The Voice of North Grenville
The North Grenville Times
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The Voice of North Grenville
Reaching by direct mail 8,500 homes and businesses in North Grenville www.ngtimes.ca
April 6, 2023
Vol. 11 No. 13
Invisible Homelessness
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April 6, 2023
by Ashley Sloan You might often hear conversations about the rapid growth happening in the area, or on the increase in the housing market and the shortage of rental units in North Grenville; but have you heard about the actual homeless crisis? The Rotary Club of North Grenville invited special guest Angie Brown to speak to the group and give a bit of insight as to what is happening right in our own region. Having this experience, Angie says: “This is where I can see first hand the gaps where the system is failing individuals from all demographics. In North Grenville we do not see the stereotypical home-
where she would have clients drop in who never thought that they would ever need to use this type of service. Angie would invite them in to have a conversation and find out just how she could help. At Christmas time, she has served at the Community Dinner, which has grown over the years with the love and support of local businesses. Angie says that “Food is what brings people together, and when you are sitting at a table, there is no judgement, you make connections and can feel safe”. A goal she would like to see is something similar to a project in Brockville to be available here. A kitchen called Loaves & Fishes is a restaurant
less panhandling, people pushing carts, or sleeping on the side walks in cardboard boxes. However, if you walk through the Ferguson Forest Centre and go in far enough, you will see tents set up as housing for some of our community members. The Kemptville Campus is also where people have started to camp out with no where else to go. Know anyone couch surfing? Living in a trailer with no power in the middle of winter?” Angie has lived in Kemptville most of her life and, having parents in the restaurant industry, Angie says: “this is probably where I first learned to serve.” She was part of a team at the Salvation Army food bank
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where you pay $2.00 for a meal. It may not seem like much to some, but to others this could be the daily budget they have for food to spend on their family. It is dignified, supported by the community, and relies on partnerships. Angie would like to create a hub where people would be connected with services and where they can be noticed. A major issue that is noted is that quite often after a crisis the standard procedure would be for the victim to call a 1-800 number, where they might be lucky to connect to the right person on their first try. What happens when they are asked to call another number and to go through reliving the situation whether it be simple or traumatic? How many people do you think have the courage to make that extra call? Having a Hub with resources would be the connection they need, to meet a case worker who would help them to get back on their feet, whether it is starting with counselling, or finding a safe place to sleep. Angie also pointed out that, typically, Ontario Works pays roughly $700 a month to an individual who can provide an address, and roughly $300 if there is no address. A rentcont'd on page 2
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