Poverty Awareness in York Region

Dan Philion, happy with initial meeting with M.P.P.

Yesterday was inspirational. It actually started the night before, when Dan Philion, stricken with Muscular Dystrophy and confined to a wheelchair, with limited physical capabilities, was trying to beg off going to a meeting with his MPP. 

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.

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...

Rejected shoes or makeshift boots

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 basic necessities in life he should be able to afford as its not his fault he's in this predicament. He had no shoes for the meeting.

" 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.

" What size are you I asked?" I'll get you shoes, but you're going!"

M.P. Lois Brown once awarded Dan for community service

MP supports charity solutions like free coats

I've 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 Neighbourhood Network volunteer showed up, eliminating yet another barrier to his participation in life.

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.

"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.

" You said boots", I meekly offered.. "I've worn them for the Santa suit and for the Grinch..."

" Ha, you wear them then, I'm not".... He wore his usual thick wool socks instead of shoes.

Some community accreditation Dan has received

I visited the canvassing Chris Ballard during the election

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 march to his office called Stroll and Roll for freedom, 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.

Dan is tired of asking of charity for basics and hates food banks

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 past involvement with MPP'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.

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.

Join Dan July 7 2015 on the Stroll and Roll to Freedom starting at York Region Headquarters on Yonge St. Newmarket at 12 noon and ending at the MPP's office.

" We've listened, and people have said they want to work"  Ontario Government on their Poverty Reduction Strategy

I call that selective hearing. Yes they want to work. But they can't all do so. What they really want is just to be recognized as valuable and useful members of society. 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."

That very week alone, Dan had to call the ambulance service to come put him to bed as the March of Dimes provider service had begged off, saying they had no replacement. I wonder how much $ extra that costs everyone instead of having a back-up, on-call person(s)? Last year I had to do this for two weeks over Christmas prior to Dan getting into the M.O.D.'s program. I'm not trained for this.

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 all kids 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 cost of living so it would not have to be addressed continually.

To this I queried, "Why would you do that first Chris when the rates are still far too low? They've never really addressed it since those Harris cuts, to bring rates more in line with reality, so why would you do that first? He needs more $ first. Then you can tie it to inflation."

I also stressed to Ballard that since Dan already has subsidized housing, 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 1% raise his government gave 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.

We both got the feeling Chris Ballard 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!

Part 2 - The Trans-ride home 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.

Dan wants a 50% increase in his income rates rates in order to buy his own groceries, clothes, and to socialize

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..

"This is where your M.P.P. is ladies should you ever need him!" I announced.

"Who's your M.P.P.?" asked one... "Is it Chris Ballard? another.

"Yes, and we were just in seeing him about getting Dan a better deal."

" Oh yes, and the amount of people using food banks is awful", offered a lady, " Some don't even need it who use it" she added, "and that's bad too"....."and seniors are hard hit often", another said, " and now expected to retrieve mail in this weather" And on it went...it was ...inspirational actually.

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.

Seniors issues also raised on bus ride

" That's ridiculous", some started to mumble, but my mom 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.

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,

' 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!"

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.

Who knew rap was actually invented by older ladies!?

PACC dropped these in Y.R. during the election

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 Stroll & Roll 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.


But the socializing was therapeutic somehow for everyone this day it seemed, and it all was driven by the infectious personality and disposition of Dan Philion. 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.

 " 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

I got news for you Ma'am, you made ours! Happy Holidays and Merry Xmas everyone!

PACCman out! Follow our Stroll and Roll for Freedom on Twitter...or Facebook.

Outside the Ottawa Convention Centre

I was in Ottawa during the recent 2014 ONPHA 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.
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.

Manson had visited England during his tenure and returned with a strong belief in having more grassroots input and ' ground up" programs and
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.

A pioneer in some ways, here especially, and long time supporter of our community development based road hockey program,  it's too bad to see him go.



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 traditional throat singing, a form of which I had never witnessed. CityHousing Hamilton was also singled out for its tenant engagement programs work receiving the 2014 Award for Excellence as well as others such as the WoodGreen's Celebrity Single Mom's program.

One interesting idea that was discussed with me by an attending Hamilton area Paralegal who has worked for both Ontario's largest private affordable housing provider and for Canada's largest social housing providers, who suggested dealing with persons with mental health issues, and in her specific example, hoarders, 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 elderly hoarder, was killed in a fire 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?

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.

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.

"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 someone in need, then they might more easily part with an item. 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.

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.

I 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.

When in Rome!

When visiting a unique housing set up in St 
 Catherines some years back, called Bethlehem House and Support Services, 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!?

Lester T.. More than just the name in common!

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, " Canadian experienced" ideas.

Let's just hope the next batch to replace those who have just left the fold, continue on looking at effective solutions 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!

"Ultimately, the landlord has an obligation to try and accommodate a person's disability"
 Ontario Paralegal

Sign campaign an issue raiser

Well, 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.

Tom visited with Chris Ballard during election run up

Step out work training programs needed

The York Region area boards for shelters, 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 "Operation Sparrow" which has morphed into Newmarket Cares - a Georgina Cares 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 grass roots membership 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 thanking us 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.

election now in rearview

I'd 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, without special kids labels, 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.

But the committee served to offer a true "collaboration" of ideas and solutions. It's just too bad Y.R. doesn't get that, because for me, that is what made this program set-up so good was because 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 grass roots members 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 " Newmarket Cares", but for any board or organization to be truly affective, not to mention fairly representative, this is an essential component.

Y.R. Housing Tenant Reference Group a good starting point

Y.R. need look only to it's own experimental model of a "board" with it's Y.R. Housing Tenant Reference Committee", 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 YR Housing 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 Y.R.york Region on their properties as part of the yearly maintenance and saves $ thousands of dollars for everyone! That's efficiency.

Anyway...something to think about...and I mention boards and the like today also for another reason, some may remember the "House Of Hope" a few years back where we took some skilled guys and added some labourers learning a trade - 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 15 apartments, perfect for a shelter or low income housing or co-op living of some sort! 



The house 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 Crosslinks house for people with mental health afflictions. It is beautiful and it's location is C2 zoned.

" House Of Hope" available for right tenant

Natural light and view in every unit.

So if you are an organization or know of one looking for a prime lease location, just outside Newmarket in Sharon, Ontario that may be suitable then contact me 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!  

More House Info and photos here.

TP Out!

Community Volunteer Award Winner Dan

A buddy 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 6 weeks of "emergency" assistance from an organization hired by the government agent C.C.A.C. to do this at night, however they tell him after that he's going to have to move into a care facility or .....

Buddy tells me they've told him C.C.A.C. 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 why don't they hire someone for that time then? He didn't know.

We give awards for free community work but when he needs help?

Prior to this we'd been discussing ways to make money over Xmas as the amount he receives from ODSP now ($800 & change) barely covers his bills - he already has social housing - and leaves him $140 for food, transportation and toiletries 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 dignity that goes with it, but, apparently, that's something he/we can't afford to give him.

Our York Region programs 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.

John Taylor is the Regional Councillor

He's been a community volunteer 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.

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.

But when you are alone - like he is now - you are really at the mercy of the system, and you can only imagine the feelings he's having now at Xmas, his young kids now young adults still educating and working towards a life in Ottawa and not able to move here as a possible solution...struggling for income for food let alone presents.

Why is it they can't just give us enough to buy food?, 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.

He raised two kids but a third taken a birth because disabled

Now he's asking why they can't just send someone at bedtime to assist him into bed so he doesn't have to lie there from 6 or 7 pm until after 10 am the next day?




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.

Meantime we're going to make the Xmas wreaths, not knowing whether he'll be here to help sell them or be somewhere..Who knows where? At the mercy of our merciless safety net system.

Interesting where inspiration on on the fight against poverty comes from at times. Certainly New York City was the last place I'd have thought of, however with the recent voting in of Mayor Bill de Blasio, who unlike Toronto's Rob Ford, ran his winning campaign on closing the gap between the millionaires and everyone else after 24 years of straight Democrat rule (like the Conservatives in Canada), I'm inspired. He not only won, but decisively, with 73% of the vote.

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.

Healthy eating in dignity does not mean special food depots

That means all the politicians locally such as York Region Councilors - who recently smugly announced a  budget surplus "because of the cancelling of the Start up anti-homelessness fund"transferred down from the previously distributed from provincial government, M.P.Pfrank.kleesco@pc.ola.org.'s, M.P.'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, and make no mistake it starts with giving people enough money to cover the basics.

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,

Food by Deli House Catering. Nothing fresh at food banks.

 "Why do they do this Tom? 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?"

Yes they could. Tell them here.

" I'm not kissing anyone's ass just to eat" he continued regarding food banks, 

"Some people can't eat canned food either, what are they supposed to do? These people don't care"

Indeed.

Tom Out.