of asking of charity for basics and hates food banks</td></tr>
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That said, I did hope he could embrace the idea of such an action, and even participate, which he sounds open to doing, and, so, when he's asked now as a rookie member of Ontario parliament what's new in York Region, he'll have something to raise, and a reason too. We did not want to overwhelm him with stats and figures, but reminded him of our <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/07/ontario-government-poverty-reduction.html">past involvement with MPP'</a>s and even as participants in their governments poverty reduction hearings, but, more than that, I wanted him to just meet Dan, first hand, asking personally, for a better deal.<br />
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It is a reasonable request, and one the Ontario government will tell you they are working on this master plan for - but the one thing they have consistently resisted, despite the Harris era 40% cuts - is raising O.D.S.P. rates to livable rates. While welfare is meant to be temporary and used in parcel with community supports to move people forward in life, those with certain disabilities most often do not have that option, yet are painted with the same brush. <br />
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<b>Join Dan July 7 2015 on the <span style="background-color: #cc0000;">Stroll and Roll to Freedom</span> starting at York Region Headquarters on Yonge St. Newmarket at 12 noon and ending at the MPP's office.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">" We've listened, and people have said they want to work" </span> </b>Ontario Government on their Poverty Reduction Strategy</span><br />
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I call that <i>selective hearing</i>. Yes they <i>want</i> to work. But they can't <i>all</i> <i>do</i> so. <b>What they<i> really want</i></b> is just to be recognized as <i>valuable and useful members of society</i>. That's the issue. "You hear the expression falling through the cracks? Well guys like Dan are the ones who fall through those cracks", I explained, " and the direction of the poverty reduction strategy does nothing to address this..That's where these cracks surface."<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfk3uJNzqGo/VI9JjE1P_BI/AAAAAAAACEI/XKTrKRWE3IU/s1600/20141115_093636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfk3uJNzqGo/VI9JjE1P_BI/AAAAAAAACEI/XKTrKRWE3IU/s1600/20141115_093636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That very week alone, Dan had to call the ambulance service to come put him to bed as the <a href="http://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/programs/Pages/default.aspx"><b>March of Dimes</b></a> provider service had begged off, saying they had <i>no replacement</i>. I wonder how much $ extra that costs everyone instead of having a back-up, on-call person(s)? <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Provincial%20Government"><b>Last year I had to do this for two weeks over Christmas</b></a> prior to Dan getting into the M.O.D.'s program. I'm not trained for this.<br />
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As the meeting progressed, Dan's comfort level rose in voicing concerns about how he's having to live, and even mentioned the worry of falling into a mental health crisis, to which the M.P.P. offered up about the tremendous costs for that too. Turns out M.P.P. Ballard also had a hand some time ago within the schools in Aurora as a fundraiser for school trips and such, always ensuring <i>all kids</i> could go and without embarrassing stigmas attached. It was good to know he'd had at least some ground level experience and understanding to the roots of the issue. The M.P.P. mentioned one of the things they planned to do first was tie the rates to the <b>cost of living </b>so it would not have to be addressed continually.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuyrOHnWkNk/VI9M73uIGsI/AAAAAAAACEU/20dSAZJCii4/s1600/IMG_4896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuyrOHnWkNk/VI9M73uIGsI/AAAAAAAACEU/20dSAZJCii4/s1600/IMG_4896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
To this I queried, "Why would you do that first Chris when the rates are still far too low? <b>They've never really addressed it since those Harris cuts, to bring rates more in line with reality,</b> so why would you do that first? He needs more $ first. Then you can tie it to inflation."<br />
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I also stressed to Ballard that since <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/10/homelessness-strategy-misses-mark-in.html">Dan already has subsidized</a> <b>housing,</b> and special diet, he is already getting the best deal we offer guys like him, and it isn't near enough. I pointed out the <b>1% raise his government gave</b> those on O.D.S.P. amounted to 3 bus rides in expensive York Region - $12 a month. The visit to his office would take up $8 of that, $16 for two both ways.<br />
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We both got the feeling <a href="http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=7282"><b>Chris Ballard</b></a> was receptive, and he even said he would possibly even march himself, leaving Dan feeling pretty good about the whole thing, and me satisfied, but not surprised, as we'd soft-stanced our ask, only looking for endorsement in principle, that Dan deserved a better deal. But still, all things considered, it was positive - but about to get even better!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Part 2 - The Trans-ride home</b></span> pulled up, and, having been booked on as an escort, I got to ride along. As we entered, I immediately noticed it chock fullish of seniors ladies, one in her 90's and another 80's, it would turn out, as still another spoke not one word the entire ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyRHS916eM0/VI9HhVbN3AI/AAAAAAAACD0/4blI0BEmLOc/s1600/20141212_152050.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyRHS916eM0/VI9HhVbN3AI/AAAAAAAACD0/4blI0BEmLOc/s1600/20141212_152050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan wants a 50% increase in his income rates rates in order to buy his own groceries, clothes, and to socialize</td></tr>
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Having spent some time recently around seniors, as a close relative went through a home and then death as I stayed bedside, I had some experience around seniors and knew they could be engaging if you made them welcome too, so we bounded in, Dan and I laughing up a storm a bit, bringing life to a previously serene-like setting..<br />
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<b>"This is where your M.P.P. is ladies should you ever need him!" I announced. </b><br />
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<b>"Who's your M.P.P.?" asked one... "Is it Chris Ballard? another.</b><br />
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<b>"Yes, and we were just in seeing him about getting Dan a better deal." </b><br />
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" Oh yes, and the amount of people using food banks is awful", offered a lady, <b>"</b> Some don't even need it who use it" she added, "and that's bad too".....<b><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/06/york-region-canadas-worst-provider-of.html">"and seniors are hard hit often",</a></b> another said, " and now expected to retrieve mail in this weather" And on it went...it was ...inspirational actually.<br />
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We reached a pick-up stop wherein a lady, who ended being 82 years old, was expected to walk through a 2 foot snowbank for about 10 feet to get to the bus / van's door entry, a task you could hear her almost muttering about as she studied an entry point, having made her way already down a front stoop of stairs. The frail looking woman stood, looking unsure, as I instinctively stood up, Mom's lessons ringing in my ears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRq9YxYyFm0/VI9UjUlFI0I/AAAAAAAACE0/Z99inOtbycw/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRq9YxYyFm0/VI9UjUlFI0I/AAAAAAAACE0/Z99inOtbycw/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seniors issues also raised on bus ride</td></tr>
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" That's ridiculous", some started to mumble, but <b>my mom</b> was kicking in at that point. It was expected, where I come from, to help someone, and anyone - male or female - and able bodied would have gone out and offered her an arm such as I then did, and lead her through my footsteps to her to get back. I know Dan would have loved to! It's not anything special as far as I'm concerned, it's just manners, but the ladies were impressed it seemed.<br />
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As I returned, I could vaguely hear one of the ladies, 91 years old who looked 70, and lived alone, recite a poem as Dan laughed excitedly,<br />
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<b>' Tom, do you hear this? She's rapping about what just was happening. Unbelievable! I thought she was reading a poem at first, but she's actually making it up, and it sounds great!</b>"<br />
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And sure enough, the woman quietly finished her ' rap" about a poverty fighting man helping an old woman through the snowbank and we wish we'd recorded it.<br />
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<b>Who knew rap was actually invented by older ladies!?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk9CKUG5Hxk/VI9URajtWXI/AAAAAAAACEs/44gaqEEGOQ8/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk9CKUG5Hxk/VI9URajtWXI/AAAAAAAACEs/44gaqEEGOQ8/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/"><b>PACC </b></a>dropped these in Y.R. during the election</td></tr>
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We rode the entire route as the ladies were dropped one at a time, each, save but one who I wondered about - perhaps deaf or mentally ill - thanking us profusely for an inspiring ride, having enjoyed the conversations, even Dan's corny jokes and wishing us luck on the quest for a better deal. I welcomed them to ride along in scooters if they could, and to watch for <b>Stroll & Roll</b> in the future..It was a 15 minute trip to the M.P.P.'s office with York Region Wheel-trans on the way there, but took an hour and a half to get back with all the ladies' stops, the driver carefully walking each to the door.<br />
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But the socializing was therapeutic somehow for everyone this day it seemed, and it all was driven by the infectious personality and disposition of <b>Dan Philion</b>. Had he chosen to not get dressed this day he'd have missed out, and so would they! I believe Dan and society deserves more than hopeful moments. He deserves to participate in life in dignity and be made to feel good about who he is, like on that ride.<br />
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" You guys made my day", the elderly but spry rapper-lady smiled on the way off, ' And you stay out of trouble!" she jokingly offered Dan<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><b>I got news for you Ma'am, you made ours! Happy Holidays and Merry Xmas everyone!</b></span><br />
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<b>PACCman</b> out! Follow our <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Stroll and Roll for Freedom</b></span> on<a href="https://twitter.com/povertyacc"> Twitter</a>...or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/856812211031428/?ref=br_tf">Facebook</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0238 Wellington Street East, Aurora, ON L4G 1J5, Canada44.0024358 -79.45513770000002344.0023913 -79.455216700000022 44.0024803 -79.455058700000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-53298267425825670692014-11-24T19:22:00.000-05:002014-11-25T15:31:06.673-05:00ONPHA Conference Provides Mixed Affordable Housing Solutions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7ut5E0nKc/VHOryyx94QI/AAAAAAAAB_c/cr2JI8V_p34/s1600/IMG_4901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br7ut5E0nKc/VHOryyx94QI/AAAAAAAAB_c/cr2JI8V_p34/s1600/IMG_4901.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outside the Ottawa Convention Centre</b></td></tr>
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I was in <b>Ottawa</b> during the recent 2014 <a href="http://www.onpha.on.ca/onpha/web/Professional_development/Conference/Content/Professional_Development/Conference/2014_Conference/2014_Conference.aspx?hkey=472ec227-14bd-4aba-8d81-3c4bce99086d">ONPHA</a> Conference attended by housing providers from across Ontario, and where prominent, long time York Region Housing employees
were among the honoured and retiring, including Doug Manson who had
headed up Y.R.'s residential housing operations, and Sylvia Patterson from Georgina,
a long time Y.R. fixture in social housing and services. I had the
privilege of working with him personally, assisting with input, and
subsequently sitting on, a housing reference group with him.<br />
Ironically,
they also gave myself and others a 5 year recognition award for participating in
this advisory capacity, A classy move, likely at the behest of Doug Manson, made before he left.<br />
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<b>Manson</b> had visited England during his tenure and returned with a strong belief
in having more grassroots input and ' ground up" programs and
<br />
implemented some of that philosophy, successfully pushing for the
creation of a tenant reference board, and subsequently encouraging the
formation of housing community tenant groups.<br />
<br />
A pioneer in some ways,
here especially, and long time supporter of our community development based <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">road hockey program</a>, it's too bad to see him go.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAiRGx4vPhQ/VHOsBdLfgtI/AAAAAAAAB_o/Imz_MJUu_10/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAiRGx4vPhQ/VHOsBdLfgtI/AAAAAAAAB_o/Imz_MJUu_10/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
His photo,
and those of others, who were being honoured and retiring, flashed over
the big screens, in between the mesmerizing onstage entertainment at the
conference ending dinner, a spectacle that really has to be seen to be
appreciated including aboriginal drummers and dancers followed by<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.2259567360&type=3"> traditional throat singing</a>, a form of which I had never witnessed. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKDlH4mD1U&feature=youtu.be&list=PL29vmd4zJFgfFUlteyZYy6YP3RyEBzLr-"><b>CityHousing Hamilton</b></a>
was also singled out for its tenant engagement programs work receiving
the 2014 Award for Excellence as well as others such as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1kVDnrafFg&index=3&list=PL29vmd4zJFgfFUlteyZYy6YP3RyEBzLr-"><b>WoodGreen's Celebrity Single Mom'</b></a>s program.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iovpAp78igQ/VHOsBaXuy-I/AAAAAAAAB_s/u3W62wSh2bI/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iovpAp78igQ/VHOsBaXuy-I/AAAAAAAAB_s/u3W62wSh2bI/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>One
interesting idea that was discussed with me by an attending Hamilton
area Paralegal who has worked for both <a href="http://www.vpch.com/">Ontario's largest private affordable housing provider</a> and for Canada's largest
social housing providers, who suggested dealing with persons with mental
health issues, and in her specific example, <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>hoarders</b></span>,
is a growing problem that needs be attended to, and that they need be
dealt with in a fair and dignified manner. Ironically, as I write this, a
reportedly <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/riverdale-woman-found-dead-in-house-fire-1.2844341"><b>elderly hoarder, was killed in a fire</b></a>
over the weekend, highlighting the fact that hoarding can also be a
deadly. But what to we do about tenants with specific issues
tied to (mental) illness, like hoarders?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ypV85qq2o/VHOs9kLzKTI/AAAAAAAACAg/K4p-JK7-zSc/s1600/IMG_4902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ypV85qq2o/VHOs9kLzKTI/AAAAAAAACAg/K4p-JK7-zSc/s1600/IMG_4902.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>According
to my paralegal friend - although she wouldn't talk specific cases - you tailor make something. In her past experiences,
she has had to evict everyone from gang members to hoarders to those
with addictions, and is well versed in both procedure and how to get
results. However, too often she pointed out, evictions that can be
avoided, aren't.There are affective rent (arrears) collection schedules that can
be set up and maintained she claims, and, in the case of hoarders, she has come up with
a unique approach, based on her successful experiences in dealing with
them. <br />
<br />
Her idea travels even further than coordinating
collections, going so far as suggesting having mixed housing models -
some subsidized, some not, with hoarders being among them in the same
building. These hoarders would have to agree to gradually remove their
stuff in order to keep / receive their subsidized housing and be
encouraged to 'rejoin" main stream society through supports.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zn1cKXY6sw/VHOs-Bs7IzI/AAAAAAAACAo/ZT0HfgbU8k8/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zn1cKXY6sw/VHOs-Bs7IzI/AAAAAAAACAo/ZT0HfgbU8k8/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>"Firstly",
she noted, " hoarders' "stuff" means a lot to them, and that is a
problem, but not an overwhelming one." If that stuff is important to
them, she reasons, it is too much to ask them to just throw it out - but
if it were going to <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">someone in need</span>, then they might<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> more easily part with an item</span>.
So a charity of their choice could be chosen, or, should they opt for
it, a hoarders items website could be set up, or a suitable one used to
sell items, with an option to keep all the money or split it with a
favorite charity or non-profit.This would act as reassurance that their
belongings were going somewhere meaningful and not just
discarded.Removal of items would be monitored regularly and their
program would also include connecting them to ongoing treatment or
support to move forward and decrease the risk of relapse - just like an
addiction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak0Es8_5YZg/VHPHLXtDmpI/AAAAAAAACCg/uP2Yuy4yQro/s1600/20141115_142821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak0Es8_5YZg/VHPHLXtDmpI/AAAAAAAACCg/uP2Yuy4yQro/s1600/20141115_142821.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These make great points. Currently our
system of supports, in and out of housing, too often are generalized
with a "one glove fits all" type of set up which does not work in
special cases, cases which invariably end up in tribunals and courts,
costing more time and money for everyone involved, let alone adding to
the homeless problem.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHNZOKneScc/VHPHLLMiBjI/AAAAAAAACCY/BqAj8ag8IHU/s1600/20141114_192730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHNZOKneScc/VHPHLLMiBjI/AAAAAAAACCY/BqAj8ag8IHU/s1600/20141114_192730.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><b>I</b> would even take it a
step further and have buildings with Counselors or Personal Support
Workers located in an office in the building for easy communication and
access, who could also then easily co-ordinate home visits to follow up
with the residents and ensure they are being supported in their goals.
Specialized " housecleaning' and general house / apartment maintenance
instruction could be incorporated as well, and, in some cases, perhaps
ongoing support in that area, need be by a third party source, say for
housekeeping for example which may already be available if
the person has a certain disability, but sometimes needs a worker to
uncover access for them to do so. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o040ZLAi7no/VHPHNYfgqbI/AAAAAAAACC4/-pmGgUJqqbk/s1600/20141115_145202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o040ZLAi7no/VHPHNYfgqbI/AAAAAAAACC4/-pmGgUJqqbk/s1600/20141115_145202.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in Rome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When visiting a unique housing set up in <b>St </b><br />
<b> Catherines</b> some years back, called <a href="http://bethlehemhousing.ca/housing/st-catharines"><b>Bethlehem</b> <b>House and Support Services</b></a>,
they were very proud of their model of
soliciting private donations from community members and businesses,
proudly displaying their names on their entryway wall after opening an
affordable housing apartment complex that mixed seniors with young
families on either side, and kept an in-house social worker on site who
also did home visits and advised on some basics too, like house-cleaning
and personal grooming for some. What they found was that young people
helped the seniors and the seniors helped in advising the younger ones!
Surprise! Who knew you didn't have to reinvent the wheel!?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROV7vkBUpBw/VHPHL3uJvkI/AAAAAAAACCk/cjlwZxV1y_U/s1600/20141115_145147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROV7vkBUpBw/VHPHL3uJvkI/AAAAAAAACCk/cjlwZxV1y_U/s1600/20141115_145147.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lester T.. More than just the name in common!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's good to hear that these housing
providers are still studying ways to implement better services to lower income resident tenants through conferences such
as this - think tanks if you will - conducted outside the stuffy
confines of government only directives, and with a unique mix of private
enterprise providers, mixed with social housing / government housing
providers with the inclusive minded sharing of grassroots projects - resulting in sharing some unique,
progressive, "<a href="http://youtu.be/HDruQNFuKic"><b> Canadian experienced" ideas.</b></a><br />
<br />
Let's
just hope the next batch to replace those who have just left the fold,
continue on looking at <b>effective solutions</b> to housing all our residents,
and judging by the inspiring thoughts of but one paralegal amongst a
sea of those who may just attempt to evict - it is surely a good sign!<br />
<br />
<b>"Ultimately, the landlord has an obligation to try and accommodate a person's disability" </b><br />
<b> Ontario Paralegal</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Government Conference Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4, Canada45.4198307 -75.70814159999997619.8977962 -117.01673559999998 70.9418652 -34.399547599999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-63946185755571923212014-10-30T11:54:00.000-04:002014-10-31T10:19:57.021-04:00Homelessness Strategy misses mark in York Region<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Seems 'tis the season for all things poverty lately and the most recent thing being a<b> <a href="http://www.homelesshub.ca/SOHC2014">report</a> </b>released by <b>York University,</b> which was researched by the <b>Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness</b> and the <b>Canadian Observatory on Homelessness</b>. Like anything <b>report</b> (follow the money) <b>related</b> it has truth mixed with supposition and ideology and conclusion finding solutions based on those, so you get what you get which is a mixed bag.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aesNHRjsr0/VFJcQlB5XYI/AAAAAAAAB_E/3BflYFqICFs/s1600/house%2Bof%2Bhope%2Bfairy%2Blake%2B113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aesNHRjsr0/VFJcQlB5XYI/AAAAAAAAB_E/3BflYFqICFs/s1600/house%2Bof%2Bhope%2Bfairy%2Blake%2B113.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>On one hand, it points out the obvious, on the other, it's solutions are slanted towards creating a two tiered rental market, or even three or four, with the end result being landlords creating slums and exclusive areas. And it's actual definition of 'affordable" housing I also have issue with, although they do use the term " at risk of " a fair number of times to confuse one would suppose, leading me to believe they are really branding this point home for some reason. To me, second suite apartments are not affordable either, whereas to them, they are.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzbHbdGdsY4/VFJbNBssgiI/AAAAAAAAB9w/k7J5dY2ArV4/s1600/poverty%2BDavid%2Band%2BBill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzbHbdGdsY4/VFJbNBssgiI/AAAAAAAAB9w/k7J5dY2ArV4/s1600/poverty%2BDavid%2Band%2BBill.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Formerly Homeless. With supports, now a <a href="http://youtu.be/4rMf-Mlb_7k"><b>Poet</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>bullet points</b></span></span> I took from the report, to highlight some previous rants of mine that I'm often maligned for locally by those on the peripherals, include the fact that about 75% of all those using shelters are single men age 26 and over. I ask, of the 7 existing full time shelters in York Region that we have, how many full time beds do we house these homeless men in - bearing in mind a population of 1.1 million people? <b>Guess?</b>.....try one shelter with 26 beds. Instead, 75% of <i>our</i> shelters house women - so the national numbers show we've obviously <b>missed the mark in York Region</b>. I've chirped it for years, but it's certainly nice to get some more supportive stats to back me. Meanwhile <b>Y.R</b>. boasts the least amount of rental housing / owned houses ratios in the country and rates among the lowest percentile of occupancy availability rates in all of Canada already.<b> Housing </b>is but <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>one element</b></span> for what ails anyway, especially if they plan to roll out everything based on current broken models, and, in the case of rent subsidies, an experimental one.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvDXB8VFqo/VFJbSCPKSdI/AAAAAAAAB-c/TCXSinqj250/s1600/poverty%2Bplus%2Bone%2Band%2Bjohn%2Btaylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yvDXB8VFqo/VFJbSCPKSdI/AAAAAAAAB-c/TCXSinqj250/s1600/poverty%2Bplus%2Bone%2Band%2Bjohn%2Btaylor.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YR Councilor given another chance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For example <b>Dan Philion</b> <u>has subsidized housing</u> and is confined to a wheelchair with limited mobility. In winter he suffers more-so and is naturally less mobile outside his home, but even if he wishes to, it is always a stress. Is the snow shoveled? Can I afford it? Do I have the energy today - but they'll charge me for cancelling a fare? Each trip out is calculated in worth vs value. Each month he begins it knowing he has only $100 plus dollars for after bills disposable income, regardless if he managed to earn more money somehow, as they simply adjust his check amount - first should he make "too much", then also adjust his apartment rental amount, either way he can't get ahead, and having trouble writing makes it more unlikely for him to try and get through it all anyway. <b>None of their </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JX0Fz7D2FQ/VFJcPoCQ94I/AAAAAAAAB-8/jgqfUf1fE98/s1600/transit%2Bsign%2Byr%2Bbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JX0Fz7D2FQ/VFJcPoCQ94I/AAAAAAAAB-8/jgqfUf1fE98/s1600/transit%2Bsign%2Byr%2Bbuilding.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b>solutions</b> eliminate or address this reality, and it is a loophole that needs correcting, adjustments if you will, and believe it is within the resolve and power of the current Ontario government and York Region to make such adjustments, and should do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
Out of desperation, <b>Dan</b>, who is also Vice-Chair of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><b>Poverty Action for Change Coalition</b></a> of York Region, the group responsible for bringing York Region its first ever social audit in 2011, <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf"><b>"Behind The Masks"</b></a>, has spearheaded an idea for a type of <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>march,</b></span> to be held in the spring of 2015, to draw attention to the plight of those already housed but living lives of misery. Dan hopes others afflicted by similar circumstances propelled by poverty, and individuals or groups who support their right to a better existence, will come out.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUOVVfa_68/VFJcOgAmrWI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ERaw4WhXevk/s1600/poverty%2Btom%2Band%2B1%2Band%2Bpumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUOVVfa_68/VFJcOgAmrWI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ERaw4WhXevk/s1600/poverty%2Btom%2Band%2B1%2Band%2Bpumpkins.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/10/politicians-and-hip-hop-make-for.html">Oct 17 event</a> drew awareness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Says Dan, when informed of the recent 1% raise for those on O.D.S.P., announced by the Ontario government to be added on his check,<br />
<br />
<b>" 1%, are they serious? What are we supposed to do with that? That's 3 bus rides."</b><br />
<br />
And with that being the catalyst, the idea for an event that would raise awareness to his / this issue began, the end result being <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stroll <span style="font-size: xx-small;">and</span> Roll <span style="font-size: xx-small;">for freedom</span>.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dan is tired of living like he's just existing, and says he didn't ask to live in a wheelchair and to have limited abilities and adds why shouldn't he have more money? Good question Dan, especially from many of the same group who voted themselves 30% raises not so long ago... And he's not shy, asking for a <b>50% increase</b> in his monthly disability support check, up from the current ceiling of about $1200 per individual. The hope action event will start at one destination - tentatively the York Region headquarters on Yonge St - and would peacefully roll and stroll down Yonge St, ending at the M.P.P.'s office in Aurora where the <span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/08/york-region-politics-facts-fiction.html"><b>Liberal M.P.P. Chris Ballard</b></a></span> would greet us and agree to take something to parliament on behalf. Something tangible. TBD& A'd.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEd-DIbPugY/VFJbQAIBnKI/AAAAAAAAB-M/4X7E3I1KVpY/s1600/poverty%2BTom%2Bdan%2Bjackie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEd-DIbPugY/VFJbQAIBnKI/AAAAAAAAB-M/4X7E3I1KVpY/s1600/poverty%2BTom%2Bdan%2Bjackie.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Philon wants a life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dan feels he deserves to live each day, not worrying about if he'll have enough to last the month and feeling a real pinch from mid month on. <b>We believe he also has a right</b>. A penny pincher as is, he doesn't smoke and has an occasional beer, mostly at home if he does unable to afford much more than cheap karaoke night out once in awhile should he choose to, and even then, his home table-menu then suffers later on in the month. <br />
<br />
As we "speak", we're having <a href="http://www.slapperz.com/"><span style="background-color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>logo design'</b></span></span>s</a> looked at so Watch for <span style="background-color: #351c75;"><b><span style="background-color: #a64d79;">Stroll and Roll <span style="font-size: x-small;">for freedom</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: #b45f06;"><b>online</b></span> and on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2259567360/10152441660847361/?notif_t=group_comment"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">FaceBook</span></a>!</b><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Yonge Street, Canada43.9592727 -79.45806720000001643.2277557 -80.748960700000012 44.690789699999996 -78.167173700000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-53601772586911851402014-10-22T17:05:00.001-04:002014-10-23T11:59:59.326-04:00Politicians and Hip Hop make for Strange Bedfellows<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlVTMhEZ-0k/VEgMiVfGD4I/AAAAAAAAB7s/uEK4XFp146w/s1600/poverty%2Bstage%2Bshot%2Bnice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlVTMhEZ-0k/VEgMiVfGD4I/AAAAAAAAB7s/uEK4XFp146w/s1600/poverty%2Bstage%2Bshot%2Bnice.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Soup Live!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnNrqKOo4gc/VEfHItud8iI/AAAAAAAAB4c/8AsJFgBRmwg/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnNrqKOo4gc/VEfHItud8iI/AAAAAAAAB4c/8AsJFgBRmwg/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B035.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I looked forward to <a href="http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E"><b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b></a> this year. Although it's a day when you might hear tales of personal woe and misery, it has also been, for the past few years, an event for providing inspiration and not just free stuff - although the free pumpkins offered this year went a long way. It has also become a day to express messages through music and the arts.<br />
<br />
I got the text somewhere in the aft of the day of, that the pumpkins had arrived and where did I want them? The 2 pm call caught me in between locations, having already been at <b>Riverwalk </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<b>Commons Lions Hall </b>earlier dropping off a first load of equipment and supplies for the outdoor event. Luckily for me, the town staffer I interrupted while eating his lunch, agreed to allow us a small area to store it as we retreated to get more, including the sound equipment. Typically, this day is very hectic but this year, with everything in place early, and enough low budget promotion to attract some people and voices and talent, I was pretty sure we were in for a good one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJYGOaYVxdg/VEfHDMW-eeI/AAAAAAAAB4U/ai0z_KTLXb8/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJYGOaYVxdg/VEfHDMW-eeI/AAAAAAAAB4U/ai0z_KTLXb8/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B034.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The first inkling of what was to come, came hours before the event's official start as I waited for the sound man and volunteers to arrive noticing various people wandering by the dozens of pumpkins adorning the stage, wondering what they were for? I'd then moved our sign over, as well as info about the event, as a focal point, within view of passersby facing Timothy Street, and explained the Int Day to others who'd inquire while offering a pumpkin should they want one.<br />
<br />
One couple who'd wandered by by chance were thankful, but, ironically, homeless, and thus had nowhere to put a pumpkin. They were invited back for the after 7pm start too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knO91ZosmKo/VEfHAjJzzJI/AAAAAAAAB4M/aJUk_i0hTiQ/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knO91ZosmKo/VEfHAjJzzJI/AAAAAAAAB4M/aJUk_i0hTiQ/s1600/Main%2Bst%2Bvideo%2Bstore%2B033.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MObr0dgvf-w/VEgE60_P0pI/AAAAAAAAB5c/p1p4bip2HXE/s1600/poverty%2Bpumpkins%2Band%2Byappers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MObr0dgvf-w/VEgE60_P0pI/AAAAAAAAB5c/p1p4bip2HXE/s1600/poverty%2Bpumpkins%2Band%2Byappers.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>When asked, I'd been telling people the <b>pumpkins were free</b> but that we'd accept a donation if they were able. One man who looked as if he'd seen a few shelters in his day, and now lived nearby, approached, asking about them and looking sheepish upon my explanation, having approached, likely, after overhearing me say they were free. Sensing his hesitation I interjected, " Go ahead, take one ".... "Seriously?", he said. " Go for it. That's what they are for!" I replied. I then took the opportunity to tell him about the event. That is was a day to hear voices speaking out about poverty, and that the night would end with some great entertainment with an open stage should he know anyone who sang or played guitar. He returned later to take part, dancing and even singing some <a href="http://youtu.be/_9F7bGJ9KiM"><b>Elvis</b></a> onstage with me. He felt welcome and a part of the community methinks.That was what <b>it</b> was about too. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Inclusion.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dq1jBdjhvQ/VEgE5DkirRI/AAAAAAAAB5I/nSBPCaX-7Q0/s1600/poverty%2BDavid%2Band%2BBill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dq1jBdjhvQ/VEgE5DkirRI/AAAAAAAAB5I/nSBPCaX-7Q0/s1600/poverty%2BDavid%2Band%2BBill.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Formerly Homeless poet meets anti-homelessness advocate</td></tr>
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The pumpkins themselves arrived because of the need to<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> want to help</span>. <b>Annette Brown</b> a long time <b>PACC</b> supporter and community development worker and volunteer passed away and her last passion was making sure kids had pumpkins. She'd noticed while living and working communities in Newmarket and Georgina, that some kids / families, without cars especially, as transit was not as great, would go without pumpkins at Halloween so they'd arrange it so they did and also coordinate neighbourhood pumpkin carving parties. In mentioning this to <a href="http://newmarketfoodpantry.ca/"><b>Newmarket Food Pantry</b></a> Director, <b>Joe Sponga</b> I had no idea he's arrange a crate load for distribution but every one went!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d92yIpY0XoI/VEgE5fpfF7I/AAAAAAAAB54/SzY0aV2v5ys/s1600/poverty%2BJason%2BDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d92yIpY0XoI/VEgE5fpfF7I/AAAAAAAAB54/SzY0aV2v5ys/s1600/poverty%2BJason%2BDad.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">Mike Thornhill Youth Award</a> Winner Jason Baulch</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--re58i3RZbA/VEgE6JbhSsI/AAAAAAAAB5o/XsO-LR2SgxI/s1600/poverty%2Bdan%2Band%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--re58i3RZbA/VEgE6JbhSsI/AAAAAAAAB5o/XsO-LR2SgxI/s1600/poverty%2Bdan%2Band%2B4.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PACC Vice-Chair Dan Philion finds some warmth</td></tr>
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The event featured some powerful testimonials, such as the poems read aloud by book of poetry Author <a href="http://youtu.be/4rMf-Mlb_7k"><b>David L Rogers</b></a> whose poems from his book, <b>"The Dark Road"</b>, reflect real life experiences, and act as therapy to those with addictions and suffer depression... and from displaced Farmer and former Markham mayoral candidate, <b><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/07/aurora-market-wants-volunteers-while.html">Sam Orrico</a></b> who's story may finally be seeing some light due to the attention we've been able to draw to his dilemma - as he's once again being moved without means. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArthurJrMusic"><b>JAZZled</b></a> youth COO <b>Wendy Marais</b> spoke about youth scholarship and sponsorship opportunities as well, and we handed out the <b><a href="http://youtu.be/HDruQNFuKic">Mike Thornhill Youth Leader Award</a> </b>to 2014 winner <b>Jason Baulch</b>, Author <b>Ivan Prokupchuk</b> spoke from a seniors perspective while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ju5tFl0w"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>JustFlow</b></span>'</i></a>s <b>Justin
Harris</b> felt inspired to speak from a personal youth viewpoint. I touched on a few disability issues on behalf of <b>PACC </b>Vice Chair <b>Danny Philion</b> also attending in the crowd but not comfortable speaking on stage - Did I mention we had no ramp? Gulp - raising the issue about those in wheelchairs now being able to go out past 10 pm - in part due to our lobbying - was a point I wanted to make, and so did, as it's important to let people know about the wins we have in order to offer some kind of hope that through communication and inclusion we can create better systems that treat people more fairly, and with more dignity. Meantime <b>Dan</b> has $117 dollars left mid month to get him through including needing groceries.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ3zXu7DVZo/VEgE6Qqe_YI/AAAAAAAAB5g/i2p3-Yp8VFc/s1600/poverty%2Bmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ3zXu7DVZo/VEgE6Qqe_YI/AAAAAAAAB5g/i2p3-Yp8VFc/s1600/poverty%2Bmix.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Bag</td></tr>
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<b>Regional Councilor</b> <b>John Taylor</b> likely squirmed a bit as I broached the wheel trans subject and then dwelled on the transit strike which affected Dan's community for 4 months through <b>X</b>mas and let the town's <b>Deputy Mayor</b> know that was not forgotten. But added also that he was but one person and council vote and not solely accountable for the strike's handling. I also expressed disappointment in the <a href="http://youtu.be/9bZvQrSY0Do"><b>lack of media </b></a>around various poverty issues, but particularly during the transit strike, feeling the dilemma people were facing was not covered with much sense of urgency, or the devastation it caused some. And I would have said more, but wanted to try and get focus on some <span style="background-color: #e69138;"><b>positive ideas and thoughts for 2014</b></span>, like<span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"> <b>Walk & Roll</b></span>, a <span style="background-color: #cc0000;"></span>march of sorts in the works for spring 2015 to draw attention to poverty issues in <b>York Region</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-db8bHdKkXd4/VEgGtYdJyCI/AAAAAAAAB6E/TI_wUo-i3sk/s1600/poverty%2Bartist%2Bcrowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-db8bHdKkXd4/VEgGtYdJyCI/AAAAAAAAB6E/TI_wUo-i3sk/s1600/poverty%2Bartist%2Bcrowd.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intense performance</td></tr>
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The part I look forward to more and more each year for the <b>The International Day </b>is the addition of more <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">music and arts,</span> and this year in particular, with a focus on youth and the addition of hip hop slotted to end the night off with. It is just a great fit to the theme and encourages rappers and spoken word artists and hip hoppers to express themselves in what is already a natural forum for them to speak out in - already in theme even!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WipL_R5RJtY/VEgGtF-KKFI/AAAAAAAAB6g/DhJHGFL1ZFc/s1600/poverty%2BJustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WipL_R5RJtY/VEgGtF-KKFI/AAAAAAAAB6g/DhJHGFL1ZFc/s1600/poverty%2BJustin.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passion from <b>JustFlow</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqgfwiF37Go/VEgGuOpN8vI/AAAAAAAAB6k/HQvQFbBZalI/s1600/poverty%2Bmaurice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqgfwiF37Go/VEgGuOpN8vI/AAAAAAAAB6k/HQvQFbBZalI/s1600/poverty%2Bmaurice.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maurice Weeks AJ Music</td></tr>
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With hip hop roots coming from poverty it seemed a natural fit, and these young talented vocalists, including from walk-ons who happened by and had heard ' the scene", as well as from the <b>Just Flow</b> and <b>Arthur Jr Music Family</b> crews really gave it their all. These guys - and GAL! - with female MC, Newmarket, now by way of Aurora's own <b>Dean Wild </b>of <i><b>Stay Blessed Productions</b></i>, were way passionate and also appreciative of being a part of such an important event, and, I got the sense anyway, of being included by the town if you will too. There's that word again -<b> Inclusion</b>.<br />
<br />
And some of these performers represent the very faces of poverty in <b>York Region</b>, or the voices or hearts, and they may not be what a stereotypical face of poverty would be considered to be - but they are most certainly representative. Local Music Producer and Performer <b>Maurice Weeks</b> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArthurJrMusic"><b>AJM</b> </a>is one example of a local phenom talent as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ju5tFl0w"><b>JustFlow</b></a> who develop young talent as well. Their song<span style="background-color: #cc0000;"> <a href="http://youtu.be/Pst9fAelKkE"><b>Politics</b></a> </span>was a perfect fit for the show!<br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
I was really impressed and some performances brought to mind words of wisdom from another event I'd worked a judging panel on with Canadian Idol's<a href="http://tpeproductions.blogspot.ca/2014/04/farley-flex-and-talent-search-concert.html"> <b>Farley Flex</b>.</a> At the end of that event, <b>Flex</b> had taken time to talk with the contest performers and flat out told some of them they sounded like American rappers<br />
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<b>" But you're not even American. Be yourself. Tell your own story. It's those that stand out from the rest who will make it, not those who sound like everyone else."</b> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Farley Flex,</span> former Canadian Idol Judge<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcR0ndKg-SU/VEgGt9kBXzI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/tP7OOzie3Gs/s1600/poverty%2Bartist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcR0ndKg-SU/VEgGt9kBXzI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/tP7OOzie3Gs/s1600/poverty%2Bartist.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spence</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCLFCViZ--w/VEgE5OQvOeI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/PxW5PsnCfQk/s1600/poverty%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCLFCViZ--w/VEgE5OQvOeI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/PxW5PsnCfQk/s1600/poverty%2B3.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jackie Playter</b> plays middle person</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Great advice. And these youths showed more class than some of our politicians who I take it were mostly too busy to attend, with only Councilors <b>Taylor</b>, <b>Sponga</b> and <b>Tom Veigh</b> showing up. I guess they are taking their cue from the mayor who hasn't seen fit to show up in several years, opting for a Photo op at car dealership instead in 2013 and who knows in 2014. In Mayor <b>Tony Van Bynen</b>'s defense, he used to come out, until I got very critical one year, sort of ambushing him with negative comments about how the region / town was doing on the issue. Perhaps a less abrasive approach would be more affective to get him to the table in earnest, and, to that end, look to the future for just that - or with a new mayor - whichever plays out.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34ZgSNf-Pfg/VEgGtf3JLWI/AAAAAAAAB6c/R6c7i_Lb3jc/s1600/poverty%2BWendy%2BJenine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34ZgSNf-Pfg/VEgGtf3JLWI/AAAAAAAAB6c/R6c7i_Lb3jc/s1600/poverty%2BWendy%2BJenine.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanine with Wendy Marais from <a href="http://www.jazzled.ca/jazzled_heart.php"><b>Jazzled</b></a>.</td></tr>
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Council hopefuls also showed they cared enough about <b>all</b> our residents by braving the cool air including Newmarket mayor candidates, always supportive " Elvis" <b>Dorian Baxter</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">,</a> as well as <b>Chris Campbell</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">,</a> School Trustee and anti-bullying advocate candidate, <b>Bessie Vlasic</b>, Council hopefuls <b>Doug Crosse </b>as well as <b>Wasim Jarrah</b> who seems to have a community conscience, and Regional Councilor hopeful, <b>Darryl Wolk</b> who has pledged support on the issue for some years, as well. Ward 2 Newmarket council candidate <b>Bill Kukulewich</b> was granted an opportunity to speak into the open stage mic as his platform impressively includes a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vote-Bill-Kukulewich/744782652236105"><b>7 point plan to eliminate homelessness</b></a>, even offering to <b>put up his salary to offset some of its cost if elected! </b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7LJDUP5L1U/VEgE6LraZAI/AAAAAAAAB50/Lf48no2ETTQ/s1600/poverty%2BLinda%2Bplus%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7LJDUP5L1U/VEgE6LraZAI/AAAAAAAAB50/Lf48no2ETTQ/s1600/poverty%2BLinda%2Bplus%2B1.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Die hard supporters Mary & Linda</td></tr>
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In between, people got a chance to chat and it was great to have so many come up and say " We've met on <b>face book</b> but not live" and "maybe our politics aren't so far apart", or " I really appreciate what you're doing" etc..It was great to also see many of the town's leading residents attending, such as <b>Jackie Playter</b> who volunteers relentlessly and sits on a number of boards, as well as supportive business owners such as <b>Olga</b> and <b>Glenn</b> from <a href="http://canadat.com/"><b>CanadaT.com</b></a> on Main St. who want to sponsors shirts now for next year, having now caught the meaning and spirit of this great event through attending.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIIOnE4Go0s/VEgJoe6RIHI/AAAAAAAAB7M/ffFljJ_T2yA/s1600/poverty%2Bplus%2Bone%2Band%2Bjohn%2Btaylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIIOnE4Go0s/VEgJoe6RIHI/AAAAAAAAB7M/ffFljJ_T2yA/s1600/poverty%2Bplus%2Bone%2Band%2Bjohn%2Btaylor.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does Councilor Taylor ever take a bad picture!? </td></tr>
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You see, when you get off the computers and go meet people in person, wonderful things can happen. Common ground is not that hard to see if <span style="font-size: large;"><b>inclusive</b></span> in our decision making towards this - and any issue (and in our <b>board</b>rooms) - you allow yourselves to look for it. If we are, we will make much more real headway. If only in small incremental ways to start, that is fine, so long as we move forward in unison as best we can toward a common goal. Speaking of computers and common goals, the event's volunteer school youths also saved the day with their knowledge of technology to access our back beat sounds, while getting valuable experience and meeting some industry people. Just a great event and day overall in so many ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
The biggest scandal to rock this year's show was during a youthful
performance towards the end when the enthusiastic performer decided to
smash a few pumpkins, agreeing mid-rap to clean it up afterward which
they did! In my day we'd have stuck it to the man! Ha. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Respect</b></span>. Another Word of <b>The Day</b>.<br />
<br />
The only regrets for 2014 I have, are not spending more time having and nurturing conversations between hosting duties and making intros, <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>"I never got to meet that politician wanting to end homelessness...I'm homeless!" <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/07/aurora-market-wants-volunteers-while.html">Farmer Sam</a></span></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/07/aurora-market-wants-volunteers-while.html">, </a></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qz0nrRVvZo/VEgI3lNjuJI/AAAAAAAAB7A/4otv7Ym5RA4/s1600/poverty%2Bthe%2Byappers%2Band%2Bjoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qz0nrRVvZo/VEgI3lNjuJI/AAAAAAAAB7A/4otv7Ym5RA4/s1600/poverty%2Bthe%2Byappers%2Band%2Bjoe.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food bank Director and Councilor <b>Joe Sponga</b> with <b>Yappers</b></td></tr>
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and the<u> lack of representatives</u> from most local <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">charities, churches, and non profits</span>,</b> especially after they have been pushing for more " collaboration" and "sustainable systems', yet stayed away from a forum allowing face to face interaction with "clients" within a productive environment, and resist having grass roots committee members. And we sure could have used someone organizing / dishing out some <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">free hot food</span> like in years past too. We do thank <span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.delihousecatering.ca/"><span style="background-color: #134f5c;"><b>Deli House Catering</b></span></a></span> for use of their hot chocolate dispenser though!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJlsW4UCH3g/VEgMiUkbQoI/AAAAAAAAB7c/a9LTbynSCP0/s1600/poverty%2Byappers%2Bplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJlsW4UCH3g/VEgMiUkbQoI/AAAAAAAAB7c/a9LTbynSCP0/s1600/poverty%2Byappers%2Bplay.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tpetalent.blogspot.ca/2013/09/the-yappers-ska-reggae-rock-country.html"><b>The Yappers</b></a> rock the stage @<b>Riverwalk Commons</b> </td></tr>
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<b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b> was actually <u>the first official event ever at <b>Riverwalk Commons</b></u> aside from the grand opening in 2011. Next year, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Oct 17</b></span> happens on a Saturday and we shall endeavour to make it the best ever, with more elements and performances, and maybe expand the arts part of it even more with the <b>Newmarket Arts Festival</b> seemingly running during the same time frame in the same area of town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ-T16uZYr0/VEgI3nprsYI/AAAAAAAAB68/oTl9HIduyao/s1600/poverty%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ-T16uZYr0/VEgI3nprsYI/AAAAAAAAB68/oTl9HIduyao/s1600/poverty%2Bdogs.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dean Wild</b>, left, breaks from the stage with her dog</td></tr>
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Who knows!? Maybe we'll get an <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">inclusive </span><b>town council </b>that will <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>come out and shout to the world </b></span>how <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">proud</span> they are of <b>this event too </b>and show it the<b> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">respect </span></span>it deserves</b> like they do the <a href="http://tpeproductions.blogspot.ca/2014/08/newmarket-jazz-festival-rates-big-plus.html"><b>Newmarket Jazz + Festival.</b></a>..<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Hey! We can use the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154767609000607&type=1&l=f2a526f61a%20International%20Day%20for%20the%20Eradication%20of%20Poverty%20York%20Region"> <span style="background-color: #cc0000;">photo op!</span></a></span> </b></span>Our entire budget was $500. What was theirs? And, after all, there should be no doubt as to which date is more important in the <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>world.</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154767609000607&type=1&l=f2a526f61a%20International%20Day%20for%20the%20Eradication%20of%20Poverty%20York%20Region">More event photos here</a> courtesy of <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Glenn Rodger Events Photography.</span></b> Show elements provided by <a href="http://tpeproductions.blogspot.ca/"><b>TPE Productions</b></a>. <br />
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<b>The @<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/">PACCMan</a> Report</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1K5uqng_bs/VEgRcJKLmBI/AAAAAAAAB78/7779hLtV090/s1600/poverty%2Bmayor%2Bcouncil%2Bwannabes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1K5uqng_bs/VEgRcJKLmBI/AAAAAAAAB78/7779hLtV090/s1600/poverty%2Bmayor%2Bcouncil%2Bwannabes.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris Campbell</b> and <b>Wasim Jarrah</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP76l_Okxn8/VEgzjwo6fSI/AAAAAAAAB9M/UBqA_B2sNXI/s1600/poverty%2Btom%2Bveigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP76l_Okxn8/VEgzjwo6fSI/AAAAAAAAB9M/UBqA_B2sNXI/s1600/poverty%2Btom%2Bveigh.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tom Vegh</b>, Councilor and Habitat for Humanity York Region</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJmyiIG3dqI/VEgQS1j-hcI/AAAAAAAAB70/WGgST-GG1GM/s1600/poverty%2Bdoug%2BCrosse%2Band%2BBessie%2BVlasic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJmyiIG3dqI/VEgQS1j-hcI/AAAAAAAAB70/WGgST-GG1GM/s1600/poverty%2Bdoug%2BCrosse%2Band%2BBessie%2BVlasic.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Doug Crosse</b> with <b>Bessie Vlasic</b>...Who knew he was funny?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg9UKxrcBZ4/VEgRcBon30I/AAAAAAAAB8I/iJNmiQXc6nA/s1600/poverty%2Bhelp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg9UKxrcBZ4/VEgRcBon30I/AAAAAAAAB8I/iJNmiQXc6nA/s1600/poverty%2Bhelp.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The help!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMb5MLXWtsY/VEgMiRLMSSI/AAAAAAAAB7o/myMfFL9cu84/s1600/poverty%2Bperformer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMb5MLXWtsY/VEgMiRLMSSI/AAAAAAAAB7o/myMfFL9cu84/s1600/poverty%2Bperformer.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Home Boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJlqKLwqzo/VEgIcaaAyvI/AAAAAAAAB6w/4loi4GxpBN0/s1600/poverty%2Bjoe%2Belvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJlqKLwqzo/VEgIcaaAyvI/AAAAAAAAB6w/4loi4GxpBN0/s1600/poverty%2Bjoe%2Belvis.jpg" height="313" width="320" /><span id="goog_520746226"></span><span id="goog_520746227"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_520746237"></span><span id="goog_520746238"></span>Poverty makes for strange bed fellows<span id="goog_520746223"></span><span id="goog_520746224"></span>..Thank-you very Much!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7cKwdv1cEA/VEgyudnfyCI/AAAAAAAAB9A/M8Q9DrI9MWA/s1600/poverty%2Bdan%2Band%2Blisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7cKwdv1cEA/VEgyudnfyCI/AAAAAAAAB9A/M8Q9DrI9MWA/s1600/poverty%2Bdan%2Band%2Blisa.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgu3CndGvVw/VEhrcIwmQWI/AAAAAAAAB9c/kigd5lS8Ra8/s1600/poverty%2Bcrowd%2Bonly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgu3CndGvVw/VEhrcIwmQWI/AAAAAAAAB9c/kigd5lS8Ra8/s1600/poverty%2Bcrowd%2Bonly.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an End Of Night Good Time had by all!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket Riverwalk Commons ice rink, Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y, Canada44.0518788 -79.45509909999998444.051789799999995 -79.455256599999984 44.0519678 -79.454941599999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-84669791759260017142014-09-27T08:50:00.001-04:002014-10-17T01:01:13.756-04:00International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, York Region<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9jZf5wdlj4/VDPdMGrmF2I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/Bce-nRnFCM0/s1600/main%2Band%2Briverwalk%2Bpath%2B013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9jZf5wdlj4/VDPdMGrmF2I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/Bce-nRnFCM0/s1600/main%2Band%2Briverwalk%2Bpath%2B013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter shelters closed now. Men in Y.R. use 26 beds in a pop of 1,000,000</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oct 17</b></span> is <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/GetInvolved"><b>International Day for The Eradication of Poverty</b></a>. Join us for York Region's representative <b>2014</b> event at Newmarket's <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Riverwalk Commons</b></span>, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., outside The Lions Hall, simultaneously being held alongside events <b>around the world</b> to draw attention to those in poverty at home and abroad.<br />
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The Newmarket Day will feature an<br />
"Open Mic", offering opportunities to those with messages about poverty to share them. The first part of the 7-10pm running evening will include some personal stories from <b>lived experience</b> or those who have witnessed it, followed by a focus on <b>world poverty</b>.<br />
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Speakers to include PACC Chair Tom Pearson, Displaced Farmer <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/07/aurora-market-wants-volunteers-while.html"><b>Sam Orrico,</b></a> <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/outandabouttown/2014/09/25/ward-2-candidate-bill-kukulewich-live-to-air-with-your-questions"><b>Bill Kukulewich,</b></a> long time tenant's and income rights advocate as well as Council<br />
<br />
candidate <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/outandabouttown/2014/09/25/ward-2-candidate-bill-kukulewich-live-to-air-with-your-questions"><b></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>who unveils his 7 point <span style="color: #cc0000;">plan to END HOMELESSNESS!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Speakers and performance artists wishing to participate can <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:povertyacc@gmail.com">contact us here</a> </span>and join the event on <span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1562725067283785/?context=create&source=49&sid_create=3847922268#">Facebook</a>.</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMoxIsxy0Hc/VCX52hAGFlI/AAAAAAAABzM/wauwbjuujdU/s1600/More%2Bshots%2Bof%2Bmain%2BSt%2Band%2Bhouse%2B110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMoxIsxy0Hc/VCX52hAGFlI/AAAAAAAABzM/wauwbjuujdU/s1600/More%2Bshots%2Bof%2Bmain%2BSt%2Band%2Bhouse%2B110.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fri Oct 17 support an end to poverty - Award winning <a href="http://youtu.be/TVNGeFo7Tn4">one minute video</a></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HnbrgUSNxU/VCavEa2lDSI/AAAAAAAAB04/Tk-g__J7MpQ/s1600/david%2Brogers%2Bbook%2B-%2BThe%2BDark%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HnbrgUSNxU/VCavEa2lDSI/AAAAAAAAB04/Tk-g__J7MpQ/s1600/david%2Brogers%2Bbook%2B-%2BThe%2BDark%2BRoad.jpg" /></a></div>
Booked in also is Poet, <b>David Rogers,</b> who will be available for signings / sales of his book of poems, <span style="background-color: #e69138;"><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-dark-road-book-of-poetry-for.html">"The Dark Road"</a>,</span> which acts as a type of <b>therapy</b> for those fighting addictions / mental health issues, including depression. David's true to life experiences are replicated through his poetry, resonating and cutting through to many so afflicted. Signed Books are $15. 50% sales to <b>PACC</b>.<br />
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Mike Thornhill youth award winner Jason Baulch will also receive his recognition award and serves as an example of youth and positive action as well Jazzled Youth COO Wendy Marais will also make some information available about new youth initiatives and educational scholarship opportunities.<br />
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The plight of <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/07/aurora-market-wants-volunteers-while.html">displaced Markham Farmer</a> <b>Sam Orrico</b> will also be highlighted including words from Sam, also a victim of several house fires.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuxaW8FFSL8/VCamAaDLs5I/AAAAAAAABz0/hrykV6YY8Fg/s1600/yappers%2Bforest%2B074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuxaW8FFSL8/VCamAaDLs5I/AAAAAAAABz0/hrykV6YY8Fg/s1600/yappers%2Bforest%2B074.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Reggae-country- rock sensations, <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/community-story/4492680-aurora-band-performs-in-newmarket/"><b>The Yappers</b></a>, are also slated in the mix thus far, as well as some Hip Hop and sounds by the amazing <b>Just Flow </b>and <b>AJM Fam</b>, as well a number of politicians and concerned residents will attend, making for an eclectic, stimulating, yet rockin' evening - with time in between for a mix and exchange of knowledge, information and ideas related to poverty issues.<br />
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For 2014, in memory of a special <b>PACC</b> member, community volunteer and community worker with <b>C.M.H.A</b>., <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/09/cmha-community-development-worker-rare.html"><b>Annette Brown</b></a>, who passed unexpectedly recently, we will be handing out pumpkins at the event to keep her spirit / drive to make sure all kids get a pumpkin!<br />
The following day on Oct 18 a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/532627766868286/?ref=br_tf">celebration in Annette's honour</a> is also planned.<br />
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The <b>Int Day</b> has been <a href="http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E">marked in Newmarket</a> over 12 years now, and was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Day-for-the-Eradication-of-Poverty/12436021094218">originally designed </a>23 years ago, when launched in <b>Paris France</b> in front of the U.N. building, by a man of cloth who came from poverty and who wanted to make a difference, culminating with <b>millions standing at once </b>setting a <b>world record for doing so in 2011</b>! He has made a difference. You can too!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Come out and lend an ear or voice on Oct 17 2014!</b></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket Riverwalk Commons ice rink, Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y, Canada44.0518788 -79.45509909999998420.778168799999996 -120.76369309999998 67.325588799999991 -38.146505099999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-34529838125556838012014-09-18T09:33:00.002-04:002014-09-22T11:50:07.575-04:00CMHA Community Development Worker a rare find...now gone too soon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTD2Mk91JLs/VBrWR_1lUCI/AAAAAAAABw8/aBRw9eSgcl0/s1600/annette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTD2Mk91JLs/VBrWR_1lUCI/AAAAAAAABw8/aBRw9eSgcl0/s1600/annette.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette Brown</td></tr>
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It was with great shock and sadness that I learned of a colleague and friend, <b>Annette Brown</b>'s passing the other day, from cardiac arrest while in the hospital. She'd had some ongoing health issues I'm told, but, in true Annette fashion, she kept it fairly quiet, never wanting to be the "victim". I believe she'd been victimized enough already in life, something she too kept close to her chest, but her experience from her past made her an excellent social worker and her heart made her a great one. She understood people's situations better than most social workers ever could and knew how to relate on a level people felt comfortable with and therefore she reached more residents. She also had a special, even keel, calmness about her when dealing with issues / residence, something I always admired, being someone who tends to get too emotional in issues at times.<br />
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Annette, along with myself and a number of others, were part of special community development team trained in group facilitation and community development, the York Region Community Development Project, and we held community events, formed regular community meetings, and encouraged groups and organizations to form including the Mulock Village Development Committee from which the Annual <a href="http://youtu.be/HlL9inhAZZs">Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road Hockey</a> Challenge sprung.It's run 10 years now.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqhgY1eMs4A/VBrWbcekTuI/AAAAAAAABxI/fT1H6igrWlU/s1600/road%2Bhockey%2Bteam%2B06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqhgY1eMs4A/VBrWbcekTuI/AAAAAAAABxI/fT1H6igrWlU/s1600/road%2Bhockey%2Bteam%2B06.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette helped plant the roots for YRH kids</td></tr>
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Even after being removed from direct involvement with those communities, when the <a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/business/yr/assistancefornonprofits/fundingfornonprofits/!ut/p/a1/jZBdT8IwFIZ_ketZGay3dQpdJxlqAqM3psy2NBnt0k2X8OstCTdcKJ67c_KcvB9IoAYJJ7-tkaP1TnaXXSw-SroqGauA1xkpgEJNOc4JPM-yCOwjAL8MhXv__B8COKyLtUGil-PxwTrtUSOHwQ6jdK3SPjjv-uC1HQfU6C_3aZ25ve6QuJVZvZMMyi3P6TatoSBwBTDOFiwtgAOrCZTLfDN_IiyFCl-BP4LGJKbzh1ja7hGJlp676vXinrrDjET3QWkVVEiOfhhRM01TYrw3nUpaifpTc35hYDent_0P08vihQ!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.VBrTn1fbGSo">community development dollars</a> ran their course, and being reassigned to things like distributing ' <b>The Winter Warmth Program" </b>which was discontinued last year and kept people warm in their homes in the winter, the mental health worker, still always made herself available for special events, often traveling from Georgina to Newmmarket on her own dime on weekends to do so - dedication you <b>rarely</b> see with any organization's workers. It wasn't a job to Annette you see, she loved helping and her position allowed for that, so that is what she did day, night, or weekend......until she got sick...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afh-hNEoSyM/VBrXBt395sI/AAAAAAAABxM/sFWjoPgZen4/s1600/Community%2BBBQ%2B2009%2B010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afh-hNEoSyM/VBrXBt395sI/AAAAAAAABxM/sFWjoPgZen4/s1600/Community%2BBBQ%2B2009%2B010.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette made sure this blind man was warm in winter - not the politician</td></tr>
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But even then, after taking leave from her <a href="http://www.cmha.ca/"><b>Canadian Mental Health Association</b></a> job with health issues creeping up I suspect, she still called to get involved, offering to distribute food in <b>Tom Taylor Place</b>, where some residents had struggled to survive on social service or disability incomes.<br />
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She did that until the <b>York Region Food Network</b> stopped calling us <b>(PACC)</b> about the free food and toiletries they'd receive, which for years <b>PACC</b> helped distribute to, and were there from the beginning, helping make it work.I guess that well ran dry.Annette had also volunteered to come out every Oct 17 <a href="http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E">International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, </a>as well as the mid-march youth road hockey challenge, always in the background willing to do anything
asked, without question, no matter the weather or location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oT9b-TycLTU/VBrXfN3K3TI/AAAAAAAABxU/88Ta60UIM8Y/s1600/community%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oT9b-TycLTU/VBrXfN3K3TI/AAAAAAAABxU/88Ta60UIM8Y/s1600/community%2B001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette photogged this shot, and was the Grinch's Dog Max too!</td></tr>
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I stopped hearing from her as regularly, and then hardly at all, and thought perhaps some lucky guy had swept her off her feet or she'd become like the majority of social workers who thought of people as simply 'clients' and not people or "burn out" or maybe she just didn't have time....Little did I know.<br />
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<b>Annette Brown</b> will be sorely missed. I miss her already. I hadn't called. I could have. You don't think of these things and then someone who is a truly caring person and who you know has made a difference in people's lives, dies on you. Jesus! I'm sorry Annette. I never knew.<br />
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Stay tuned for a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/532627766868286/">celebration in her honour</a>. May god bless. <b><a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">PACC</a>man</b> down and out...<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/k_AkwRZGT24">Oct 17 international day for the Eradication of Poverty in Newmarket</a>. Odds are Annette is one of the die-hards caring enough to brave the cold to sit and listen and give the respect the voices deserved. This year the event will be held at Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket from 7-10 pm and feature speakers and live performers. Annette Brown's latest drive was for pumpkins for kids, so we'll be accepting fresh pumpkins for her drive toward The celebration of her life Oct 18!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-10978574850288469212014-09-15T18:10:00.002-04:002014-09-16T12:12:27.652-04:00Election York Region - Newmarket Council or Candidates<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izdj27wD5gw/VBdKir8AB7I/AAAAAAAABt8/rPNqCzQUxdA/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izdj27wD5gw/VBdKir8AB7I/AAAAAAAABt8/rPNqCzQUxdA/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B058.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Darryl Wolk, left, at his campaign kick off</b></span></td></tr>
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The municipal elections are coming up, and with that comes all the nastiness and rearing of ugly heads, as each wannabe candidate scraps it out for a piece of the prize - serving the community in government.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3429qByiBxc/VBdMG5EFisI/AAAAAAAABvE/FfxhvgO5Ryk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3429qByiBxc/VBdMG5EFisI/AAAAAAAABvE/FfxhvgO5Ryk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B019.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mayoral hopeful <a href="http://www.chriscampbell2014.com/">Chris Campbell</a></b></span></td></tr>
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I was dragged to one opening event for someone running for mayor but wouldn't have gone if a friend hadn't asked, mostly because often municipal politics would not be the level of government we'd be communicating with on most issues but also because I despise the whole process that seems to always include personal attacks too often and not the issues. However I was glad I went in the end as it gave me <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/09/newmarket-election-mayor-candidate-talk.html">an opportunity to hear someone new</a> and it was refreshing.<br />
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To me, the issues are what has been done in recent times, by who, and do we need new members to keep things honest and on track toward better standards <b>for all?</b> I don't see that now, so I'm looking toward some changes. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vacxbW93FK8/VBdOSnRJkJI/AAAAAAAABvw/GAwExjP1Nag/s1600/gully%2Band%2Bfriends%2B096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vacxbW93FK8/VBdOSnRJkJI/AAAAAAAABvw/GAwExjP1Nag/s1600/gully%2Band%2Bfriends%2B096.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>First, Region-wise, money fought to get back from Toronto, for social programs, have instead mostly been used for paying infrastructure costs - not what we lobbied those funds back for. Regional Council also sat on their hands for <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Strike">3 months during a transit strike </a>- 4 months for some living in semi-isolated communit<span style="font-size: small;">ies</span> - and had no plan in place to assist them during this time, and seemingly, no thought about the aftermath. <b>Some never recovered, and got no compensation</b>. All the mothers that needed transportation for food and diapers and - through Christmas time no less - and yet no accountability. This was the <b>2nd longest transit strike in Canadian history</b> by the way, resulting in <b>user costs among the highest in the country,</b> and, yet, hardly a press blip. Council owed more than a months free transit in that fiasco to transit riders. Chairman Fisch they gave an award for this. Wheel-chair trans users were affected as well, with an overload on services, and many people were unable to meet critical medical appointments that took months or years to get, as well senior or aged, 50 plus workers, who lost jobs as employers used their absences an excuse to be rid of some. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPHpyREDoE/VBdLino3qjI/AAAAAAAABus/2XL0iYkPBNg/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPHpyREDoE/VBdLino3qjI/AAAAAAAABus/2XL0iYkPBNg/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B057.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darryl Wolk</b> kicks off his campaign for Newmarket's Regional Councillor.</td></tr>
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I attended a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tom.Pearson.TPE/media_set?set=a.10154598444770300.1073741847.775760299&type=3">kick off party</a> for <b>Newmarket Regional Councillor </b>hopeful, <b><a href="http://www.votewolk.com/">Darryl Wolk</a>,</b> having been invited to and having known him for some time, but, to be honest, I liked him as a person through my dealings with him - a community group he was associated with had approached about our youth road hockey event - but was not sure he had what it took to be a serious contender - and ended up being quite surprised. His experience spoke for itself through an intro provided by his campaign manager, but it was his speaking and <a href="ttps://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154595034365300&set=vb.775760299&type=2&theater">articulated messages that impressed me</a>. I've always known him to speak in more hushed tones sitting across tables from me, but as a front man he really articulated well and knew his stuff a<b>nd</b> he includes a focus on poverty and youth and families in a way I can work with I believe. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzcXGY6-Qzw/VBdLhdJZmAI/AAAAAAAABuY/vFHfAtDy9QM/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzcXGY6-Qzw/VBdLhdJZmAI/AAAAAAAABuY/vFHfAtDy9QM/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B025.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lack of jobs and construction woes plague Newmarket</td></tr>
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My first experience with the incumbent Regional Councillor, <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4357596-newmarket-s-john-taylor-seeks-re-election"><b>John Taylor</b></a>, was during <b><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2010/06/poverty-square-table-meetings.html">The Square Table on Poverty</a>,</b> an initiative I naively coerced all levels of government into participating in through use of the media, hoping it would make a difference. Back then, they actually printed and put us on tv a bit here and there including an infamous live <b>CBC</b> TV news interview by yours truly, to promote <b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty,</b> but ended up mentioning how <b>Belinda Stronach</b> was then out pushing African mosquito nets while we now had 50,000 people using food banks in York Region. CBC were likely stunned at what came out of my mouth <br />
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but it worked, and got her and all the rest to the table, albeit Belinda showed in person only once.<br />
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I recall one of the first <b>ST</b> meetings, we spoke of affordable housing and <b>John Taylor</b> got upset that I criticized ads in the paper for Y.R. Habitat for Humanity, claiming to be builders of " Affordable Housing". I dared say that that was misleading, as they hadn't built any at the time in the area for over 5 years and it gave those not so in the know a false impression that housing was being taken care of by them, and that people had to become a face for them too, which we consider degrading.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osciPZOy0gE/VBdM8DmI0_I/AAAAAAAABvc/eKXwXysLucw/s1600/tom%2Bfoolery%2B2014%2B054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osciPZOy0gE/VBdM8DmI0_I/AAAAAAAABvc/eKXwXysLucw/s1600/tom%2Bfoolery%2B2014%2B054.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild life needs a home too</td></tr>
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Taylor, at that point, told me that he wasn't there to put down organizations etc but that's exactly what we were there for. To discuss reality, in real terms, without the bullcrap. We wanted to talk about <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/06/york-region-canadas-worst-provider-of.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+PovertyAwarenessInTheYorkRegion+%28Poverty+Awareness+in+the+York+Region%29">building real housing</a>, not a corporate charity that can tell you anything in their ad messages, but have little accountability to results - which our government should be holding charities more accountable. I found out later, his father and former Newmarket Mayor, Tom Taylor, had an attachment to <b>Habitat for Humanity, </b>and it just never set right with me. To me, <b>H.F.H.</b> are still part of a highly paid U.S. parent corporation, making money using our poor people and real estate, with few real tangibles but an exaggerated
value. There hasn't been a habitat house built in Newmarket in over 10
years now. So, yea, to me, their claims of being <i>builders of affordable housing</i> are way off base. I don't care what their ads tell me, and the few they do build here, don't get them those bragging rights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zExwNyH_oN4/VBdLkO23LxI/AAAAAAAABu0/RMELyv90y5A/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zExwNyH_oN4/VBdLkO23LxI/AAAAAAAABu0/RMELyv90y5A/s1600/regional%2Bcouncilor%2B065.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wolk</b> engages</td></tr>
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People also seem of the belief that if something is built here, it must have been "needed", yet <b>the region tore down an existing building </b>on an existing site already zoned for and serving as sites for <a href="http://www.bluedoorshelters.ca/our-shelters.html">shelters,</a> only to say they needed now a new site for a another brand new shelter - even though the opening of a family shelter had just taken a burden off existing women's shelters actually showing lower usage (backed by stats) at the time as the men, most in need as pointed out in York Region's own <b><a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/social/commission/F-J/Interfaith%20Social%20Assistance%20Reform%20Coalition%20-%20Social%20Audit%20in%20York%20Region.pdf">social audit</a>, got no consideration or programs</b>.<br />
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The same <b>York Region council</b> supposedly endorsed it's recommendations, but went on to ignore them mostly, instead budgeting the available funds for housing / shelters into a new women's shelter - now approaching 10 million dollars. <b>Tony Van Bynen</b> ran the last election on the dire need for this. By now we should have hundreds of women dead on our streets from homelessness if there was such a need.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former and council hopeful <b>Victor Woodhouse</b></td></tr>
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As I walked along the railway tracks taking photos by <b>Newmarket's Riverwalk Commons,</b> where we hope to hold the <b>Oct 17,</b> <b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b> event, I saw a homeless guy lying near a steel garbage bin on a cement parking block. I wondered if he'd been inside the covered bin somehow earlier and now outside for warmth or if he was a shelter dweller who would be typically sent out during the day, and remembered this is a transitional time for them, summer they can sleep outside need be but as colder, not, with winter shelters not open for some months yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayoral hopeful Rev <b>Dorian Baxter</b></td></tr>
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So, to me, the women's shelter sounded wonderful, but at $10,000,000 so far and counting to house single women without children, age 26 and up (the only possible shelter category not covered yet) who <b>will mostly be <u>from outside the region</u></b><u> </u>by the way (we have agreements with Toronto and elsewhere to take them), was not a priority - but a manufactured one - and therefore been a colossal waste of your money.<br />
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The reality is, <b>we don't have women on our streets like this,</b> but <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Homeless%20Shelters"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>we do men</b></span></a>. The same men we don't mind sending to war to die and to now live and defend a violent life on the <span id="goog_327870395"></span><span id="goog_327870396"></span>streets, while being expected to be a contributing member, without<span style="font-size: large;"><b> any</b></span> support programs - another glaring missing social service / charity. But would a mayor look good fighting for a men's shelter? Or is it sexier if it's vulnerable women? <b>Stiff</b> price those men are paying for that decision.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Council hopeful <b>Wasim Jarrah</b></td></tr>
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It took some years, but I think <b>Darryl Wolks</b> understands - in fact he claims it was me who inspired him to join the <b>Peel</b> anti-poverty initiative which helped toward<b> </b>affording him a better understanding of the issues, and that sometimes it is <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/06/hockey-night-inthe-salvation-army.html">possible to make changes for the better </a>through little things - like grass roots representation on committees, whereas <b>John Taylor</b>, always civil, has delivered nothing but excuses to me for too many years now. Newmarket's mayor has an even worse record, skipping important once a year poverty events in favour of photo ops. At least Councilor Taylor shows up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb7SLYs5LQA/VBdM8PVIb6I/AAAAAAAABvY/N8EBw0chEgQ/s1600/sams%2Bpic%2Band%2Bnature%2B038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb7SLYs5LQA/VBdM8PVIb6I/AAAAAAAABvY/N8EBw0chEgQ/s1600/sams%2Bpic%2Band%2Bnature%2B038.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ward 5 hopeful sign</td></tr>
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I was further perturbed by the whole election thing when I posted <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154594971575300&set=vb.775760299&type=2&theater">a video of <b>Wolk's </b>intro</a> at his kick off party, only to have it get the "anti-anybodynotthem" set come out in force, stating, on my posting btw, that he was no good etc, to which I'd replied that I respected his desire to run and he impressed me. At that point the piling on started, with people obviously for certain people, but all against Darryl and when I defended his courage to run, and dared make a negative comment about their horse, I was again maligned and scorned with one guy offering that if I wasn't going to say something nice on that particular <b>FB</b> <b>group</b> then he'd have me removed. Ha. Obviously not aware of my web reach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E232bfZ4xEI/VBdLgiWP8mI/AAAAAAAABuU/HM11kcZhoTY/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E232bfZ4xEI/VBdLgiWP8mI/AAAAAAAABuU/HM11kcZhoTY/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blast from the past - <b>Diane Humeniuk</b></td></tr>
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The biggest opposition to <b>Darryl Wolk</b> seemed to stem from other candidates who once supported him, but a decision he made while working behind the scenes during the provincial election when he, to some accounts, changed teams, seems to have labelled him as a traitor in their eyes. I like to think he just couldn't support some of the harsh or ineffective directions that party took on issues such as addressing poverty, and that some of that reasoning, and, having to look guys like me in the face, meshed with his evolving beliefs, resulting in a tough decision. Perhaps a conscience, and for me that's good. That means he has values and principles and decided they were best served representing a different party at that time. Yet, I see those same people having no qualms attaching themselves to anything <b>Belinda Stronach</b>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ward 5 hopeful <b>John Heckbert</b> listens</td></tr>
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Recently, in the media, there has been some focus on <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/11/charity-labour-ontarios-secret-shame.htm">accountability for charities </a>which have very little. What you know / believe about them is a message they are often writing in ads and websites themselves, and are not necessarily wholly true, but who's to judge? This is an area I too would like fixed, <u>with far too many charities claiming to do far too many wonderful things</u> getting away with far too little accountability. Want to claim you do business in dignity in commercials? Prove it! Claim you shovel snow for everyone in need? Do it. Claim you are going to be <b>the</b> <b>only women's shelter in York Region, </b>when there are 6 existing already? <a href="http://belindasplace.ca/the-causes.php">Well that one is okay apparently now as it seems to have been removed</a>. Claim you have programs assisting youth or women or people to find housing? Let's see the tangible proof and not more this type like this quote taken from a Y.R. Website offering services for women, which is a manipulation of true facts, and typical of many charitable organizations' claims; <br />
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<b>"400 women are turned away annually from Violence Against Women shelters because they don't meet the criteria." <span style="font-size: large;">Not exactly the full picture.</span></b> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2018 end date now?...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">construction + trans strike = chaos</td></tr>
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In reality, <b>even if a call results in a recommendation</b> to call another <i>type</i> of shelter, <a href="http://www.bluedoorshelters.ca/our-shelters.html">like a family shelter</a>, they <u>mark them as not getting shelter <b>as a stat</b>.</u> If the same woman calls 4 times to get someone on the phone, each call not ending with placement counts as a person not getting shelter - even though it's one person. Or the same person calling dozens of times a year. So it is misleading, and does not let you know the real story of how many got placed. <b>The winter shelters for women are never full </b>- in fact mostly empty - while <b>the men's is ALWAYS FULL</b>- is all I do know so I'm not sure where they get their stats from. Maybe the Salvation Army which is now slated to run <b>Belinda's Place -</b> after all the hoopla about how <b>BP</b>'s would have special programs for women while raising funds - no mention of <b>S.A</b>. then, and I can tell you <b>they don't have a good rep with the street people for running them</b> or distributing programs. But no one asked, and since no one of experience is on the board to help advise them on these things, we get what we get.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/MMfIGIoJ77I"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Newmarket, at 8%, is a full percentage point behind the national average for unemployment</b></span></a> and paralyzed with construction that seems very poorly planned at best. And as we lose more and more control of our <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">green areas</a> and privacy, we have to wonder who is in charge? How can <b>Newmarket</b> get a better deal and have a bigger voice in <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Poverty%20Reduction"><b>Regional</b></a> decisions - that <b>Newmarket</b> wants? You decide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4s3H6G6OX4/VBdbeCMpzzI/AAAAAAAABwc/pDZZc-xl8sk/s1600/sept%2Bnature%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4s3H6G6OX4/VBdbeCMpzzI/AAAAAAAABwc/pDZZc-xl8sk/s1600/sept%2Bnature%2B003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long time Newmarket printing shop gone @ Timothy Street</td></tr>
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At any rate, this whole rotten thing actually helped me make up my mind
about the need for change even more. Pick people who have experience yes, but look for a candidate who truly cares about the people first, and the town, and not just personal interests, parties, or legacies if you can.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vote!</b></span> Do not assume anything. <a href="http://www.newmarket.ca/en/townhall/AmIonthelist.asp">And make sure you are registered</a>. No candidate is unbeatable, and, sometimes, if enough people dislike a candidate enough to vote against them, combined with supporters, can win the day...but only if they <i>actually vote</i>! Every vote counts in municipal elections and sometimes a complacent mayor or councilor are ripe for the pickings - before they get too fat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Do it! Do it now!</b></span></span><br />
pacc man out<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com1Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-92232948005326679252014-09-06T02:24:00.000-04:002014-09-12T03:15:02.614-04:00Newmarket Election Mayor Candidate Talks Politics<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1A0PXWneiQ/VAqQrjhf4HI/AAAAAAAABno/fRVS-VBEmc0/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1A0PXWneiQ/VAqQrjhf4HI/AAAAAAAABno/fRVS-VBEmc0/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/glenn.rodger.9/photos_albums"><b>Glenn</b></a> in action</td></tr>
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When asked by my buddy Glenn to accompany him along to a kick off for a Newmarket mayoral candidate, I wanted to say no, but, instead, the polite Glenn to "olive branched" me an out before replying by offering to call me the following day just prior to him going, and, if at that time I wanted to go with, we'd do so. Always the procrastinator, I agreed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhYe6GTo9TQ/VAqUcxHWKkI/AAAAAAAABpc/OE8x_m3Sycg/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhYe6GTo9TQ/VAqUcxHWKkI/AAAAAAAABpc/OE8x_m3Sycg/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B025.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayoral Candidate Chris Campbell listens</td></tr>
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As I say, my first reaction was no, mainly because I'd heard the candidate running against him was doing so only because no one else was, and that he did not expect to win. Also because I love politics but I hate the politics of politics, if you will. If I have no reason to be around it, I certainly don't want to just for the sake of it, but complacency in a mayor or council is the worst thing you can have in politics, and the need for adding "new blood" essential to maintaining civic order.<br />
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Obviously I chose to go, and was mildly surprised to see a fairly full room of would be supporters of this candidate a local lad come home to roost, but, always the skeptic, especially when it comes to politics, I arrived with both guards up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC7Eefq9mA4/VAqUOo0zkyI/AAAAAAAABpA/jT84Eg1RuaQ/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC7Eefq9mA4/VAqUOo0zkyI/AAAAAAAABpA/jT84Eg1RuaQ/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Bacon Flavoured Chips eh? Lol</td></tr>
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As Glenn dashed off to take his myriad of a million great pics, I asked some questions, wanting to know about this <b>Chris Campbell</b> who dared challenge the almighty municipal Lord Mayor Van Bynen for the town's mantle-head, and came away impressed.<br />
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Firstly, him being a local boy, to me anyway, shows he has some invested emotional interest in the town. As I explain it, someone who grew up around a special tree has an attachment that someone not growing up in the area may know enough about to appreciate. But I certainly needed more than that from anyone running, and, as I learned more, liked what I heard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJRqv_1gnZA/VAqQruWnwDI/AAAAAAAABnk/SpQnRejJ4ZA/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJRqv_1gnZA/VAqQruWnwDI/AAAAAAAABnk/SpQnRejJ4ZA/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch Chris Campbell's campaign <a href="http://youtu.be/nVYsxq7MwhE">launch highlights</a> here</td></tr>
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Here was a mayoral candidate, actually talking about jobs and acknowledging that at 8 %, Newmarket is running unemployment a full percentage point above the national average - in one of the most prosperous areas in the country. Someone who dared say that Newmarket should be demanding a better deal from the <i>Region</i>, instead of rambling off googly gok, and understanding that businesses are hurting! He's also someone who is well schooled - specifically for politics too - so understands its complexities as well as the business side, through spending years as a successful business person and who is now willing to invest himself back into this town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U39l-MRElE/VAqUQP70YuI/AAAAAAAABpM/OHAxVoa4ksk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U39l-MRElE/VAqUQP70YuI/AAAAAAAABpM/OHAxVoa4ksk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B018.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newmarket Mayoral Candidate <a href="http://www.chriscampbell2014.com/">Chris Campbell</a></td></tr>
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To me his words were a beacon of hope - someone who <b>gets</b> that it's a town full of <b>people</b>, and <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">not a small group,</span> who should be benefiting from everything this town has to offer. He even spoke about some hockey and soccer players having to <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/06/hockey-night-inthe-salvation-army.html">play in other towns</a> to afford it, something he found appalling - whereas Tony Van Bynen attended the grand opening of a car dealership last Oct 17, <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/10/oct-17-is-int-day-for-eradication-of.html">International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</a>, ignoring for a third year in a row the invitation to attend, even to say hello. Asked if he'd be attending our <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Road%20Hockey%20Tournament">youth road hockey event</a> in 2014 he said to send his office an invite. I did. No reply. Complacent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPY8RyY_XII/VAqUYNtyumI/AAAAAAAABpU/xkO3GTj-Xsk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPY8RyY_XII/VAqUYNtyumI/AAAAAAAABpU/xkO3GTj-Xsk/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Diane Humeniuk, greeting people like old times!</b></td></tr>
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So when Diane Humeniuk, a former Regional / Councilor herself, and long time personal acquaintance of mine, whom I had no idea was involved, spoke of Chris returning e-mails in her introduction of this candidate, I knew what she meant.<br />
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At this point, Campbell seemed far from just a guy running for the sake of it, but instead a guy with substance, some smarts and maybe indeed the change this town needs to <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>keep it from turning into whatever the region, province, feds, and corporate friends of the mayor tell it to be.</b></span> He certainly impressed me in that regard and comes with much more credentials for the job of managing, a now small city than the former bank manager Van Bynen ever did. And photo ops of VB hob-knobbing with C.E.O.'s scare, not impress me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIu7OVL7trk/VAqfsucNB8I/AAAAAAAABp8/gHOYJT7DHQ4/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIu7OVL7trk/VAqfsucNB8I/AAAAAAAABp8/gHOYJT7DHQ4/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious Newmarket residents attend</td></tr>
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This is still our town. Other people than the status-quo <b>can</b> run it. Better. And before it's gone, and before council become too complacent, we best find someone else to lead - a leader, which Chris Campbell also spoke of - leadership - and this guy seems worth a look see. Don't take my word for it though check out <a href="http://www.chriscampbell2014.com/"><b>his website</b></a> for yourself - but he seems certainly qualified and genuinely seems to care, and that my friends makes him a serious candidate that I believe we can trust to tend for our town. More at least.Lol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lahkz4_J94/VAqftFhGjOI/AAAAAAAABqA/CuudXx-DkZ4/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lahkz4_J94/VAqftFhGjOI/AAAAAAAABqA/CuudXx-DkZ4/s1600/chris%2Bcampbell%2Bmayor%2B030.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of night shot!</td></tr>
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Also on hand this night was Regional Councilor candidate <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wolkdarryl"><b>Darryl Wolk</b></a> whom I first met some years ago in relation to a sponsorship for our community youth award. The jixt of what I hammered home with Darryl, was that when it comes to municipal politics, I actually don't care what party you support provincially and federally, I want someone who is willing to work with anyone. That what I liked about municipal politics, is those party's flags are not needed, and, in fact, should not be paraded out at all in my opinion. Darryl agrees. Yay. Lol.<br />
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There was another person there I didn't so much agree with (surprise of all surprises! lol) - As I believing council members should be <b>full time</b>, especially now as the town grows out of control, we need full time conentration - and him believing otherwise...Arggg..politics again..Don't get me started! Gle-e-e-enn! Let's go!<br />
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Tom Out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-88469036329176539722014-08-01T13:51:00.000-04:002014-09-01T13:24:37.317-04:00 York Region Politics - Facts, Fiction & Elections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Ontarians</b> forced into an election made their choices recently handing a majority government over the the Liberals despite scandal connected to the former Premier and his dealings. The other parties gambled that striking while the irons were hot on the issue would result in victory. They were wrong.<br />
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Firstly, the <b>NDP </b>leader who pushed for it, <b>Andrea Horvath</b>, miscalculated how Ontarians felt and would vote. She should have remained patient, allowed people to get to know her a little more (likely swayed by leadership polls) and allowed the Liberal leader to possibly self destruct herself or start creating her own legacy of public funding screw ups and they might have stood some chance to at least make gains. The Conservatives pretty much sealed their fate by backing the unpopular Hudak. Very poor decisions with much predictable outcomes.<br />
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So now there are some new faces in the Ontario parliament, and locally, after a Councilor showed her true <span style="color: blue;">colours</span>, even 1st timers such as Newmarket / Aurora MPP <a href="http://barrie.ctvnews.ca/chris-ballard-claims-the-riding-of-newmarket-aurora-for-the-liberals-1.1866569"><b>Chris Ballard</b></a>, who admitted to me before the election when I met with him he hadn't much on hands knowledge of the nuances of poverty issues but was interested to engage more about them - like about the <b><a href="http://p.a.c.c./">P.A.C.C.</a> </b>organized York Region social audit report <a href="http://archives.york.ca/councilcommitteearchives/pdf/may%2012%20urb%20social.pdf"><b>" Behind The Masks"</b>.</a> At least he was truthful, and that's a plus in my books.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZfuBpJvoHA/U9vG0qKNObI/AAAAAAAABjg/naWaf_kRTv0/s1600/tom++tim+rent+increase+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZfuBpJvoHA/U9vG0qKNObI/AAAAAAAABjg/naWaf_kRTv0/s1600/tom++tim+rent+increase+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
His extent of 'experience" in this area was knowing of an after-school care held in a co-op funded by the <i>United Way</i> and that <b>men</b> had lived under a bridge in Aurora last year. Hey, it's a starting point! And that's better already than the last guy, <i><b>Frank Klees</b></i>, who offered nothing at the "Square-tables on Poverty" we organized, and once said to me,<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>" Tom you and I can sit here all day and we're not going to agree"</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W84-REuNrH0/U9vG3qBtNxI/AAAAAAAABjo/_Pd8zAU5kII/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W84-REuNrH0/U9vG3qBtNxI/AAAAAAAABjo/_Pd8zAU5kII/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+085.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction / development a local election issue</td></tr>
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...It was his way or the highway and for that reason - and the fact that millionairess <i><b>Belinda Stronach</b></i> then M.P. for the area kept sending assistants to the talks instead of attending in person - it didn't last. She had also walked across the parliament floor during this time to the Liberals from the Conservatives, and in reflection, it seems about that time <i><b>Klees</b></i> stopped " cooperating". His idea of a 'solution:" was give everyone a job". Soon after the <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2010/06/poverty-square-table-meetings.html">"Squaretable"</a> died.<br />
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In one respect it is scary having a person in parliament representing us with little experience, but on the other hand, they perhaps can have more of an open mind about solutions and action and be willing to work "collaboratively', a buzz term used a lot but not practiced much. My experience with collaboration is they steal your ideas and then apply for the funds without you. Ha. Eloquent speeches make for good sound bites, but a gutsy, ethical representative is what I seek - and someone not afraid to like a good idea from anyone and share them in it's delivery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmTdNUoYVxI/U9vG85GXSEI/AAAAAAAABj4/Zca7iiAVN7g/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmTdNUoYVxI/U9vG85GXSEI/AAAAAAAABj4/Zca7iiAVN7g/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+091.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belinda's Place - Hurry before winter so women don't freeze!</td></tr>
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<b>Ballard</b>'s first action in parliament as I understand was to put forward a motion to have the <b>York Region Chairman</b>'s position voted in - something <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Strike">I advocated for during the 5 months long transit strike</a> - Canada's 2nd longest in history - where Chair <i><b>Bill Fisch</b></i> basically did nothing alongside Council, while people lost jobs, missed doctors appointments, school, surgeries, and went hungry.<br />
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Some still have not recovered, especially seniors who had jobs, now let go, as well as some young people who never got back on track for school. The <b>Regional Councilors and Mayors</b> of course are also to blame and should be punished at the ballot boxes for the fiasco, as well for <b>wasting millions of dollars on a <span style="font-size: large;">7th</span> Y.R. women's shelter while <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012_04_01_archive.html">men die on the streets</a>. </b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRO7ZtUJcnQ/U9vMzfMZDSI/AAAAAAAABkI/zFb94yGOWVU/s1600/gully+and+friends+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRO7ZtUJcnQ/U9vMzfMZDSI/AAAAAAAABkI/zFb94yGOWVU/s1600/gully+and+friends+002.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1424566-homeless-father-son-struggle"><b>YRMG won</b></a> an award for <a href="http://youtu.be/ON3BblmXrI8">our story</a> but no changes for men.</td></tr>
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Now they they giving him Character and <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4498570-fisch-among-residents-honoured-for-character/"><i>man of the year </i></a>awards. <br />
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Newmarket Mayor, <b>Tony Van Bynen</b>, for example used this issue - The <b>false fact</b> we have <b>no</b> women's shelters in Y.R. - to get reelected and used it for photo ops and sound bites at every turn - and still does. Backers conveniently added the word "single " after criticism. The reality is we have 7 shelters already dedicated to or shared with women - which <b>stats actually indicate <i>lower</i> use</b> in them as of 2012-13 and two winter ones as well that accept single women.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGWxPnVIw_Y/U9vOXMySy_I/AAAAAAAABkU/Ya7P2B2atR0/s1600/Main+St+pre-event++CBC+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGWxPnVIw_Y/U9vOXMySy_I/AAAAAAAABkU/Ya7P2B2atR0/s1600/Main+St+pre-event++CBC+028.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom speaks about homeless men / programs with CBC</td></tr>
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It's also been commonly <u>known for years,</u> that women really needing a place in YR simply say they have been abuse victims and get shelter - not turned away - so <u>no one was on the street </u>where possible is the bottom line, and with the addition of a family shelter now, we quite easily could simply have converted an existing shelter into one for "singles' over age 26 ( we have for under), but no, they had to build another, at now $9 million dollars and counting mausoleum - and bearing the name of the woman who was too busy to attend the <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2010/06/poverty-square-table-meetings.html"><b><i>Square Tables on Poverty</i></b></a> and who not once showed up for <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/09/world-day-to-end-extreme-poverty-is-oct.html"><b>Oct 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b></a> events here - but somehow her name adorns this now to be<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/search/label/Homeless%20Shelters"> Salvation Army</a> run club.<br />
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<i><b>S.A.</b></i> may be "a Stalwart" in their world, but not in the world of <b>the homeless</b> according to the social audit that obviously wasn't used in making this decision - which often happens when boards are vacant of any grass roots input. Much simpler to have someone else run it now but keep the false perceptions of actual involvement up with her name etched on it. I say if she wants a legacy, pay for it, as she can certainly afford it. Why take the few funds available to Y.R.?<br />
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<b>This quote is taken directly off the website for <a href="http://belindasplace.ca/the-reality.php">Belinda's Place</a>; <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Currently, there are NO beds allocated to homeless women in York Region." </span></b><br />
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<b>Which just emphasizes to me how this whole thing has been sold to the public.</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.housinghelpcentre.org/shelterslisting">7 of these 8 existing Y.R. shelters have beds for women.</a> </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlfBSNMHf0/U9vObAZApBI/AAAAAAAABkw/rmLK6O6wAX8/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlfBSNMHf0/U9vObAZApBI/AAAAAAAABkw/rmLK6O6wAX8/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+044.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Lake Park Newmarket</td></tr>
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<b>There are limited funds for housing and shelters, so it is vital any dollars available be directed to those <span style="font-size: x-large;">most</span> in need, </b>and so when <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://archives.york.ca/councilcommitteearchives/pdf/may%2012%20urb%20social.pdf">our social audit</a> indicates</b></span> we have mostly <b>men</b> living <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html">(and dying) </a>in the streets but the politicians / media are able to instead convince people, without any concrete evidence other than <u>skewed facts </u>otherwise, such as the one they trotted out recently in the Era Banner by someone representing a shelter stating that 3,000 women sought shelters last year here. That's a lie. They are not persons, but CALLS, and if they <b>call the wrong shelter</b> or call back or are told to call somewhere else or to call back later to speak with another - as long as it doesn't result in a placement on any call - each are counted as different 'people" not receiving shelter. So if someone calls 4 times before getting the the right person or department they are counted as 4 people. The <b>same person</b> can also <b>return dozens of times a year</b> but is counted as separate people. So that stat is a lie too.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6-UiQsspm4/U9vOZRlC89I/AAAAAAAABkk/oSR_YsxjgFk/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6-UiQsspm4/U9vOZRlC89I/AAAAAAAABkk/oSR_YsxjgFk/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+042.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real "Hidden Homeless"</td></tr>
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I wonder what that stat would be for the men - but they don't publish that in the Era Banner do they? Perhaps that's why <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4611924-york-region-receives-1m-from-belinda-s-place"><b>Deborah Kelly</b> </a>who presented the "hidden homeless stats" etc to council, used when they were looking for funds and approval for <b>"Belinda's Place"</b>, and who did not print <b>any</b> of our <i>Letters to the Editor</i> against the shelter idea, has been quietly let go from the newspaper as Editor in Chief. I hope so, as you'd think the only grass roots group representing those in poverty would get a voice - descending or not to an Editor's personal aspirations or feelings. Good luck to you!<br />
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<b>What isn't a lie</b> is that York Region has only 26 full time beds dedicated to men, <u>with more than 4 times that number ALREADY available to women</u>, <b>yet men make up more than 90% of our street homeless...</b><br />
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<b>TOM out.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-76447878028442609352014-06-16T14:02:00.000-04:002014-06-16T14:44:12.388-04:00Suitable Housing for Rehab Centre or Shelter Agencies Available<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kegti8X8u04/U58J3TxL_MI/AAAAAAAABgs/7pObsYDAye4/s1600/housing+rates+up+Tim++Tom+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kegti8X8u04/U58J3TxL_MI/AAAAAAAABgs/7pObsYDAye4/s1600/housing+rates+up+Tim++Tom+036.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign campaign an issue raiser</td></tr>
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<b>Well</b>, the Ontario election has come and gone. It seemed like one of those things that happened so quick, that I barley got into the nitty gritty of who was promising to do what to whom etc. In the end, I'd decided against doing a pre-election blog about the parties, partly because I myself am so disgruntled with the whole political system. I did mention though, that I no longer vote for the party, but the person I feel I can most influence to affect change. Why must an issue with these folks always be black & white - for or against - but rarely any compromised, truly collaborative solutions? I see the same sorts of things happening amongst social service and other 'help" agencies who often have to stretch their mandates to work 'collaboratively" - a term that's been bandied about a lot - but in the end, the often educated, sophisticated boards members are too far removed to really know on the ground floor what will and will not work long term, or is or isn't proper / dignified. And they have to care or they shouldn't be sitting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWAmnJ-IsSM/U58J8u3lf3I/AAAAAAAABhI/oEyn3kiRePc/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWAmnJ-IsSM/U58J8u3lf3I/AAAAAAAABhI/oEyn3kiRePc/s1600/toms+green+show+may+25+090.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom visited with <a href="http://barrie.ctvnews.ca/chris-ballard-claims-the-riding-of-newmarket-aurora-for-the-liberals-1.1866569"><i><b>Chris Ballard</b></i> </a>during election run up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I9hGp6rPKc/U58tj4JqgoI/AAAAAAAABh0/PU6x6A-Z4AI/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I9hGp6rPKc/U58tj4JqgoI/AAAAAAAABh0/PU6x6A-Z4AI/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+019.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step out work training programs needed</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/yr/housing/emergencysheltersandtransitionhomes/!ut/p/a1/tZJNU8IwEIZ_iweOJWkobTnWihaQD6c6QC9M2qZplCY1CSD-elOGGU-KzNTcNrP77r7PLkjACiQc7xnFmgmOt02cuJtR8DCKogkczx0_hAGcB2Pk-XD46JmEtUmAP7wAXqpfggQkGde1LsH6KDeZ4Jpw3YFHId9MoDTTu9NHKSrSgWpX10Kewp1inHYgqYikhGdHVZKtJlJhnmuJuWKNh6ZKNT1qTElOFKP8FGUsB-s8c3pZWnhWjl1kOSm0rcGgh6zCRghnrov83AHjPyBAchpOadNElxbjhQCr83xg9Zf5jAR7fX9PAsOiAfChwerfYJyQG0sIOW5kh3AMo7kPR_feon_nRzZ8ci4kTNA54Ze1G2p0K1JzQstbkLBiOLFpYzPgac83pCQpiCSyWwplvB4Ohy4Vgm5JN8NgbW7K-4m4PXFAfOUKLwi6bQv22xb0WhYM22YYtm05bNty3PaEcdtnE19vua5eKv-1qJaLxyIeWcn9vqo2s5mFUx_2-vX-87n4_jgEN18CnP85/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.U58kNXbevqw"><b>York Region</b> area boards for shelters</a>, non-profits, and charities are still mostly bare of any meaningful grass roots membership, and even the ones that did, have lessened the numbers, such as <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>"Operation Sparrow"</b></a> which has morphed into <b>Newmarket Cares</b> - a <a href="http://georginacares.ca/"><b>Georgina Cares</b></a> type of model now but which at one time had several g.r. representatives. I vice-chaired the committee for a year, and chaired it for four more, always making sure <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">grass roots membership</span> was there if someone left, as it was like educating the " non- lived experienced" members in itself at times - like a board member wanting to deliver an application to someone face to face instead of by mail. I know why - one get that satisfaction from a face - but it's not part of keeping the family's dignity intact. Families deserve protection from indignities as much as possible. To qualify candidates for placement, we asked already for a lot of personal information, such as all their employment / tax return information. My experience was always that we'd get a letter from a profusely happy parent <b>thanking us</b> for what we'd done which I'd read out as they came in at meetings. That, I had said, would have to suffice to appease that need to feel appreciated. I also do not go for shots of the kids in the 'programs" just to promote it and we never did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1YJv5_LZD4/U58J9O4kkBI/AAAAAAAABhM/264-yF5bsfA/s1600/tom++tim+rent+increase+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1YJv5_LZD4/U58J9O4kkBI/AAAAAAAABhM/264-yF5bsfA/s1600/tom++tim+rent+increase+002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">election now in rearview</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b><span style="font-size: small;">'d</span></span> had to explain ( to board members) the concept that applicants often are embarrassed already about their situation, and likely low self esteem because of it, and that the mission was to enable kids ( not get self gratification) so let's stick to the program as it were - without extra scrutiny. The program also placed kids, <b>without</b> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>special kids</b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>labels</b></span>, amongst their peers in ongoing extra curricular activities like arts, karate and sports without anyone the wiser- including the kids of the parents if they choose not to share that with them - that they got in free, while their peers' families paid. This eliminates any distinction, hurt, or embarrassed feelings, and, most importantly, helps keeps the kids' esteem intact.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgWCXwDCHQg/U58K6_fOUsI/AAAAAAAABhY/j1DVg0tNcyM/s1600/clean+up+forest+and+etc+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgWCXwDCHQg/U58K6_fOUsI/AAAAAAAABhY/j1DVg0tNcyM/s1600/clean+up+forest+and+etc+067.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>But the committee served to offer a <b>true</b> "collaboration" of ideas and solutions. It's just too bad <b>Y.R</b>. doesn't get that, because for me, that is what made this program set-up so good <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>was because</b></span> it included the voices of those from experience. The application process was a system that eliminated embarrassing face to face meetings, and it was those original <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>grass roots members </b></span>on the board who gave the input leading to the program being one of the best and most dignified ever devised. It's now morphed into "<b> Newmarket Cares",</b> but for any board or organization to be truly affective, not to mention <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">fairly</span> representative, <b>this is an essential component.</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Abq6G-z9nY/U58K61ErZSI/AAAAAAAABhc/kZeg82Tamfw/s1600/clean+up+forest+and+etc+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Abq6G-z9nY/U58K61ErZSI/AAAAAAAABhc/kZeg82Tamfw/s1600/clean+up+forest+and+etc+068.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/yr/housing/housingyorkinctenantinformation/!ut/p/a1/tVJNc4IwEP0tPXjEBOSrR4ZqAT87tKNwcQiEGCsJQtTaX99gHXuy1hma0-7O27f7XhbEYAFiluwpSQTlLNk0eWwufefZ97whDKa67UIHTp1As2zYH1kSEEkAvPIceKt_DmIQp0yUYgWiY7VMOROYiQ488updJrWgYncqrHiBO7DelSWvTumupoxcggZPWSqbEyYoy3lVnEQ0_GVCcIZrSr6zlGYgshBCEKmmkiIdKrplIOXRhJnSM0wzt7XHNMswCP4gX6vG7pg0Q8RKaQaDxXmlS3B1N9lO19tt7EgPGuEfAiz-xYSTzVKKpummp7owgN7Uhv7AmhlPtqfCF_0GYKidAb98tXSLbDiSZzN3QUzz_lAljUSHoZ4tHapwjitcdVe8ljoPh0OXcE42uJsmIJJ3ZF1zWh3qILzz624Qmm0TGm0TWi0Tum176LYt2W1bctj2hmHbZxPeL7ks3gp7nRfz2SgPfSUe7ItiOZkoCbJhzyj3n6_5T-HgPHwBDWuX9w!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.U58n3nbevqw">Y.R. Housing</a> Tenant Reference Group</b> a good starting point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Y.R.</b> need look only to it's own experimental model of a "board" with it's <b><a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/yr/housing/affordablehousing/!ut/p/a1/rZJNU8IwEIZ_iweOJUnpl8dawfKtUx1oL0xakhKkSWkDiL_e0MHx4CAyk9x2Z_fNPu8uSMAcJBzvWY4lExxvTnHiLPr-Uz8Mh3AwtbwA-nDqD0zXg92RqwpiVQAvPB9e65-BBCQZl6VcgfhYLTLBJeGyBY-ieldBLZncNYmVKEgL1ruyFFUT7mrG8xbElIpqidMNOadOiiXOyZLULOdNlLEliJELU7RMHQNRaBsWtbCRIuwYJrUzD9v3DiI2GPwD2KzGwTg_fSJXBuNUgPn31_Pf06gGtt5uE19xnuA-JJhrAm3MU-OapuWEKIADGE492O-5z_ajFyL4Yl0pGJrngj8WqBzJNyJVxzB7AAmj3SFqoHyedjzlQkUoqUjVXolakR0Oh3YuRL4h7QyDWF2He8lNNLRAdON6rgg6ugVt3YKuZsFAt4eBbuRAN3Kke8JI99lEtyOXxVvhrWkxex7RqG8kvX1RLCYTA6ce7Njl_vOV_iQO_t0XEn4ohQ!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/">Y.R. Housing</a> Tenant Reference Committee</b>", a combination of management, staff and residents that discuss and implement how to best improve tenant and housing relations and operations. An example of grass roots input here such as one instance where a live-in resident member noticed a trend towards furniture etc being thrown on the curbs and nearby forest and approached <i><b>YR Housing</b></i> with an idea to have an annual community "clean up", including bringing in bins for tossing unwanted items. As an annual, people know to wait now, and this served to not only maintain and clean up the area but also create an atmosphere of neighbours meeting neighbours in a natural community setting. It is now practised across <b>Y.R</b>.york Region on their properties as part of the yearly maintenance and saves $ thousands of dollars for everyone! That's efficiency.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0fZSROUFGE/U58sSL7dHPI/AAAAAAAABhs/Ld0_zOByW38/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0fZSROUFGE/U58sSL7dHPI/AAAAAAAABhs/Ld0_zOByW38/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+059.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Anyway.</b></span>..something to think about...and I mention boards and the like today also for another reason, some may remember the<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2011/02/house-of-hope-cbc-interview.html">"House Of Hope"</a></span><a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2011/02/house-of-hope-cbc-interview.html"> </a></b></span>a few years back where we took some skilled guys and added some <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2011/02/painting-house-of-hope.html">labourers learning a trade</a> - some living in shelters or on the streets - to help complete a great job. During the time period that the house was being fixed up we drew lots of attention to the issue and the fact that it had <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>15 apartments</b></span>, perfect for a shelter or low income housing or co-op living of some sort! <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The house</span></span> has, for years, been some kind of rehabilitation center or another. In the past 4 years it served the community as a youth rehab centre, and for 11 years before that, ran as a<a href="http://www.loftcs.org/programs/supports-for-adults/crosslinks-housing-and-support-services"> Crosslinks</a> house for people with mental health afflictions. It is beautiful and it's location is C2 zoned.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXQfMLiN4Xc/U58J2WGZsVI/AAAAAAAABgw/OjyJon_5XA8/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXQfMLiN4Xc/U58J2WGZsVI/AAAAAAAABgw/OjyJon_5XA8/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">" House Of Hope" available for right tenant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I have an opportunity NOW to let others know it's available again - <u><span style="background-color: lime;">BEFORE</span> IT GOES ON <i>ANY</i> REAL ESTATE LISTING!</u></b></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnANxUZQN28/U58J6NQfviI/AAAAAAAABg8/-PTa8xGVl1c/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnANxUZQN28/U58J6NQfviI/AAAAAAAABg8/-PTa8xGVl1c/s1600/housing+tim%2527s+address+048.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural light and view in every unit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>So if you are an organization or know of one looking for a prime lease location</b>, just outside Newmarket in Sharon, Ontario that may be suitable then <a href="mailto:povertyacc@gmail.com">contact me</a> or at 289-221-0928 and I'll set you up for a viewing. It could also be an opportunity for a new idea or group which is looking to cover a gap not being filled - like perhaps housing for youths coming from foster care or some other idea. I loved the original "House of Hope" idea, but funds would likely be too far in the future to make that a reality without some added $, so essentially this 8,000 square foot home and 8 acres of property is prime for the pickings to the right fit! <b> </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/yr/housing/housingyorkinctenantinformation/!ut/p/a1/tVJNc4IwEP0tPXjEBOSrR4ZqAT87tKNwcQiEGCsJQtTaX99gHXuy1hma0-7O27f7XhbEYAFiluwpSQTlLNk0eWwufefZ97whDKa67UIHTp1As2zYH1kSEEkAvPIceKt_DmIQp0yUYgWiY7VMOROYiQ488updJrWgYncqrHiBO7DelSWvTumupoxcggZPWSqbEyYoy3lVnEQ0_GVCcIZrSr6zlGYgshBCEKmmkiIdKrplIOXRhJnSM0wzt7XHNMswCP4gX6vG7pg0Q8RKaQaDxXmlS3B1N9lO19tt7EgPGuEfAiz-xYSTzVKKpummp7owgN7Uhv7AmhlPtqfCF_0GYKidAb98tXSLbDiSZzN3QUzz_lAljUSHoZ4tHapwjitcdVe8ljoPh0OXcE42uJsmIJJ3ZF1zWh3qILzz624Qmm0TGm0TWi0Tum176LYt2W1bctj2hmHbZxPeL7ks3gp7nRfz2SgPfSUe7ItiOZkoCbJhzyj3n6_5T-HgPHwBDWuX9w!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.U58n3nbevqw"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>More House Info and photos here.</b></span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>TP Out! </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Sharon, ON N6P, Canada42.893517 -81.35145499999998719.619807 -122.66004899999999 66.167227 -40.042860999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-77894040964335526202014-04-11T21:34:00.002-04:002015-03-19T22:24:42.399-04:00Belinda's Army - Belinda Place Shelter to be run by Salvation Army <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnIbmqkhTks/U0iPv5I0lhI/AAAAAAAABds/8uesWt-5578/s1600/gully+and+friends+001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyMtjHKl9Ic/U0iP0DJNHzI/AAAAAAAABd0/TJFfjTgV-GM/s1600/gully+and+friends+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyMtjHKl9Ic/U0iP0DJNHzI/AAAAAAAABd0/TJFfjTgV-GM/s1600/gully+and+friends+008.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You know, I never understood </b><span style="font-size: small;">the connec</span></span>tion between <b>Belinda Stronach</b> and the proposed homeless single women over age 26 shelter (York Region already has 7 various shelters that take women in despite what's publicized including both Inns from the Cold), and now with the <a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4444304-salvation-army-will-operate-belinda-s-place">announcement</a> - simply handing the reigns over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salvation_Army"><b>Salvation Army Religion</b></a> to run it - I understand even less - being that it's all taxpayer and fund raised money that's paid the way thus far. Some almost $9 million approved so far I might add...and counting. So where's the big connection? How is it that the <i><b>Belinda Stronach Foundation</b></i> attached? <br />
<br />
It also tells me their committee or <a href="http://belindasplace.ca/board-of-directors.php">board</a> has no grass roots input whatsoever or are far removed from it - certainly none representing those in poverty because none of them would ever agree to a <b>Salvation Army</b> or any Church run shelter from past experience dealing with them, and as well, having any particular Christian based denomination religion outfit dish out care, instead of accountable professionals, is never wise and could be exclusive to certain religious women in need.<br />
<br />
<b>Now this woman is grass roots knowledgeable and stayed in shelters in Ontario recently,</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9Ba37jS2Kw/U0iPqXikXNI/AAAAAAAABdU/jfIiwbUtGcI/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9Ba37jS2Kw/U0iPqXikXNI/AAAAAAAABdU/jfIiwbUtGcI/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+044.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">York Region male's shelter day program</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Du5_ZwSGk/U0iPro5-3AI/AAAAAAAABdc/9gFYeVbGGG4/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Du5_ZwSGk/U0iPro5-3AI/AAAAAAAABdc/9gFYeVbGGG4/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+043.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>" The Ontario's civil service says it does not keep homeless records as
other provinces, i.e. Population region by region, etc. Those records
are strictly "what the municipalities collect" and the information isn't
needed by the Province!<br />
<br />
Yes, folks, what we have here is a willingness to belittle and obfuscate
other people's lives. Fellow citizens, people anyone of us may have
lived beside or shared a sand box with, is willing to kill me or you,
by the slowest and most torturous method they can - homelessness!<br />
<br />
Recently the provincial government split the portfolios for the women
and children's shelters from the men's shelters. Why? The division of
data makes it harder to know the whole truth, is one reason.<br />
<br />
I saw a fifth building with Salvation Army's logo, and wonder how much
money Ontario funnels to them, too. The other night I was able to speak
with one of the male residents in the local men's shelter. He told me
he pays $640 a month for a room and board. He also said they shut down
the detox section of the building, and he's worried they'll shut the
whole shelter down." <b>Poetryontv ( woman shelter user)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>So whatever happened to accountable York Region Housing's <a href="http://www.bluedoorshelters.ca/our-shelters.html">Blue Doors Shelters</a> running it?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3kbuyecqk8/U0iPtHJiOlI/AAAAAAAABdk/N44N1CqYDeM/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3kbuyecqk8/U0iPtHJiOlI/AAAAAAAABdk/N44N1CqYDeM/s1600/More+shots+of+main+St+and+house+047.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>And has its namesake <b>Belinda</b> ever even stepped foot in a<a href="http://www.thegateway.ca/"> <i><b>S.A</b></i></a>. shelter or any shelter? I doubt it. Same with everyone tripping over themselves to do fundraisers - and where are they btw f<b>or a men's shelter</b> which meets a much higher threshold for <b>actual immediate need</b> according to our own social audit,<a href="http://www.yrfn.ca/pdf/ISARC%20Report%20September%20Final.pdf"><b> Behind The Masks</b></a>, which its reccomendations were endorsed in principle by Y.R. Council, but which was completely ignored by even building this shelter? There certainly was no problem referring to an <a href="http://www.newmarket.ca/en/townhall/resourcelibrary/16580YongeStreet16604YongeStreet-PlanningJustificationReport.pdf">official plan to change zoning</a> for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Excerpts from the 2010 social audit, prior to the new women's shelter build decision:</u></b><br />
<br />
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Men make up the majority of long term homeless, yet</div>
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account for a low percentage of all available </div>
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emergency shelter beds in York Region. <u>The only year </u></div>
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<u>round men’s shelter is Porter Place with 25 beds.</u></div>
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</div>
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Men are routinely steered away to other shelters in</div>
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other areas such as Barrie and Toronto. There is </div>
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currently <u>no transitional housing</u> for homeless men </div>
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in York Region. A new women’s shelter adding 40 </div>
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beds to the stock including some transitional hous-</div>
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ing is proposed for the near future but there is </div>
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nothing to address this dilemma with the men. </div>
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</div>
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“When I was staying in Shelters I notice there was </div>
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a lack of recovery and<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html"> lack of self improvement </a></div>
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<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html">(programs)...” </a></div>
<b>Male </b>in Newmarket, <span style="background-color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA"><b>Behind The Masks, Y.R. Social Audit</b></a></span></span><br />
<br />
I could go back even further to before they built the family shelter (btw they accept women too), which at the time, I reported <u>they </u><u><u><b>already </b></u>had an <b>existing building suitable to use</b></u>, but the Region still tore it down citing a construction company report deeming it " too old" and that the foundation couldn't be fixed, yet the men's <b>Porter Place Shelter</b>, which is much older, was deemed fine? They then built a family shelter on the same property nearby. More $.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnIbmqkhTks/U0iPv5I0lhI/AAAAAAAABds/8uesWt-5578/s1600/gully+and+friends+001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnIbmqkhTks/U0iPv5I0lhI/AAAAAAAABds/8uesWt-5578/s1600/gully+and+friends+001.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Even the local<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/01/era-banners-newsmaker-series-array.html"> <b>Y.R.M.G. </b>media played </a>into the misrepresentation publishing wording that lead people to believe there were no women's shelters in York Region (not true) whatsoever, by reprinting quotes claiming no women's shelter beds existed, or transitional housing, for any <i>single</i> women (also not true - <a href="http://www.loftcs.org/programs/supports-for-youth"><b>youth shelters</b> </a>up to age 27 took single women as does <a href="http://www.loftcs.org/programs/supports-for-adults"><b>Cross Links</b> </a>house all qualified single women).<br />
<br />
Heck, the <b>mayor</b> of Newmarket ran the his election on it's coat tails quoting the misinformation at every opportunity he could, yet I noticed this past several <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>International Days for the Eradication of Poverty</b></a> events he couldn't make it - but could make a same day grand opening for a <a href="http://www.hjpfaffaudi.com/NewsEvents/NewsandEvents,GrandOpeningGallery"><b>car dealership</b>.</a> At least he's open about what he is. I can almost respect that.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPDx1a2rB7E/U0iSDkjfTMI/AAAAAAAABeI/LhorREbns2s/s1600/homeless+apt+etc+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPDx1a2rB7E/U0iSDkjfTMI/AAAAAAAABeI/LhorREbns2s/s1600/homeless+apt+etc+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homeless home eerily still in place after John Fletchers death</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's like everyone wants the glamour part of the <a href="http://belindasplace.ca/">slick websites,</a> marketing campaigns, publicity and fundraisers, construction contracts, photo ops and election fodder but as it gets close to the nitty gritty of running this manufactured need ( majority need men still have only 26 full time beds in York Region shelters) it's dished off to someone else to run anyway - regardless what the people who will be using it think. Who need's the clients' input? <br />
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<b>What happened to this being a special place with programs and the like designed by the Belinda's Place think tank..and what of all that wonderful <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">collaboration</span> talk we heard about as this was being sold on us</b> <b>all? </b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul8tXWDavy8/U0iSDjbnxzI/AAAAAAAABeM/ZXwKiW86Wtc/s1600/homeless+apt+etc+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul8tXWDavy8/U0iSDjbnxzI/AAAAAAAABeM/ZXwKiW86Wtc/s1600/homeless+apt+etc+003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A former <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/04/york-region-politics-meet-feds.html">Newmarket Golden Gloves Boxer</a> died still living here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, wear it proud York Region, because you bought it, and I guarantee you this mausoleum shrine you've built to worship whatever it is you blindly worship about Belinda Stronach, will be here long after she's gone for the winter...but..if there is a silver lining in all this - like York Region's housing, which doesn't mandate to provide for Y.R. residents first before those from outside the region, this new shelter will be the same - filled with women not from York Region. That my friends is their self declared 'hidden homeless", hidden out of town!<br />
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Here's a link to the video <a href="https://youtu.be/T1Ci1vkkwpA"><b>Behind, Behind The Masks</b></a>, showing our politicians and workers are / were working towards making things better.Who knows, maybe they'll get on track yet!<br />
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Now we'll wait and see who<a href="http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1424566-homeless-father-son-struggle/"> 'champions" a shelter for men </a>so they don't continue to have to be shipped out away from their families and support services if any and die young or homeless.. Although word up on the street is that Porter Place for Men, YR's only full time men's hostel, recently brought someone in who cares and is making a difference. Of course that's not anywhere near as trendy a sell as women's programs, nor is what is actually needed - which is <b>affordable housing for all.</b><br />
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<b>PACCMan out </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999243.967887000000012 -79.62261749999999 44.150487000000005 -79.2998945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-66110884334185106742014-01-25T16:55:00.000-05:002014-01-25T16:55:52.809-05:00Rise in Heating Costs Affects the Ontario Disabled <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vIpyGmKMWk/UuQw7yAw0iI/AAAAAAAABaA/sFQum8-Ap4w/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vIpyGmKMWk/UuQw7yAw0iI/AAAAAAAABaA/sFQum8-Ap4w/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+049.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The recent spike in heating costs has sparked a dominoes affect for those stricken with disabilties and in particular those who are extra reliant on heat and hydro.<br />
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Dan Philion, featured in a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/"><b>CBC</b></a> piece produced by an award winning documentary Producer and Hosted by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/gsa/?q=amanda+margison"><b>Amanda Margison</b></a> Sat Jan 25 on the affects of the rising costs of heat, is a barometer to that effect. in fact Dan is like a barometer on wheels, as he can reel off to you the various upcoming weather reports in seconds. Weatherman Dan. Ha<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmGCPB5dows/UuQxFuwXoBI/AAAAAAAABaY/NhilIqmFMbA/s1600/bbq+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmGCPB5dows/UuQxFuwXoBI/AAAAAAAABaY/NhilIqmFMbA/s1600/bbq+031.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan incognito in happier times</td></tr>
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Stricken with Muscular Dystrophy, Dan is affected more than "normal" people in reaction to cold and needs to keep a warm atmosphere to lessen his everyday pain, being that he's unable to take pain meds due to also having a heart condition.<br />
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He relies on not only having heat for which he uses natural gas, at a higher temp than most, but also hydro, to keep his powered chair and various lifts working for which he relies to get in and out of <b>bed </b>and <b>shower</b> and up and down his <b>basement stairs</b> and even his <b>door</b>. In the recent winter ice storms I can tell you he was more than a little concerned and there seemed <b>no emergency plan</b> in place for if power was lost. He'd have had to fend for himself,<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJtIeFDxZXU/UuQw__I71EI/AAAAAAAABaM/LCXmG2JnZ0Y/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJtIeFDxZXU/UuQw__I71EI/AAAAAAAABaM/LCXmG2JnZ0Y/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+030.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
especially since his care service providers refuse to supply someone to put him into bed at night.<br />
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<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/01/person-with-disabilty-being-pushed-to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+PovertyAwarenessInTheYorkRegion+%28Poverty+Awareness+in+the+York+Region%29">Dan</a> troops on though, and hopes to <b>guest DJ</b> in between<a href="http://www.theyappers.ca/"> band </a>sets at an <a href="http://tpeproductions.blogspot.ca/2014/01/tpe-drydance-events-newmarket-gta-dance.html"><b>upcoming event</b></a> which if the dances take off could lead to an ongoing part time job opportunity for him - doing something he likes too.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGUnNNdmpgY/UuQxKeF0AoI/AAAAAAAABag/4ZOsem4mqI0/s1600/tpe+winter+nature+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGUnNNdmpgY/UuQxKeF0AoI/AAAAAAAABag/4ZOsem4mqI0/s1600/tpe+winter+nature+026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFYQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmobilityplus.yrt.ca%2F&ei=TDLkUrSIF8Wp2gW3mYDQDQ&usg=AFQjCNH0n6NepuQvtA3d0KOCYG_Yf10N5Q&sig2=hAObzuFFL3ROrEJfwS1Z5w&bvm=bv.59930103,d.b2I"><b>YRT</b></a> transit costs are the highest in country</td></tr>
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Until then, his ever dwindling left over money after paying his bills, will have to suffice for a proud guy who once walked and worked hard and who didn't ask for this life. Awhile back they actually took over his gas bill payments because he was in arrears as the costs escalated. Now they take it right off the top before he sees anything and after paying his bills he's left with about $150 - all for food, transportation, meds not covered etc. He puts on a brave front but I know he feels more pain and anguish than he lets on, and his diminishing physical health adds a dimension of insecurity an independent guy who raised two kids, mostly as single dad - and from a wheel chair - maybe we could all learn a little from him.<br />
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Please watch the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/"><b>CBC</b></a> piece and support more than a 1% raise for ODSP recipients. If he can work he will. he doesn't need being forced and it took the Region 7 years to provide him transportation at night to even do so - precious time lost to use his ever receding physical limitations.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0York Regional Municipality, ON, Canada43.9884612 -79.47038850000001343.2583397 -80.761282000000008 44.718582700000006 -78.179495000000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-39072781777548856132014-01-19T19:11:00.000-05:002014-01-19T19:16:44.730-05:00Disabled in York Region Council - Home Care Issue fails dignity test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paXwkWHGBY0/UtxXobaZdYI/AAAAAAAABYw/I0uKVuwa28k/s1600/tpe+pics+casino+tables+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paXwkWHGBY0/UtxXobaZdYI/AAAAAAAABYw/I0uKVuwa28k/s1600/tpe+pics+casino+tables+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>I just got back</b> from a stop in at Dan's - you might remember <b>Dan Philion</b> who is confined to a wheelchair by muscular dystrophy and whose simple request over <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2014/01/person-with-disabilty-being-pushed-to.html"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Christmas</b></span> </a>to have someone put him to bed at night, as he cannot do it unassisted, has been ignored by the government appointed<a href="http://www.ccac.ca/"> "caregivers"</a><a href="http://healthcareathome.ca/"> </a>who claim they "don't have anyone available" to do this at night time. That confused me since most people go to bed at night, and if they are the community care access centre in charge of putting our disabled to bed, then you'd think they'd do that. Apparently not?<br />
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After personally <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPeotEQdygc&feature=youtu.be">assisting Mr Philion myself for the past month to bed</a>, because his <a href="http://healthcareathome.ca/">service providers </a>apparently cannot and he has no immediate family able to, I got fed up with the various excuses they've been feeding him. For one, if they don't have someone for that time I suggest they get someone, as obviously there is a <b>need</b>, and if it's happening to Dan - where people's <b>dignity</b> is being <b>controlled</b> by some company claiming they don't have the staff and "get what we give" you types of attitudes - then you can bet it's being done to others - and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>especially</b></span> the most vulnerable who may not have anyone speaking up for them like Dan does.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KcPBBrRIYg/UtxXn7IjUnI/AAAAAAAABY0/HFIiFON7m50/s1600/tpdeli+house+hotel2+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KcPBBrRIYg/UtxXn7IjUnI/AAAAAAAABY0/HFIiFON7m50/s1600/tpdeli+house+hotel2+033.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>YR</b>'s $4 transit rates highest in Canada</td></tr>
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But I can tell you right now I will not let up on this issue - this I promise you! As I watch the way our seniors and vulnerable disabled are treated and expected to have a certain level of suspended rights and dignity because of their conditions is just wrong. <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/"><b>PACC</b></a> hosted both the <b>Square Table on Poverty</b> which included <b>MPP Frank Klees</b> and <b>MP Belinda Stronach</b> (although she usually sent a pair of stand ins) and Newmarket York Regional Councilor <b>John Taylor</b> among some including the now Mayor of East Gwillumbury, and as well hosted and prepared a <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/FactsandNews#">social audit report</a> outlining these issues which the region endorsed, but has since ignored. Questions of <b>dignity and treatment of clients</b> was a number one reported issue but little has changed to address it still. All I hear is fluff about how wonderful the same charities and care givers are doing, whilst people like Dan cry out to no one listening or face waiting lists too long to wait for. People need to go to bed every night.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDqpe7dJC-g/UtxkwS5cHGI/AAAAAAAABZU/JfqFjghYlCA/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDqpe7dJC-g/UtxkwS5cHGI/AAAAAAAABZU/JfqFjghYlCA/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+107.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>He's spoken up before</b>, as a participant in both the <b>social audit</b>, while in proces of having his child taken at birth based on his disability, and as well as part of that <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">"Square Table on Poverty"</a> so many years ago now it seems. His issue then was that he couldn't work because he deejayed and they had no transit service to get him there and back. That was 7 or 8 years ago - in 2014 they just finally began offering service to disabled after 10 pm after more <b>PACC </b>noise.<br />
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One idea that sprang from the <i><b>Square Table</b></i> was that they were also going to help <u>start up a non-profit business</u> that <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Dan </b></span>was instrumental in seeing a need for, which was the trend toward people throwing out returnable bottles and a service that would pick them up. At the time, during the <i><b>Square Table on Poverty</b></i> which included someone from every level of government, <b>MPP </b><i><b>Frank Klees </b></i>had a restauranteur that was interested to have the service he'd said and Stronach's person insisted they wanted to help make it so and would arrange a meeting there. Well it never happened that's all we know. I don't care who walked across what floor politically; all I know is nothing got done from ther on in so we folded the group. For years Dan asked me about that business that never was and the meeting that never happened. I guess a guy can dream. Meantime we complained about transit so he could <b>DJ</b> at least on occasion. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzKKGbk0JU/UtxkvFcgn9I/AAAAAAAABZQ/xPIhMSQFdfQ/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzKKGbk0JU/UtxkvFcgn9I/AAAAAAAABZQ/xPIhMSQFdfQ/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+111.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Virtually the same crew still runs the ships he's complained to, and <b>PACC</b>'s efforts have been ignored or <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/01/good-morning-vietnaaaaam-this-famous.html"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>stifled</b></span></a>, so he's been feeling helpless, even depressed. Imagine losing all control of things around you, and none would be so if not for your disability. You'd even have privacy for the most basic of needs like going to the bathroom.<br />
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<b>HE STILL GET'S NO ASSISTANCE TO BED TODAY</b>. <b>DEC - Jan 19 2014</b><br />
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<b>THAT'S OKAY I'M KEEPING A TAB AND WILL BE BILLING THE COMPANY LATER FOR MY 'TEMP' SERVICES AND THEN DONATING THE MONEY TO DAN SO HE CAN MAYBE BUY SOME GROCERIES.</b><br />
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Dan <span style="font-size: large;"><b>relies</b></span> on <b>charity</b> organizations just to get out his door. Well, guess what? They've shown up <b>once</b> all this desperate winter and he's now, in addition to that dilemma, had to deal with getting to bed, but today was a last straw for me - for this service provider company to now tell him they can't have anyone come and get him <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>out of bed</b></span></span> until <b>12:30 pm</b> Sunday, when offering a to bed service time at 7pm, is outrageous and cruel. They don't give him a choice either, he is simply informed they don't have anyone today and that the end of it. Not today!<br />
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I referred Dan's dilemma once again to <b>MPP Klees</b>' office and as yet have heard nothing back. <b>MP Lois Brown </b>told Dan exactly what I told him she would whixch was that "it wasn't her department but she'd make some calls". Regional Councilotr John Taylor - the one with the most influence on the issue at hand and it's state - has thus far informed Dan about the new later service available for transit now and will get back to him regarding the <b>CCAC</b> / <b>Caregivers</b> issue<u><b> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1425966028">and getting to bed</a></b></u><a href="http://./">.</a> I hope he figures it out soon because I'm sure Dan is not the only one being forced into these vulnerable and inhumane conditions. This is Canada for Gosh sakes have we forgotten everything we stand for in our rush towards the " Canadian Dream?" And what pray tell is that dream anyway? To make excuses for everything wrong we do? Or to make results? I don't know anymore.<br />
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<b>I plan to take action to raise a <a href="mailto:povertyacc@gmail.com">petition</a> to have this company removed as care givers of our disabled. It is disgraceful, and when clients or <u>patients tell these companies they are not being treated with respect</u> - by repeat offenders - we also expect <span style="font-size: large;">action not reward </span>with new contracts because they are the cheapest. Shop around. You want to be in the human care BUSINESS you better be into it for the right reasons or get out!</b><br />
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<b>Too much charity...not enough care. </b><br />
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<b>Stay tuned! </b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-54503894727361285372014-01-02T21:46:00.000-05:002014-01-02T22:00:15.696-05:00Person with Disabilty being pushed to a Care Home over Bed Time Assistant<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWn1CB9WSkc/UsYg9kXyHhI/AAAAAAAABYE/C8_13LeNpQM/s1600/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWn1CB9WSkc/UsYg9kXyHhI/AAAAAAAABYE/C8_13LeNpQM/s640/Ice+Storm+and+snow+nature+2013+025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Room with a View</b></td></tr>
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<b>Happy New Year! </b>I had a great time ringing in the <b>New Year</b> among friends, <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2013/11/disabled-peoples-rights-discarded-in.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+PovertyAwarenessInTheYorkRegion+%28Poverty+Awareness+in+the+York+Region%29">except <i><b>Dan</b></i></a>, who didn't come because, being in a wheelchair all day, all the holiday season, took a toll making him incapable physically of enduring the long night. Too bad. Before his partner of five years left him, she would assist him with this as well as getting into and out of bed at night and in the morning. Since then it's been a struggle for him having to rely on the possibility of getting a neighbour to assist him each and every night - something that should be done in dignity for those with disabilities and in this predicament - by a care provider.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEA4IVWmCNQ/UsYjKvsS74I/AAAAAAAABYU/siPPwLf3-Uc/s1600/New+Years+Eve+2013-14+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEA4IVWmCNQ/UsYjKvsS74I/AAAAAAAABYU/siPPwLf3-Uc/s320/New+Years+Eve+2013-14+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone deserves hope for the new year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About 3 am, New Year's night, after I got home, I had to go help <b>Dan</b> into bed as no one showed up to assist, who'd said they would. Of course, when it's a volunteer. you really have no recourse but to hope you can get someone else to help - and that your phone / power works. Heck, he can't even be guaranteed his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XaBJ3ZwktM&feature=share&list=LLipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">driveway will be cleared</a> unless there is at least 4 inches of ice / snow and even then it's volunteer, so they may or may not show or by when you need out.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://healthcareathome.ca/">The system</a> </b>supplied someone to help him into bed for <b>the first couple of weeks</b> after his spouse left, but then told him they didn't offer the service past 7- 8pm. He explained he cannot go to bed then in his condition, especially when they cannot gurantee someone to assist him out of bed before 11am the next day.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>" We don't have anyone at that time" he was told<span id="goog_188679238"></span><span id="goog_188679239"></span>. </b>That sense of helplessness beginning to take hold.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>WELL GET SOMEONE THEN!</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<b>The system</b> would rather he go into<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlAr6c-v20&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">a home</a></b></span> instead at exorbitant <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>cost</b></span>. <b>He</b> would rather they just <i><u>supply someone between normal bed time hours of 11pm and 1 am</u></i> to assist him into bed, which by the way, is already fixed with a pulley-like mechanism that allows him to be Velcroed in and raised / lowered with minimal effort. A child could do it. He then needs a couple of things plugged in. More rocket science. Yet they can't get anyone to do it? Replace them. <a href="http://p.a.c.c/"><b>P.A.C.C</b></a><span id="goog_188679235"></span><span id="goog_188679236"></span>. will be happy to take over the service for them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMM9fT3sZJE/UsYg-F-m_EI/AAAAAAAABYI/twD_r4trPyc/s1600/Pat+Taylor+gets+dirty+for+poverty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMM9fT3sZJE/UsYg-F-m_EI/AAAAAAAABYI/twD_r4trPyc/s320/Pat+Taylor+gets+dirty+for+poverty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make Wages, ODSP, and Assistance Rates an election issue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If <b><a href="http://c.c.a.c/">C.C.A.C</a>.</b> wants to continue to be the chosen <b>government sourced provider</b> of care to our most vulnerable of our disabled and elderly, then they better be prepared to do it while offering them the best care possible, including all care providers being able to speak English or the language of the attendee - and including <span style="font-size: large;"><b>dignity -</b></span> and <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>dignity</b></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>includes</b></span> feeling in control of going to bed at a time you are used to and a time that allows your body to physically handle it - being the intricate nature of your ever worsening muscular dystrophy.<br />
<br />
He's has to call the ambulance guys a few times, more indignity, to put him to bed when he had no other choice. One guy told him,<br />
<br />
<b>" You need to go in a home". </b><br />
<br />
"You go live in a F@@#$ home!" Dan yelled, just me in the room; wishing it upon the insensitive attendant.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KquJNQBap1c/UsYg9JdJg5I/AAAAAAAABYA/VyJ9uvvTlcE/s1600/bbq+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KquJNQBap1c/UsYg9JdJg5I/AAAAAAAABYA/VyJ9uvvTlcE/s320/bbq+025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan assisting community clean up best he can</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/Pages/default.aspx"><b>March of Dimes</b></a> has a program that would assist in this case, however they have <b>a five year waiting list</b>. Should this guy have to disrupt his life, friends, home & supports he has because they would rather have him in a home? Or does it make more sense to provide a service to put him to bed? The answer is obvious. Meantime he's worrying about who will help tonight....and tomorrow night...and tomorrow night...and....<br />
<br />
<b>Frankly he's had it with our system and life in general. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyhyo6kI5W0&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA&index=7">The little income he does get from ODSP</a> - reduced further now as a single person with subsidized housing - leaves him little and relying on kindness sometimes for a good meal. It's outrageous. Anyway don't count a hunger strike out as at this point Desperate Dan is a nomer that fits the bill.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Politicians..over to you!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/"><b>Tom Pearson</b></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-29479224335292626702013-12-09T23:07:00.001-05:002013-12-10T00:40:31.112-05:00York Region helps Toronto by building new Women's Shelter Belinda's Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zflv_qx8oE0/UqZ_vl-ZSnI/AAAAAAAABXA/eUHc-WzDyE8/s1600/What+do+you+mean+not+cold+enough%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zflv_qx8oE0/UqZ_vl-ZSnI/AAAAAAAABXA/eUHc-WzDyE8/s320/What+do+you+mean+not+cold+enough%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ever since <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>P.A.C.C</b></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">.</a> hosted, and then, following the results of the social audit, <a href="http://www.yrfn.ca/pdf/ISARC%20Report%20September%20Final.pdf"><i><b>Behind The Masks</b></i></a>, I have fought the idea of <i>the region</i> spending our needed and limited housing, shelter and social services funds on a new women's shelter with transitional housing and "programs". I had argued we already have the more of our shelter beds available to women than men, even though men make up 90% of <b>York Region</b>'s "street homeless" and therefore <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html"><b><i>most in need</i></b></a>. I further argued as proof the <i><b>Era Banner</b></i> reported <b>stats</b> showing <a href="http://www.etavaughan.com/">women's shelter</a> use down in <i><b>York Region</b></i> after the opening of the "<a href="http://www.bluedoorshelters.ca/our-shelters.html">family shelter</a>", which should have (and did) take some of the load off the battered women's shelters, and that single men had <b>no transitional housing</b> or centre as women do already. I argued <b>all available resources</b> needed go to permanent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVNGeFo7Tn4&feature=share&list=FLipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">affordable housing</a> to help <span style="font-size: large;"><b>everyone</b></span> as the women would need affordable homes to move into after the 6 weeks stay anyway- the same max the men get.<br />
<br />
At any rate, <b><span style="font-size: large;">I take it all back</span>.</b> Yea, I now feel <a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOKNjEzMPAydDbwMPPwtDDzdzANMXSw8DA0CTYAKIoEKDHAARwNC-sP1o_Aq8TaCKsBjRUFuhEGmo6IiAPcwsbw!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.UqZ0zicszKd"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Y.R</b></i></span></a>. needs to take care of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Toronto's homeless women</b> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">overflow</span>,</b> since currently they are apparently being shipped to <a href="http://ywcasudbury.ca/"><b>Sudbury</b></a>. That's right <b>Sudbury</b> from <b>Toronto</b> was the closest available shelter as relayed to me by a woman who called me from the <b>YWCA</b> there. I guess braggart <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2013/02/20/council_rejects_immediate_debate_on_homeless_shelters.html"><b>Rob Ford</b> has been <u>saving his billion</u> </a>dollars by shuffling costs out of town on the backs of vulnerable women? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIS47jhO1Bw/UqZ-TbtiwFI/AAAAAAAABWo/GOe70rENnaA/s1600/PIC_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIS47jhO1Bw/UqZ-TbtiwFI/AAAAAAAABWo/GOe70rENnaA/s320/PIC_0399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She mentioned that <b>Toronto</b>'s Council self imposed bylaw stipulates all city run shelters, when they run at 90% capacity, must open up more beds - which they apparently have at the ready but don't use unless ordered to by the city. However, as mentioned in the city's council committee meeting, this has not happened over the past year - even though the <a href="http://torontoobserver.ca/2013/04/01/council-committee-hears-stories-of-homelessness-during-shelter-meeting/">women's shelters were running at 94% capacity</a> and the men's 95 and 97% and so the now single women, and others I'll deduce, are being been shipped out.<br />
<br />
Pretty soon though, thanks to the <a href="http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/support/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOKNjEzMPAydDbwMPPwtDDzdzANMXSw8DA0CTYAKIoEKDHAARwNC-sP1o_Aq8TaCKsBjRUFuhEGmo6IiAPcwsbw!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.UqZ0zicszKd"><i><b>Region of York</b></i></a>'s " <b>Inn From The Cold</b>" <i>single women's shelter side</i> which sits mostly empty as is, <i><b>Y.R.</b></i> will inherit <b>Toronto</b>'s overflow, as I'm sure the policy is "the closest available single women's emergency shelter". After all, many have community supports I'm sure in close-by <i><b>Toronto</b></i> too where they became homeless, needed for their medical and mental health issues like doctors, counsellors, and <a href="http://www.oatc.ca/">meds / programs</a>. But, as I understand it, <a href="http://www.belindasplace.ca/the-reality.php"><i><b>Belinda's Place</b></i></a>, our proposed new single women over age 27 shelter (we have <a href="http://www.suttonyouthshelter.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138&Itemid=101">"youth" shelters</a> here for single women under 27 who can then stay up to a year) plans to have <b>support programs</b>, so I guess that means the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/06/17/methadone_clinic_divides_westend_toronto_neighbourhood.html">drug rehab / addictions program services</a> and the like. Great, maybe they can find the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRBIsRJF0PA&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA&index=2">supports here</a> that are lacking in <i><b>Toronto</b></i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xHjtDUIstA/UqZ-TO-jLaI/AAAAAAAABWk/V1nCosXmkPw/s1600/PIC_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xHjtDUIstA/UqZ-TO-jLaI/AAAAAAAABWk/V1nCosXmkPw/s320/PIC_0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This person, we'll call her <i><b>Poetry On TV</b></i>, also told me about a '<i><b>Dream Team</b></i>' of <i><b>Paralegals</b></i> and the like who are making a difference in representing vulnerable tenants by using human rights code violation complaints, highlighting precedence, and pushing draft legislation protections. Cool stuff. Selfishly it seems almost refreshing to hear about others fighting the same issues, and so similarly vocal, yet so far away.<br />
<br />
Here is an excerpt from <a href="mailto:poetryontv@yahoo.ca"><b>Poetry On TV</b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
November 9 2013 930am, <a href="http://ywcasudbury.ca/">YWCA</a> Sudbury, Ont.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal;">
<i>Two
nights in my own room, with a locked passage door between me and the
single mother on the other side. They're very quiet. She's balanced in
her views and goals for her and her son's lives. She's in Canada because
a Sudbury resident decided all Filipino women are 'dumb immigrants' and
he can use them as he has women
since reaching puberty. His momma didn't know better, but, due to that
fact, Canada is now where this intelligent pair live and put their
contributions towards.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal;">
<i>The
woman with the raging son and three daughters were evicted last night. I
heard the middle girl, eight-years-old, ask why they had to leave. No
answer from the mother: She could not give voice to the fact she is at a
total loss on how to deal with the trauma. And, the staff are trained
to never comment to her as to what is and isn't appropriate. There
remains silence as this
three-year-old boy rages in attempts to be reconciled with trauma by
having his pain acknowledged. The reconciled state of being occurs when
the pain is shared between mother and child, no matter the gender.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>Her
eldest daughter, at 12 years-old, know this of life, but as a child,
still, is powerless to effect the required dynamics to occur to bring
about the reconciliation: For the adults to have, ostensibly, put the
responsibility of her siblings in her lap is the mark of shame-based
behaviour, the unconsciousness of our
civilization.....</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPzEwS4em5Y/UqZ_wENSRDI/AAAAAAAABXI/g1a5GFuv8ec/s1600/womens+sleeping+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPzEwS4em5Y/UqZ_wENSRDI/AAAAAAAABXI/g1a5GFuv8ec/s320/womens+sleeping+room.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beds await you Toronto!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt</b></span> from the</u><u> <i><b><a href="http://thedreamteam.ca/">Dream Team</a> </b></i>in action, moving on <i><b>Toronto City Council</b></i> for enacting illegal bylaws restricting distance between group homes. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Any</b></span></span> municipality restricting in this way should now take note.</u><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<br />
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I just found out from Kathy Laird of the Human Rights Legal
Support Centre that the City Planning Department came out with a report last
month that is recommending that City Council change the City of Toronto bylaws
to remove the separation distances from group homes. If City Council accepts
this recommendation, the Dream Team will drop its human rights complaint
against the City.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before the City decides what to do about the separation
distances in group homes in the bylaws, it wants to have public consultations.
There will be an open house about the City bylaws at Metro Hall in
Room 314 on Thursday, November 28th at 4:00pm.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I called
City Hall to see if there would be any deputations and was told it would only be
an open house with no deputations. So, its very informal. More details on the
group home consultation in email below.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUakRiso-Ls/UqZ_vi4EEDI/AAAAAAAABXM/g609nRpo7p0/s1600/sign+womens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUakRiso-Ls/UqZ_vi4EEDI/AAAAAAAABXM/g609nRpo7p0/s200/sign+womens.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">York Region's Inn From the Cold single women shelter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Here is the Chief
Planner's report on group homes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=6920&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=#Meeting-2013.PG27" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/<wbr></wbr>decisionBodyProfile.do?<wbr></wbr>function=doPrepare&meetingId=<wbr></wbr>6920&utm_source=&utm_medium=&<wbr></wbr>utm_campaign=#Meeting-2013.<wbr></wbr>PG27</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<b>Amazing how interrelated things so seemingly unrelated can be.</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/">PACC</a> Man Out...Until next time. </b><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Not So Fun Facts - </i></b><br /><br />
There are 57 <b>shelters</b> in <b>Toronto</b> for a population of roughly 3 million people and about <a href="http://www.toronto.ca/housing/" target="_blank">3,800 beds</a>. Nine of the shelters are City operated. The city also funds 172 beds that are kept for emergencies.<br />
<br />
<b>York Region</b> has roughly 1 million people and 8 shelters with two additional winter shelters. Women are welcome at 8 of the 11 with one for women only to come, as well as new transitional housing for women only.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>York Region has 26 full time shelter beds for men - not shelters but beds. Good Night.</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com1Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.38318429999998243.285985999999994 -80.028631299999986 44.020466 -78.737737299999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-38392474948783640432013-11-13T14:38:00.004-05:002013-11-13T19:07:49.658-05:00Disabled People's Rights discarded in the safety net system<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXTUQeuRPc/UoPKw0Cg-dI/AAAAAAAABVs/97pbDfOGUog/s1600/bbq32009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXTUQeuRPc/UoPKw0Cg-dI/AAAAAAAABVs/97pbDfOGUog/s320/bbq32009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Community Volunteer Award Winner Dan</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>A buddy</b> called last night. We're going through some similar things, like we both lost our cats recently, our kids are all moved out, and he's going through a break up. The types of things everyone goes through I guess except I can get up in the morning and dress myself - he can't. I lost my cat because it got out, he lost his because he's unable to reach its box alone. He needs help getting into bed too, and dressed, and then he's good to go. Right now he's getting <b>6 weeks of "emergency" assistance</b> from an <span style="font-size: large;"><b>organization hired by </b></span>the government agent <a href="http://www.ccac-ont.ca/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>C.C.A.C</b></span>.</a> to do this at night, however they tell him after that he's going to have to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlAr6c-v20&feature=c4-overview&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">move into a care facility</a> or .....<br />
<br />
<b>Buddy</b> tells me they've told him <b>C.C.A.C</b>. normally only offers this service at 7pm max for evening bedtime and after 10am for morning assist. They tell him they don't have anyone after 7pm on staff to do it. I asked<b> why don't they hire someone for that time then?</b> He didn't know.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhK0ldDOyRI/UoPKwVOsMyI/AAAAAAAABV0/P9m-3icoIl8/s1600/bbq09+dan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhK0ldDOyRI/UoPKwVOsMyI/AAAAAAAABV0/P9m-3icoIl8/s320/bbq09+dan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We give awards for free community work but when he needs help?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to this we'd been discussing ways to <b>make money over Xmas</b> as the amount he receives from <a href="http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/index.aspx"><b>ODSP</b></a> now ($800 & change) barely covers his bills - <b>he already has social housing </b>- and<span style="font-size: large;"><b> leaves him $140 for food, transportation and toiletries</b></span> for the month. He's thinking of dropping his phone now - like he needs more isolation. He doesn't smoke for those thinking to tell him to quit smoking, and he rarely drinks as he has a heart condition as well. But he likes his independence and the freedom and <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>dignity</b></span></span> that goes with it, but, apparently, that's something he/we can't afford to give him.<br />
<br />
Our <b>York Region programs</b> don't cover this even though the funds have been downloaded to them for distribution of these very types of services from both Toronto and provincial levels recently.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrpW3sTDpQA/UoPSkkuN5RI/AAAAAAAABWA/rvrUmwB9ijY/s320/PACC+Regional+C.+Taylor+listens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="217" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Taylor is the <a href="http://www.york.ca/default.htm">Regional </a>Councillor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrpW3sTDpQA/UoPSkkuN5RI/AAAAAAAABWA/rvrUmwB9ijY/s1600/PACC+Regional+C.+Taylor+listens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Gd57OCzFM/UoPSkny9noI/AAAAAAAABWE/As_woSe6ru8/s1600/pacc+linda+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Gd57OCzFM/UoPSkny9noI/AAAAAAAABWE/As_woSe6ru8/s320/pacc+linda+sign.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
He's been a <b>community volunteer</b> and friend for ten years now, although he's never been to my house, not that I wouldn't have him but his electronic chair needs a ramp and wider halls, so he always has to host or dine out, which, of course, he can no longer afford to do.<br />
<br />
I've watched his kids grow up, and he mine. He was a single dad too at times and we shared a kinship. He was more of a taskmaster with his kids, me too soft. What he couldn't do easily, he nearly always accomplished anyway, alone, and even better with a spouse to do the physical things when he couldn't quite. At one time he walked, and worked hard from a young age, until one day he literally fell over on the job - his disease finally succumbing his legs to the will of the it.<br />
<br />
But when you are alone - like he is now - you are really at <span style="font-size: large;"><b>the mercy of the system,</b></span> and you can only imagine the feelings he's having now at <b>Xmas</b>, his young kids now young adults still educating and working towards a life in <b>Ottawa</b> and not able to move here as a possible solution...struggling for income for food let alone presents.<br />
<br />
<b>Why is it they can't just give us enough to buy food?</b>, he'd asked before he became a single disabled single man.I'm sure that pressure and the removal of their daughter before birth helped end the relationship.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZQcph_VE4/UoPKtd8vkII/AAAAAAAABVk/U3p9EnhBvds/s1600/community+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZQcph_VE4/UoPKtd8vkII/AAAAAAAABVk/U3p9EnhBvds/s320/community+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He raised two kids but a third <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZvQrSY0Do&feature=share&list=UUipA10PNYBUtNEyOPjB6_LA">taken a birth</a> because disabled</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now he's asking why they can't just send someone at bedtime to assist him into bed <span style="font-size: x-large;">so he doesn't have to lie there from 6 or 7 pm until after 10 am the next day?</span></b></span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Why indeed? Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who is appalled by this type of treatment. This is a typical example of how our safety net system fails the rights and needs of the disabled in York Region, Ontario, Canada. </b><br />
<br />
Meantime we're going to make the<b> <a href="mailto:povertyacc@gmail.com">Xmas wreaths</a></b>, not knowing whether he'll be here to help sell them or be somewhere..Who knows where? At the mercy of our merciless <a href="http://www.york.ca/default.htm">safety net system</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0York Regional Municipality, ON, Canada43.9884612 -79.47038850000001343.2583397 -80.761282000000008 44.718582700000006 -78.179495000000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-45587927639130259452013-11-06T16:09:00.000-05:002013-11-06T16:09:05.706-05:00New York Mayor Elect inspires Poverty Reduction in Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jENjHwTBM/UnqpCJJZ5JI/AAAAAAAABVI/VFhMr7xjUGk/s1600/nature+and+Johnny+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-jENjHwTBM/UnqpCJJZ5JI/AAAAAAAABVI/VFhMr7xjUGk/s320/nature+and+Johnny+074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_613621023"></span><span id="goog_613621024"></span>Interesting where inspiration on on the fight against poverty comes from at times. Certainly <b>New York City </b>was the last place I'd have thought of, however with the recent voting in of <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/05/5-things-you-should-know-about-new-yorks-new-mayor"><b>Mayor Bill de Blasio</b></a>, who unlike <b>Toronto's <a href="http://youtu.be/MRHIsYcUuMg">Rob Ford</a></b>, ran his winning campaign on <b>closing the gap between the millionaires and everyone else</b> after 24 years of straight Democrat rule (like the Conservatives in Canada), I'm inspired. He not only won, but decisively, with <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>73%</b></span> of the vote.<br />
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Why is this so inspirational you ask? Because it seems all trends, political or otherwise, always seem to gain traction south of the border before it does here, so if it's becoming trendy or sexy to actually fight the poverty gap, it's bound to happen here next.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1YZlMSJEH0/UnqsROvXv-I/AAAAAAAABVQ/W659JLAEVSY/s1600/dan+ash+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1YZlMSJEH0/UnqsROvXv-I/AAAAAAAABVQ/W659JLAEVSY/s320/dan+ash+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy eating in dignity does not mean special food depots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That means all the politicians locally such as <b><a href="http://www.york.ca/default.htm">York Region Councilors</a> -</b> who recently smugly announced a budget surplus <b>"because of the cancelling of the Start up anti-homelessness fund"</b>transferred down from the previously distributed from provincial government, <a href="http://m.p.p/"><b>M.P.P</b></a><a href="mailto:frank.kleesco@pc.ola.org">frank.kleesco@pc.ola.org</a>.'s, <b>M.P.</b>'s and the like, who typically leave these issues out of the discussions or announced "plans' during election campaigns, will now have to adjust and embrace the groups working on solutions should they hope to have a chance of winning. This " movement" could indeed fester a political atmosphere just ripe enough to do something concrete about it, <u><b>and make no mistake it starts with giving people enough money to cover the basics.</b></u><br />
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<u><b>When a guy who already has subsidized housing and is bound to a wheelchair with limited use of his hands and limbs says to me,</b></u><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjwbnAfLFy4/Unqnqa9VPYI/AAAAAAAABU8/7cOsKfo8hS4/s1600/Copy+of+deli+house+plus+more+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjwbnAfLFy4/Unqnqa9VPYI/AAAAAAAABU8/7cOsKfo8hS4/s320/Copy+of+deli+house+plus+more+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food by <a href="http://www.delihousecatering.ca/">Deli House Catering</a>. Nothing fresh at food banks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "<i>Why do they do this <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved">Tom</a>? Why don't they give us enough money to buy food? They have enough money right? They could lift everyone in Canada out of poverty if they wanted to couldn't they?"</i></b></span><br />
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<b>Yes they could. <a href="mailto:anitakh@familyservicetoronto.org">Tell them here.</a></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>" <i>I'm not kissing anyone's ass just to eat</i>" he continued regarding food banks, </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"<i>Some people can't eat canned food either, what are they supposed to do? These people don't care"</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Indeed.</b><br />
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<b>Tom Out.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6333169941586918326.post-88695818500988567302013-09-26T18:24:00.001-04:002013-09-26T18:29:48.755-04:00World Day to end extreme Poverty is Oct 17 in York Region<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUPCdCAGwlw/UkSs2NS4EzI/AAAAAAAABRM/LSFWGMvox5A/s1600/quest+for+youth+totally+alone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUPCdCAGwlw/UkSs2NS4EzI/AAAAAAAABRM/LSFWGMvox5A/s320/quest+for+youth+totally+alone.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://youtu.be/k_AkwRZGT24">Oct 17</a> is <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/povertyday"><b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b>, </a>and as such, is marked by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/599422220097169/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming">events</a> around the world to draw attention to, and find solutions to, end poverty.<br />
<br />
To me it's a day where you find out who the pretenders are in <i><b>York Region</b></i>. The ones who claim to want to help those in poverty, yet don't <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/599422220097169/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming">show up <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oct 17</b></span></a> to add their supportive voice to the mix. Some of those are "do-gooders" who can't understand why food banks and free dinners aren't good enough. The dignity part goes over their heads. Some are in in for the money, not the principle, and without poverty, perhaps they don't have a job....and so you have to ask is their motive really about ending it? Fortunately, corporate business charities and nonprofits are made up of people, some of whom do care, and they come even if their agency isn't officially there.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPT5EC9EZoM/UkSr9IaDitI/AAAAAAAABQg/hagNnZ0dHGc/s1600/What+do+you+mean+not+cold+enough%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPT5EC9EZoM/UkSr9IaDitI/AAAAAAAABQg/hagNnZ0dHGc/s320/What+do+you+mean+not+cold+enough%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Y.R.'s winter shelters are not open in October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hopefully the Mayor of Newmarket<b>, <i>Tony Van Bynen</i>,</b> shows up this year. As much as Regional Councillor <i><b>John Taylor</b></i> is an eloquent speaker, we like to hope the Mayor also cares enough to come. <b>M.P</b>.'s and <b>M.P.P</b>.'s are also welcome to come listen in and maybe engage, and we're hoping our invitation to <b>Newmarket-Aurora</b> <b>M.P.P</b>. <a href="mailto:fklees@frank-klees.on.ca"><i><b>Frank Klees</b></i></a> makes good, as a letter asking for support for specific legislation changes to protect vulnerable residents is in the works and to be presented. I've <b>never</b> seen <b>M.P.</b> <a href="http://www.juliamunrompp.com/"><i><b>Julia Munroe</b></i></a> attend <a href="http://youtu.be/k_AkwRZGT24"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>any year,</b></span></a> while all the rest have. She doesn't have to care I guess. Besides, <i><b>P.M. Harper</b></i> just pledged to help women and children in foreign countries and that should be enough to keep people happy.Yea, right.<br />
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<b><a href="http://p.a.c.c/">P.A.C.C</a><span id="goog_1172432836"></span><span id="goog_1172432837"></span>.</b> hosted a social audit a few years back that looked at poverty from a critical viewpoint. It was the 1st in <i><b>York Region</b></i>'s history, and critiqued the services and system through the eyes of those experiencing it while issues were raised and discussed / critiqued amongst groups made of politicians and social / agency workers and community leaders. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzavmpxkd5I/UkSr9k2wAtI/AAAAAAAABQo/lWlpgyOrBvo/s1600/sign+womens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45DnOfYYpl8/UkSr94d_EAI/AAAAAAAABQs/29agF0tRBQw/s1600/womens+sleeping+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45DnOfYYpl8/UkSr94d_EAI/AAAAAAAABQs/29agF0tRBQw/s200/womens+sleeping+room.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inn From Cold woman's beds sit mostly empty in winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The audit digested information gathered from sample persons <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>from all sectors</b> </span>of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_Municipality_of_York"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">York Region</span></b></i></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>inclusive across racial lines and sexes</b></span>, all included in the final report, which was Co-Written by myself <i><b>Yvonne Kelly</b></i> and made a number of recommendations. The report was <a href="https://www.york.ca/Publications/News/2011/January+27,+2011+Regional+Council+endorses+the+Region%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2s+first+social+audit+.htm">endorsed in principle after a presentation to council</a> and its sat relatively unused since - although the Region did forward it to the Ontario government as representative insight from <i><b>York Region</b></i>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is unfortunate because such a <a href="http://www.york.ca/NR/rdonlyres/pzzfoxvjrp5jetesjt4ke6k3zhkxvbkg47mi2cbqo7ngy5c33ilkd25jmeyflphizqjcbmsn32ylysv7hflfgkz5rc/rpt+1+cls+3.pdf">report</a> and the gleaned info would cost 10's of thousands of dollars normally and since government got it at a bargain, FREE, they could at least use it.</b></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzavmpxkd5I/UkSr9k2wAtI/AAAAAAAABQo/lWlpgyOrBvo/s1600/sign+womens.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzavmpxkd5I/UkSr9k2wAtI/AAAAAAAABQo/lWlpgyOrBvo/s200/sign+womens.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sits empty, yet building a <a href="http://www.belindasplace.ca/the-story.php">new shelter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The problem is, it criticizes the status quo and how things are currently run, something that has not been acknowledged nor altered. Men still feel treated poorly at shelters and continue to be low-balled in both access to <a href="http://www.womenssupportnetwork.ca/">programs</a> and shelters, whilst the <i><b>Region</b></i> ignored the report they endorsed and steamed forward toward building a questionably needed women's shelter - as the Region has <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/povertyday">6 already</a> in various <a href="http://www.bluedoorshelters.ca/">forms! </a><br />
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During the <b>campaign</b> to gain interest to build this shelter, the now defunct and paid by the region " <b><i>Homelessness Alliance of Y.R</i>.</b>" supposedly did a "survey" and found women were homeless, but hidden as couch surfers, and therefore could only give<b> "guesstimate" </b>numbers on that but trust them they exist. These are the "facts" they then used to justify building another women's shelter - while men have but 26 full time beds available to them in a Region of 1.2 million people. Backed by a throng of <i><b>Belinda Stronach</b></i> worshipers, including our only newspaper's Editor who chaired the presentation to council and sits on the board, it might as well have been rubber-stamped from the outset especially with all our ties to the <i><b>Stronach</b></i> dynasty here. Facts be damned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krosZOzi4qI/UkSsyKIghiI/AAAAAAAABRE/vPobZWiaTto/s1600/quest+for+youth+few+people.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krosZOzi4qI/UkSsyKIghiI/AAAAAAAABRE/vPobZWiaTto/s320/quest+for+youth+few+people.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We have <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80TmRkvPbE">documented</a> concrete <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html">proof</a> men are living and <a href="http://poverty-awareness.blogspot.ca/2012/09/men-in-york-region-dying-homeless.html">dying</a> on the streets. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Now, that's a fact.</b></span><br />
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At any rate decide for yourself on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/599422220097169/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming"><b>Oct 17</b></a> when the <u><b>World Premiere</b></u> of the documentary <a href="http://www.yrfn.ca/pdf/ISARC%20Report%20September%20Final.pdf">"Behind The Masks"</a> shows. This documentary style video contains live testimonials from those within the safety-net system here in rich <b>York Region, Ontario, Canada.</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are we doing a great job like the politicians, papers, charities and agencies tell you in their ads $ & communications? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On Oct 17, you be the judge.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The movie will premiere during the <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Oct 17</b></span> <a href="http://www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved"><b>International Day for the Eradication of Poverty</b></a> event held at Stellar Hall, 1220 Stellar Dr Newmarket 2nd floor above Stellar Bowl. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSKcddYvQQ0/UkSr9OYZFKI/AAAAAAAABQc/9AKyJU8LRPI/s1600/mmm..mmm.good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSKcddYvQQ0/UkSr9OYZFKI/AAAAAAAABQc/9AKyJU8LRPI/s320/mmm..mmm.good.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From one of our <i><b>Y.R</b></i>. "food distribution programs"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Doors open 7 pm with fresh hot & cold food and refreshments provided. Includes <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Open Stage</b></span> and features Headliner entertainment by <b>TPE</b> with reggae rooted <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theyappers.com/"><i><b>The Yappers</b></i></a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cover - pay what you will. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sign up for the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/599422220097169/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming">Facebook here</a>.</span><br />
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Tom out!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566642138352418132noreply@blogger.com0York Regional Municipality, ON, Canada43.9884612 -79.47038850000001343.2583397 -80.761282000000008 44.718582700000006 -78.179495000000017