St Paul's proposal to Milton Christian Churches Working Together

On March 25, the MACCWT will consider the following motion " That Milton Area Christian Chruches Working Together establish an outreach project committee, headed by St Paul's Mission and Outreach chair to investigate options and formulate a workable plan which will allow MACCWT to partner St paul's M&O and interested groups from any other Milton church, and to propose a program offering transitional housing to those in need in mitlon and area; and this project committee have authorisation to partner with Home Suite hope (Oakville) to develop a Milton-based program; and that MACCWT's publicity and netwroking resources be at the disposal of this project committee; and that any financial committment to this project from general MACCWT funds not exceed $2000 per fiscal year.

2010 Social Audit Revealing Poverty in Halton April 26, 2010

Halton Community Legal Services is assisting te Interfaith Social Assistance reform coalition (ISARC) to provide opportunities for the most vulnerable in our community to tell their stories of living in poverty and we need your help.

On April 26, 2010, hearings will take place in the region of Halton as part of ISARC's provincial social audit. The Social Audit is a way to communicate the social effects of government policies and actions on people living in poverty. Information, personal stories, and other remarks gathered will be used to highlight issues of poverty in Halton and to lobby to end poverty in Ontario.

People with the lived experiences of poverty, will have an opportunity to share their stories and be heard in a private hearing. Hearings are being held in north and south Halton in front of a panel of representatives of the faith community, public health and education.

Brice Balmer, Coordinator of the Provincial Audit describes “The Social Audit process will not bring revolutionary changes to the lives of Ontarians most marginalized by social assistance and low wage jobs. It will not build affordable housing nor put food on the table. But it will allow for a different kind of power or influence to emerge for all who participate in the Social Audit. People testifying feel a spark of dignity returning.”
To learn more about the Social Audit process go to: www.isarc.ca
To learn more about what is happening in Halton contact: Halton Community Legal Services 905-875-2069

Big-budget shelter for homeless coming to nightclub zone

The Toronto Star reported this week that the opening in May for the long delayed 40-bed refuge at the former site of Fez Batik nightclub. The article reports that on a given night, Toronto has 1,000 people living outdoors in the rough. The article is written by staff reporter, Donovan Vincent. The new shelter will offer the homeless what most others don't; actual help in getting a permanent home. The goal at 129 Peter Street will be to get occupants of its 40 beds stabilized and settled in a real home, preferably within days. The article interviews peter Brown, overseer of city shelters. A major component of the 12,480 square foot shelter will be a 24/7 assessment and referral centre where people can come in, have a coffee and sit down without having to spend the night there. It is hoped the centre will people who often shy away from other 'regular' shelters.

CBC Metro Morning

This morning on CBC Metro Morning on Food Connections. The interview was with a member of the Toronto Food development Strategy team. He discussed how food is a central pillar in many urban environmental, economic, social, health and community matters. The CBC website links to the Food Strategy report: Food Connections: Toward a Healthy and Sustainable Food System for Toronto. A Consultation Report. submitted to the Toronto Board of Health on Feburary 16, 2010 by Toronto Public Health. The interview discussed how the demise of local food stores has resulted in difficulty for the less mobile and affluent members of our community to access and afford food. In converse, by supporting food production, accessibility it in turn supports social development, community, education, work and economic stability. The report identifies other urban cities which have been successful; London, San Francisco, New York and Waterloo Region. See http:/wx.toronto.ca/inter/health/food.nsf.