eby - voices of poverty in hamilton - mapping community relationships

8/7/2019 Eby - Voices of Poverty in Hamilton - Mapping Community Relationships

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SPRC

NHCHC

AHF

The Voices of Poverty in Hamilton:Mapping Community Relationships

by Jeanette Eby

September 2008


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Acknowledgements

This project was made possible through an UndergraduateStudent Research Award from McMaster University, Arts andScience Program. A big thank you to Dr. Peter Graefe, AssociateProfessor of Political Science, who was the faculty supervisorand advised me throughout the project.

Thank you to all of the participating organizations, groups,and individuals who contributed to this project and made itpossible through support and encouragement.


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Table of Contents

The Map

Introduction

The Story: What is happening in Hamilton right now?Hamilton Roundtable on Poverty Reduction

Social Planning Research CouncilCitizenship/Integration OrganizationsSocial Service OrganizationsCommunity/Resource CentresChildrens OrganizationsYouth-Serving Organizations

Youth-Serving Network MapGrassroots and Advocacy Groups

Grassroots/Advocacy Network MapHousing Groups

Housing Network MapFaith GroupsOther Groups

The Community Talks About Collaboration

Why and how collaboration happensThe strengths of collaborationThe challenges of collaborationCollaboration Stories

Community Vision of Collaboration

Conclusion: Taking Collaboration Forward

Appendix

Institutions MapMap Legend and Description


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WU

SPRC

MS

CFS

SJIWC

NHC

WI

HARRP

HCCI

SISO

TEP

ERRC

SYPC

LR

A

GS

N2N

YEAH

HHC AHF

SHAC

A4Y

HIFY

Shelters

CVAG

See page 21 for legend and description


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UCCHC

HHPA

DAN

ACHC

FCHC

CAWDB

LWC

TW

MLGL

ISWG

CAPC

CK

BSTART

DSAO

GWAG

EH

COA

HRPR

APWG

TRUCITY


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The Voices of Poverty in Hamilton Mapping CommunityRelationships

Introduction

HamiltoniscityofpossibilityHamiltonmaerstousfordierentreasons,andthehumanandnaturaldiversitymakesitauniqueandbeautifulplace.Theresilienceofourcitizensisremarkableamidstthestruggles,andmanyHamiltoniansareacting

forjusticeandrespondingtotheneedsofthecommunity.Overthepastfewyears,addressingpovertyhasbecomeapriorityformanyHamiltonians:individualactivists,professionals,businesses,government,healthcareproviders,advocacygroupsandmanymore.PovertyisahugethreattothehealthofHamiltonresidentsandthecommunitiestheyareapartof. TheHamiltonRoundtableonPovertyReductionisahigh-prolecity-wideinitiativethatbeganin2005,andtheypublishedthePovertyMatrix,whichcontainsconcretefactsandguresaboutpovertyinHamilton.Approximately20%ofHamiltoniansarelivingbelowthelow-incomecut-o,whichisawellknown-gure,butpovertyaectscertaingroupsmorethanothers.52%ofrecentimmigrantsand60%ofsinglemotherswithchildrenunder12are

livinginpoverty.Therearemanyotherstaggeringstatisticsofthedisproportionatepovertyratesfordierentmarginalizedgroups.Apopular,simplewaytodenewhoispoorisbylookingattheirlevelofincome,buttherearemanyinterconnectedfactorsthatdetermineapersonsqualityoflife,includingadequatehousing,qualityofemployment,foodsecurity,educationalandrecreationalopportunitiesandaccesstohealthcare.Alloftheseimpactthedegreetowhichpeoplecanbeactiveparticipantsincitylife,andhavecontrolovertheirwell-being.Manyofourfamilieshavetochoosebetweenfeedingtheirchildrenandpayingforshelter;manyofourcitizenssuerfrommentalhealthandaddictionsissues,whichinturnaecttheirabilitytoobtainhousingandemployment.Theissuesarelargeandinterconnected.Throughdierentavenues,thecommunityhasresponded,andhasalreadybeenworkingforyearsatdierentlevelstoimprovethequalityoflifeofourcitizens.Someeortsarethroughdirectserviceandsupportingbasicneeds.Othersarerights-basedandconfrontational.Othereortsarethroughcommunity-basedresearchfollowedbyrecommendedactions.Collaborativeeortsareincreasing,individualsarespeakingout,andHamiltontrulyhasanopportunitytoreframetheissuesandrenewhowweworktogether.WehaveanopportunitytobeinvolvedinthepoliticalprocessastheprovincialgovernmentconductsconsultationsfortheOntarioPovertyReductionStrategy.Wehavetheopportunitytobridgethegapsbetweeninstitutions,groups,andindividualsandtocometogetherwiththemindsetthateverypersonisvaluableanddeservesahealthy

lifeandahealthycommunity. ThereisagreatdiversityofgroupsandorganizationsthatarecommiedtoaddressingpovertyinHamilton,andthewaystheycontributetopeopleslivesarewidespread.IhavecreatedanetworkmapandaccompanyingdiagramsofgroupsandorganizationsinHamiltonwhoarecommiedtoreducingpoverty.Themapdemonstrateshowtheyareinteractingandcollaboratingwitheachother.ThescopeofmyprojecthasbeenwhatIwilltermthecommunitysector,whichincludessocialserviceorganizations,grassroots/advocacygroupsfocusedonsystemicchange,andothercommunityorganizationswhorespondtotheneedsoftheircommunitiesthroughprograms,services,andothersupport.Thispictureisnotcomplete,norisitperfect.Itisevidentthatallaspects

Thefunnythingaboutthewordpovertyisthatallitdoesisdenotesomethingwedontlike.Thatsit.Wecantholdpovertyinour

hands,andwecannevereversolveitormakeitgoaway.Povertyisoneofthosewickedproblems.Truejusticedemandsthatwearealwaysthinkingaboutnewwaystothinkabouttheproblemthatispoverty.

Manypeoplehavenoideawhatpovertyis.


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ofourcommunity-government,funders,publicandrecreationservices,thefaithcommunity,thearts,education,employment,culturalgroupsandinitiatives,healthcare,neighbourhoodseachhasanimportantparttoplayincreatingastrong,cohesivenetworkwheretheneedsofourcommunitycomebeforethoseofanindividualentity.Myhopeisthatthisprojectcanbeusefulstartingpoint,portrayingwhatparticipantsoftheprojecthavesharedandthatwillopenupspacefordialoguetoreectontheissues,questionsandpossibilities.Wecanchallengeourselvesandeachother,respondtotheneedsof

ourcitizensandactforthegoodofthecity. Collaborationandcommunityorganizingaroundanissuecomeswithmanychallenges,buttheconsensusisthatwhenitworks,theoutcomesareamazing.Manygapsandfrustrationsexist.Whosevoiceisbeingheard?Isthereadiversegroupsiingatthedecision-makingtablewhounderstandtherealityandneedsofthecommunity?Ilethedenitionofcollaborationopen,asanykindofjointeortbetweengroups,toobservethedierenttypesofinteractionsthatarehappeningbetweenthevariouscommunitygroupsandorganizations.Whiletherearemanypositiveexamplesofcollaborationinthecommunity,therearesomemajorobstaclestomakingcollaborationwork.Intheend,participantsprovidedapowerfulvisionaboutwhattruecollaborationshouldlooklikeand

whatworkswhendierentgroupscometogetherandmoveforwardwithacommonvision. Allparticipantssharedtheirhopesforthefuture,intermsofcollaborationandpovertyreductioninHamilton.Thesehopesdemonstratethatwestillhavealongwaytogotofulllthevisionofacitywhereallarecaredfor.Wehaveadutytopressonwithurgency,connectingcommunity-based,boom-upengagementwithlong-termsystemschangetoimprovethewell-beingofourcitizens.

The Story: What is happening in Hamilton right now?

Thelargenetworkmapincludeseachofthegroupsthatparticipatedinthisproject.Alongwiththecompletemapareseveralnetworkdiagramsthatlookatdierentgroupings:theyouth-servingnetwork,grassroots/advocacynetwork,andthehousingnetwork.AttheendofthisreportyouwillalsondanInstitutionsnetworkmapthatillustrateshowthesegroupsandorganizationsareconnectedtootherplayersinthecity,suchasschools,churches,hospitals,etc.

Herearethestoriesofallwhoarepartofthiscommunityrelationshipmap,accordingtowhatparticipantssharedabouttheirgroupororganization.

The Hamilton Roundtable on Poverty Reduction

TheRoundtableisco-convenedbytheHamiltonCommunityFoundationandtheCityofHamilton.ItwasfoundedinMarch2005asacross-sectorcommunitycollaborationwithastrategicfocusonpovertyreduction,andthegoalofMakingHamiltonthebestplacetoraiseachild.Theyhavedierentlevelsofengagement:community-ledsolutions,vecriticalpointsofinvestment(earlylearning,educationandrecreation,skillsdevelopment,employmentandwealthcreation)andalsoworkforpolicyandsystemschange.TheRoundtablevaluescollaborationacrosssectors,andtheyhavearmno-blamephilosophy,whereeveryoneispartoftheproblemandthesolution.TheRoundtablehasabroadspanintermsoftheirroleinthecommunity:lookingathigh-levelpolitics,havinganopendiscussion

Hope:TomovebeyondtheCharitymodelandbuildupprocesseswherecitizenshavetheabilityandsupporttolead.


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aboutpovertyissueswithsharedgoalsandsolutions,connectingorganizationsandsectorsandconsistentlycommunicatingwiththecommunity. Thepovertymatrixthatwasputoutin2005putnumberstotheissueofpoverty,andidentiedgroupsofcitizenswhoarelivingdisproportionatelyunderthelow-incomecut-oandwhohaveadditionalbarrierstoemployment,aordablehousing,andfeelingincludedintheircity.TheRoundtablemadeconnectionsbygoingtodierentcollaborativetables,ndingoutaboutgroupsandforming

relationships.ManygroupsalsoapproachedthemandwantedtobeinvolvedintheRoundtableseorts. Roundtablemembersmeetbi-monthlyandtheyarealsoengagedinworkinggroupswithotherpartners.Thesegroupsincludeover300peoplerepresentingawiderangeoforganizations.TheRoundtablerecognizestheimportanceofcitizenengagementandneighbourhoodsolutions,andtheyalsohaveaccesstothehigherlevelsofgovernmentwhoareultimatelyresponsibleforlong-termchange.Theyhavebeensupportingyouthengagement,andanewfocusisthatofInclusionandNeighbourhoodEngagement.TheRoundtableisalsopartoftheColourofPovertyCampaigninpartnershipwiththeHCCItoaddresstheracializationofpoverty.Theirstrategyinvolvesaninclusivelens,withchildrenatthecenter,

whichspanstofamiliesandthegreatercommunity.

Social Planning Research Council (SPRC)

TheSPRCwasestablishedinHamiltonover40yearsago,inresponsetotheneedforacoordinatedapproachtosocialchange.TheyarecommiedtoimprovingthequalityoflifeforHamiltoncitizens,withafocusonsocial,healthandeconomicissues,incollaborationwithothercommunityactors.Thereare4dierentaspectstotheirmandate:CommunityResearch,CommunityDevelopment,SocialServicePlanningandServiceDevelopment.TheResearchaspectinvolvesaparticipatory,socialplanningapproachtobringtogetherallkeystakeholdersandmoveforward,andtheresearchoenspillsintoCommunityDevelopmentthroughpubliceducationabouttheresearch.TheSPRCconnectswithvariousgroupsandorganizationsalloverthecityandfacilitatesinitiativestovaryingdegrees.TheSocialServicePlanningaspectinvolvesastrongemphasisoncollaboration,wheretheyconnectgroupsintonetworks.SPRCalsohastheroleasanincubator,whereServiceDevelopmenthappensasaresultoftheotherpartsofthemandate. PovertyisincorporatedthroughouttheSPRCmandate.TheSPRChas3mainPrioritiesandActions:Poverty,HomelessnessandChildren&Families.TheSPRChasputoutmanyreportsandfacilitatedresearcharoundallthreeoftheseareas,includingthemostrecentIncomesandPovertyreport,WomenandPoverty(2008),

theAnyGivenNightreportonHomelessnessinHamilton,andAddressingtheNeedsofStreet-InvolvedYouth(2005).TheSPRCalsoworkswithseveralgrassrootsadvocacygroups,andsupportsvariousinitiativesingeinggroupsothegroundandconnectedtocreatemeaningfulsocialchange. TheSPRCisalwaysengagedinmanyprojectsthatareinlinewiththeirmandate,andoverthepast12monthstheyhaveworkedwithover40groups,agenciesandorganizationsthroughvariousprojects(See2007-2008AnnualReport,availableontheinternet).Forexample,PartnersinNutritionrunsthroughtheSPRC,andtheyadviseandsupport112studentnutritionprogramsacrossthecity.Thereisalsoacommunityeconomicdevelopmentnetwork,whichinvolvesmicro-enterpriseandbusinessdevelopmentto

Hope:Changethewayweviewsuccessrightnowweareonanoutcome-indicatorstrack.


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increasetheeconomicindependenceoflow-incomefamilies,womenandnewcomers.TheSPRCiscentraltothelargemap,andmanyparticipantslistedthemasanimportantpartner.Theyareinthehousing,grassroots/advocacyandyouthservicesmaps,andareevidentlyatthecoreofmanycommunityinitiatives.

Citizenship/Integration Organizations

Selement Integration Services Organization (SISO)

SISOwasfoundedin1993,andtheirmandateistoworkwithnewcomerstohelpthemintegrateandseleintothecommunity,sothattheyarefullyparticipatinginallaspectsofitslife.SISObeganbecausetheygovernmentwaslookingforagrouporprogramtoprovideservicestonewcomers,withanalternativemodeltotargetingindividualcommunities.TheSPRCfacilitatedconsultationsandfocusgroups,andbothlevelsofgovernmentgavethemandatetoformSISO.SISOcreatestheconditionforimmigrantsuccessthroughpubliceducation,advocacyworkandworkingwithmainstreamorganizationssuchasbusinessestocreateeconomicopportunities. SISOhasanimportantroletoplayinthepictureofpovertyinHamilton.Povertyisracialized,andoverthelast20yearsthegap

betweentherichandthepoorhasbeenincreasingthegapbetweenminoritiesandCanadian-borncitizensisalsogrowing.Over52%ofHamiltonsnewimmigrantpopulationislivingbelowtheLow-IncomeCut-O.SISOsroleis2-fold:theyarebothproactiveandreactive.Thereactivepartinvolvesworkingwithindividualslivingonalowincome,helpingthemwithlicensing/certicationprogramsandndingjobsthatarebeerpaidorsuited.Theproactivepieceinvolvesadvocacyandbusinessdevelopment. PovertyreductionmaynotbedirectlyinSISOsmandate,butitisasecondaryoutcomethathappensthroughanatural,interactiveprocessthatoverlapswithwhatothergroupsandorganizationsaredoing.

Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI)

TheHCCIwasformedinMarch2006,whentwosimultaneousinitiativescametogether:HamiltonsStrengtheningCommunityInitiativeandSISOsCivicCentrecreation.TheHCCIwasformedtoassessthediversitycapacityofthecityandprovidetrainingandeducationsessionstobalesocialexclusionandisolation.TheHCCIisacommunityresource,promotingandactingforequityandinclusivenessinHamilton.CurrentprogramsareaddressingissuesofAnti-Racism,SocialInclusion,LeadershipDevelopment,PoliticalEducationandAwareness,SocialandEconomicEducation,andCapacity-Building.

TheHCCIiscommiedraisingawarenessabouthowandwhypeoplearepoor,andgetsinvolvedinadiversityofinitiativeswithmanycommunityactors,includingmembershipontheRoundtable.TheHCCIisinterestedintheracializationofpovertyandistakingpartintheColourofPovertycampaignacrossOntario.AnothercurrentprojectisYouthinMotion,whichhasafocusonpovertyaswell.TheCentredoesnottargetacertaingrouporvisibleminorities,becauseHamiltonisone.TheHCCIprovidesaspacefordierentcommunitiestolearnalotfromeachother,andgettoknowculturesthattheyotherwisewouldnotcomeincontactwithhelpingbreakdownbarriersthatlimitparticipationandqualityoflife.

Ourjobiscreatingtheconditionfor integration and participation sopeopledontendupinpoverty.


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St. Joseph Immigrant Womens Centre (sjIWC)

TheSt.JosephImmigrantWomensCentrebeganinthe1980s,whenmanyrefugeesfromCentralAmericawerearrivingunderthecategoryofrefugeeclaimantsbutdidnothaverightstohealthcareandotheressentialsupports.Thefaithcommunitybegantomobilize,includingtheSt.JosephSistersofHamilton,tohelpimmigrantwomenlearnEnglish.ThesjIWCnowhas3sitesinthecity,andbyhelpingwomenintegrateandndopportunitiestheyalsohelptheirfamilies.

Ingeneral,thesjIWCfocusesonwomenwhohavelileeducationtodevelopthemselvesthroughlanguageandotherspecictrainingthattheycanputontheirresume.Theyalsoassistwomenwithgeingtheircredentialsandndingemployment. ThesjIWChasthefreedomtorespondtoavarietyofneeds,fromhelpingwomenincrisistothepersonalpiecessuchasdrivingsomeonetotheirjobinterview.Thereisalsoapracticalcomponent,andtheyprovideday-careservicesandasubsidy.Theydolotsofbridgingwithsocialworkersandserviceproviders,andhopetopartnerwithcommunitycollegesandtrainingcentresformorejobskillsdevelopment. OneofsjIWCsnewprogramsistheFacilitatingInclusionCooperative,madeupofagroupof60womentrainedincommunity-

basedresearchandleadership,whoformedaservicecooperativebasedonparticipatoryeducation.Theyareintheirrstyearrunningindependently,andhopetomakelinkswiththeacademiccommunitythroughmeaningful,community-basedprojectsthatpromoteinclusion.TheyalsohaveanewpartnershipwiththeCallCentreTrainingProgram,toprovidetelephoneandcommunicationskillstonewcomerwomen. ThesjIWCwantstoremainmid-sizedratherthangrowtobecomeacharityinstitution.Theyhopetomakeeortstogowheretheneedisandfacilitateprogramsthatdonotcreatedependence,butthatdevelopasystemofaccountability.Forexample,atthesjIWCMontcalmsite,theSudanesecommunitydevelopedtheirowncapacitytorunanaer-schoolprogram.Forthenextroundoffunding,thesjIWCwillapplyfortheSudanesecommunityratherthantheirownorganization,andexampleofsjIWCsworkthatfacilitatestheempowermentofourcitizens.

Social Service Organizations

The Salvation Army

TheSalvationArmyhasa126yearhistoryinHamilton.Itbeganasachurch,andinanorganicwaysocialservicesdeveloped.Fromthebeginning,theSalvationArmysfoundersWilliamandCatharineBoothwereconcernedwithsocialillsandawareofpoverty,

andthereisalonghistoryofwomeninleadershiproles. TheSalvationArmyisaChristianorganizationwithanacutesocialconscienceandatransforminginuenceinthecommunity,anditsmandateistoprovidehopetothepeopletheycomeincontactwith.TheSAprovidesabroadrangeofservicesforverydierentpopulations:seniors,adultswithdisabilities,youthatrisk,pregnantandparentingteens,childrenandnewcomers. Therearemanyservicesandprograms.TheBoothCentreprovidesemergencyandhospitaltransitionalhousingformen.CommunityandFamilyServicesprovidesemergencyservices,counseling,groupsupport,programs,servicesandreferral.SalvationArmyalsohastheonly24-hourSuicideCrisisLineinthearea.GraceHavenisaresidentialprogramandyoungparentresourcecentre.

ThereisalayerofwomenwhohavenocondenceIwanttochallengethemtogiveusachance.

Ifwedontchangepolicies,wewillbecomeacharityorganizationandIamagainstcharity.

Hope:HaveaCentreforCollaboration,asinglesocialserviceportalforassessment,advocacyandguidance,wherepeople can meet someone face tofaceandbeguidedthroughwhatioutthere.


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Therearealsoprogramsforadultswithdevelopmentalandphysicaldisabilities.CorrectionandJusticeServiceshelpthoseaectedbycrimereintegratebackintothecommunity,andthereisaresidentialhalfwayhouseforfederally-sentencedwomen.TherearealsoNationalRecyclingOperationsandFamilyThriStores.Finally,TheFreewayCoeeHouseisanot-for-protcafoeringasafe,openplaceforpeoplefromallwalksoflife,alsoamusicvenueandartspacededicatedtolocalandglobaljustice UpcomingprojectsfortheSalvationArmyincludesanAutism

HealthCentreforadultswithautismandanAlzheimersCentre.ThenewdischargeprogramistheresultofanexcitingpartnershipwithSt.JosephsHospital,wherenursingstaareavailabletoensurethatpatientsgetthefollow-upcarewhentheyleave.

Catholics Family Services (CFS)

CFSbeganin1949,orginallyestablishedtoplaceyoungchildrenrefugeesintoCatholicfamilies.Overtheyearsithasevolvedintoamulti-serviceorganization,supportingthemostvulnerableanddisadvantagedinthecommunity.Theyhave5mainaspectsoftheirmandate:Counselling,CaseManagement,Education,CommunityDevelopmentandAdvocacy.

CFSisapartofaddressingpovertyinHamilton,becausetheyareservingpeoplewhodonothavetheresourcestolltheirpotentialinthecommunity.Theyworkwithpeopletobuildtheirpotential,ratherthanprovidecharitysuchasclothingorfood.Theyhaveprogramsforages0toover65,includingpersonalandcrediotcounselling,childrensmentalhealth,marriageandanti-violenceworkshops,familysupportandSt.MartinsManor,whichisaresourcecentreforyoungmothers.SomenewinitiativesincludeGeared-to-IncomeHousingforseniorswithSt.JosephsHomecareandCityHousing,aFinancialCoachingpreventionprogram,andanewOntarioEarlyYearsCentreatSt.MartinsManor.CFShasover40agencies,servicesandgroupsthattheyworkwithindierentways.

Wesley Urban Ministries

WesleyUrbanMinistrieswasfounded53yearsagoinachurchbasement,asaSundayaernoonteawithsandwichesformenwhowerehomeless.WesleyUnitedChurchdecidedtoamalgamatewithCentenaryUnitedChurchinHamilton,butkeptthechurchbuildingopenforsocialservices,asacollectiveministryofanumberofchurches.Fromthebeginning,theyhavealwaystriedtolistentothevoicesofthosetheyserveandrespondwhatishappeningintheneighbourhoodswithprograms.Wesleysultimategoalisthatpeoplewillnolongerneedtoaccessalloftheservicestheyoer. Wesleyworkswiththepooronadailybasis,mainlyworking

withhomelessmenandwomen,individualswithseverementalhealthissues,andmanyrecentimmigrants,allofwhomarelivingwithalowincomeornoincomeatall.Theybalancealleviation(foodbank,shelter,etc.)withreduction,providingaordablehousingandeducationalopportunities. WesleyprovidesShelter,HomelessandEmergencyServicesandmanyChild,YouthandFamilyprogramsincludingtheEarlyYearsCentreslocatedindierentneighbourhoods,andYouthHousing.TheyalsocoordinatetheYouthOutreachWorkersHamilton,andsupportpeoplewithmentalhealthandaddictionsissues.Theirroleisabalancebetweencharityandjustice.Throughcharitableservicesthatrespondtopeoplesbasicneeds,theyhelpreducebarriers.ThejusticepartcomesinwhereWesleycanincrease


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opportunitiesforpeopletochoosehowtheirlivesaregoingtobe,ratherthanhavethemdependoncharity.

Neighbour to Neighbour Centre

TheNeighbourtoNeighbourCentreisanon-protagencywhosemandateistoprovideservicesfortheunemployedandworkingpoorontheHamiltonMountain,Ancaster,GlanbrookandMountHope.NeighbourtoNeighbourwasbornin1986whena

groupofconcernedindividuals,mainlyfromlocalchurches,gottogethertorespondtopovertyonthemountain.Citizenswantedtodeveloponeplaceforfamiliestogotomeettheirneeds.Therstinitiativewasafoodbank,andnowithasgrowntoarangeofprogramsandservicesthatenhancethequalityoflifeandself-suciency. NeighbourtoNeighboursservicesincludeEmergencyServices,aChristmasHamperProgram,autilitysubsidyfortheworkingpoor,BabyStarterKitProgramformothers-to-be,EmploymentServices,aResourceCounselingProgram,CoatsforKidsandtheCommunityHealthBus.Theyalsohaveausedbookstoreandacommunitygardeninpartnershipwithaneighbouringchurch,ImmanuelChristianReformChurch.Eachoftheirservicesservesa

diversepopulationincludingtheworkingpoor,residentslivingonODSP,andmanynewcomersandfamilies.NeighbourtoNeighboursgoalistobealeaderinpovertyreductionontheHamiltonMountain,tobuildthecommunityproperlyanddothingsstrategically.Theyhopetoprovidethespacewheredierentagenciescanbetheretoserveresidentsonthemountain,andtocatchpeoplebeforetheygettotheemergencypoint.

Mission Services

MissionServicesisaChristian,non-protsocialserviceorganizationservingmen,womenandchildreninthegreaterHamiltonarea.Theybegan52yearsagoasamensshelter.Now,theyhaveabroadrangeofservicesandprogramsthatrespondtobasicneedsandpromotepeoplereachingtheirpotential.MissionServicesfacilitieswanttobecentresofhope,puingpeopleonanewpath,tosupportthemselvesandbreakthecycleofpoverty. Theybeganservingwomenfeeingviolence,andnowInasmuchHouseisoneofthecityswomensshelters.TheyhaveChild&FamilyServiceswithchildrensprograms,counseling,recreationandeducation,aswellasbreakfastprograms.AddictionservicesincludeDiscoveryHouse,apre-treatmentcentrehelpingclientsstayinresidentialprograms,andSuntracwhichisanout-patientprogram.Theyhavetransitionalhousingformenandpartnershipswithlandlordssothattenantsareabletomaintaintheirhousing.Mission

Servicesalsoprovidesvariousemploymentandtrainingservicesforpeoplewithbarrierstoemployment,aswellasaTrusteeshipprogramforindividualswhoallowMissionServicestohelpthemwithnancialmanagement.TheirCommunityServicesdepartmentisworkingwiththeEmergencyFoodprogramforpeoplelivingonlessthan$300permonth,providingfoodboxesandclothing. FutureprojectsincludendingtheneedsontheHamiltonMountain,whichislackingsupportandservices.AllofMissionServicesprogramsfocusonthewellnessofthewholeperson:mind,bodyandspirit.


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Good Shepherd Centres

GoodShepherdisoneofthelargestsocialserviceprovidersinHamilton,thatoriginallyopenedaMensCentrein1961andexpandedfromthere.TheirmandateisEnergizedbyFaithinPeopleNeverStopLoving.Theystrivetoenhancethequalityoflifeforallwhoseekassistanceandsupport,andrespondtothoseinneedbybeingavailable,exible,hospitableandbytreatingpeoplewithdignity.Theyhopetohelppeopleincrisisreestablishahealthy

andproductivelifeinthecommunity. GoodShepherdCentresincludetheMarthaHouseforwomenfeelingdomesticviolence,andMarysPlaceforsinglewomenwhomightbecopingwithhomelessness,abuse,ormentalillness.TheSomervilleCentreislong-termsupportivehousingforwomen.GoodShepherdalsohastheBarretCentre,ashort-termemergencyresidenceforindividualswithmentalhealthcrises,EmmanuelHousePalliativeCare,andafoodbankandwarehouse.GoodShepherdalsohasanon-protHomesProgram,whichis24hoursupportedlivingforpeoplewithmentalhealthissues,andhasbeenasuccessfulalternativemodelforsupportivehousingthatisnotinstitutionalorhighlyregulated.Therearealsovariousyouthservices(seesectiononYouth-ServingOrganizations).

TheGoodShepherdFamilyCentreistheonlyoneinHamilton,andthecorebeliefisthateveryfamilyshouldmaintainautonomyregardlessoftheircircumstances.Itprovidescrisisaccommodationwithindependentunits.Familiesarebeingoeredarespectfulenvironment,andattheFamilyCentrethereareothersupportstohelpfamiliesmakethetransitiontondhousingthatissustainable,safe,andmeetstheirneeds.GoodShepherdstahaveasenseofmissionbeyondjustbeingasocialserviceorganization:ifclientscome,staareexpectedtomeettheirneedsandndouthowtohelpthem.Itisimportantthatstahaveanunderstandingofsocialjusticeissues,beingactiveinadvocacy,raisingawarenessandconnectingwiththepeople.

Community/Resource Centers

Hamilton Association for Recreational and Redevelopment Programs(HARRP)

HARRPwasformedin2006,witha2-prongedmandate:toimprovehousingforpeopleintheNorthEnd,andalsogivingpeopleanopportunitytodevelopwhotheyarethroughrecreationofallsortsincludingarts,sports,andeducation.ItishousedinChristChurchCathedral,whichislocatedonJamesStreetNorth,intheBeasleyneighbourhood,andhasbeeninvolvedwithcommunityoutreachforaround30years.Beasleyisunder-resourcedintermsofrecreational

opportunities,andChristChurchwantedtobeapartofimprovingthoseopportunities. ThecreationofHARRPitselfisanexcellentexampleofcollaboration.Originally,ChristChurchwantedtocreatearecreationalspacewithhousing,sports,classrooms,andacommunityhub,butnanciallyitisdiculttocreatearecreationalspaceforapopulationthatcannotaordit.Theyrealizedthatitwasbeertouseexistingspace,andSt.MarysSchoolonMacNabisonethatisunderutilizedaer3:30andonweekends.So,agroupgottogethertocreateHARRPwhichincludedresidentsandorganizationsalreadyinthecommunitywhohavetherightmindsetandcouldbringideasandresourcestothetable(YMCA,Wesley,SISO,CityofHamilton).Residentssaywhattheywantinthecommunity,andHARRPrentsthe

Thegreatestvaluewecanserveisbuildingcommunity:academicallyandinpractice,thereisaneedforcommunity.Weneedtohavecommunity-specicsocialservicesthatareallinterconnectedandthataddressthedierentneeds.

Hope:Createneighbourhoodswherepeoplefeelsafe,included,wheretheycanplayoutsideandwalkatnightwherekidscan

dreamandnotfeelrestricted.


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space,makingsureitisstaed,cleanandsafe,trustingthosewiththeexpertisetoruntheprograms.Neighbourhoodresidentsareengagedandpartnershipsarehappeningwithbusinesses,socialservices,aswellasartsandrecreationprograms. Intermsofaddressingpoverty,HARRPisasmallorganizationthatisnottryingtodoeverything,butrecognizesthateveryoneaparttoplay.Theydowhattheydoinloveandgenerosity,andpeopleusingthecentrehaveastrongsenseofownership.ThereisanotherHARRPcentreinMcQuesten,andhopefullythesecanbepilot

initiativesthatleadtodoingsimilarthingsinothercommunities,fortheirspecicneeds.

Welcome Inn

WelcomeInnisacommunitycentrethatiscommiedtofosteringcommunityresiliencethrougheducationandrelationship.Itbegan42yearsagoasadrop-instorefrontmissiononJamesStreet,whentheHamiltonMennoniteChurchinWestdalesawtheNorthEndasanisolatedareaandwantedtoprovideacaringpresenceforresidents.Theoriginalvisionwastohaveaplacewherepeoplearecaredforunconditionally,whichhasnotchanged.Thevoluntaryservicecomponentcameinwhentheyoutgrewthespaceandmoved

tothecurrentlocationonWoodStreet.Programsdeveloped,andtheWelcomeInnchurchalsogrewfromthecentre.Therearenoboundariesintermsofthepopulationtheyserve,andwelcomeanyoneinthecity. WelcomeInnoersavarietyofprograms.Forchildrenandyouth,theyoertheLearningandFun(LAF)aer-schoolprogramwithkidsfromtwolocalelementaryschools,aswellasanArtProgramforyouth.ThereisaSeniorsProgram,withadinnercluband1-on-1visitswherepeoplecanndaplacetocometogether.TheyhavethePLANbusinessprogram,andamatchingfundsassetprogramwherecommunitymemberscreatemicro-enterprisebusinesses.Thisprogramhelpsthemsaveupfordierentthings,andWelcomeInnmatchesordoubleswhattheysave.TheyalsohaveaFoodBankthatisopen3daysaweek,andmostofthefoodbankconsumersarealsovolunteers. WelcomeInnhasanequippingrolethroughprogramsandresources,butthisdoesnotcomewithouttherelationships:botharestrategicpiecestoworkatpovertyreduction.Beyondalackofbasicneeds,thereisapovertyoflonelinessandexclusioninthecommunity,andenergycomesoutofrelationshipthatempowerspeopletomakegood,healthydecisions.Eva Rothwell Resource Centre

TheEvaRothwellResourceCentreisanon-protorganization

commiedtoprovidingaplaceofrecreation,communityandsupportforresidentsintheKeithNeighbourhood.ItsmissionistoprovidesafeandcapablefacilitiesforServiceProviderstooerprogramsthatwillmeettheneedsofthecommunityatminimalornocost.Threeyearsago,therewasanannouncementthatRobertLandschool,locatedonWentworthStreetNorth,wasgoingtoclose.ResidentsexpressedtheneedforaresourcecentreandtheSchoolBoardworkedwiththeRobertLandCommunityAssociationtomaintainthespace.Theybeganleasingthespacefromtheschool,andtheEvaRothwellCentrewasborninOctober2006,whentheRobertLandCommunityAssociationpurchasedtheschoolaertwoyearsoffundraising. TheEvaRothwellResourceCentrenowprovidesavarietyoffreeservicesandprograms,andresidentsaretrulyengaging

Weneedaplacewherepeoplehaveasenseoftheirownvalueandself-esteemsometimeswefeeleverythingwillbeokifwechangetherules.


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andtakingownershipintheircommunity.Thereareeducationalprogramssuchastutoringandaer-schoolhomeworkclubs,self-help,breakfastprograms,andmanyprogramsandeventsforrecreationandsocialinteraction.Thereisalsoaclothingbank,libraryandfurnituredepot,andaFoodPantry.Residentscancomeandgettheservicestheyneedwithoutlosingtheirdignity.Anupcomingprojectisrezoningofsomeoftheschoolproperty,whereHabitatforHumanitywillbuildaordablehousinggearedtocost25%ofresidentsincome.Service-providersandvolunteerscomeon-site,andthecentregoesfar

beyondbeingaband-aidsolutiontoissuesintheneighbourhood.Communitymemberswereinvolvedinitscreationfromthebeginning,andtheyarebothusingtheservicesandbecomingleadersthemselves.

Childrens Organizations

Best Start Network

TheBestStartNetworkwasbornin2005,outofaprovinciallymandatedinitiative,tocreateamulti-sectorbodyinthecommunityandevaluatethegovernmentsBestStartInitiativeforearlychildhoodprogramsandresources.Itismadeupof35peoplerepresenting

dierentsectorsandareasofexpertiseincludingtheuniversity,schoolsparentsandthepolice,tobeaplanningnetworktoensureeveryonehasasuccessfulstarttoschoolsotheyarereadytolearnandbeonparwiththeirpeers.Thefocusischildrenage0-6.BestStartdependsoncollaboration,andholdsthebeliefthatearlychildhooddevelopmentmustbecommunity-wide,withdiversevoicescomingtothetable,bringingtheirexpertiseandsupportingandchallengingeachother. BestStartsnewfocusisonneighbourhood-levelprogramsforchildrenandfamilies,tousetheneighbourhoodshasabaseandhavepeoplewhoareconnectedandknowledgeableaboutthecommunityprovidingsupportsinanaccessible,friendlyenvironment.Recently,WesleyUrbanMinistriesopenedupacentrenearOrioleCrescent,whichisaneighbourhoodintheEastEndwithmanybarriersandmanyresidentsbelowthelow-incomecuto.Wesleybuiltaspace,usingtheirpropertyexpertise,butotherwisetheresidentshaveasayinwhatgoeson,astheywantittobetheirplace.

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)

CAPChasexistedsince1993,andbeganfromathree-yearpilotprojectofthenationalChildDevelopmentInitiative.Communityorganizationsacrosstheprovincecollaboratedlocallytoproposeanddesigntheprograms.CAPCinHamiltonismanagedbytheSPRC,andtheypromotethehealthandwell-beingofchildrenage0-6who

areatriskduetovariousfactorssuchaspoverty,unhealthylivingorneglectandabuse.CAPCsmissionistoworkwithpeopleinthecommunitytoimprovetheirlives,andwilldowhatevertheyhavetodotogettothatpoint.CAPCsoceislocatedattheRiverdaleCommunityCentre,andtheprogramsprovideanopportunityforresidentsofEastHamiltonandStoneyCreektoactivelyparticipateintheircommunities,whichisfundamentaltoimprovingchildhealthandreducingafamilysbarrierstoprovidefortheirchildren. CAPCprovidessupportto7programsthatrunaccordingtotheirmandate: ParentsHelpingParentsisafamilyhomevisitorprogram,withsatellitelocationsandparticipantsofvariousethno-culturalbackgrounds.

Peoplearesothankfulforthe

simplestthinggratitudekeepsmegoing.Therearelovelypeopleinthiscommunity.


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CATCH(CommunityAccesstoChildHealth)isaCommunityResourceCentrethathasjustbeenapprovedasacommunityhubbytheHamiltonCommunityFoundation,asadevelopmentprogramtoworkwithresidentsandimprovechildhealth.STAR(SkillsThroughActivitiesandRecreation)providesskillsdevelopmentforkidsage5-15andintegratestheirskillstootherprogramsinotherneighbourhoodsandorganizations.CAPCsfundingallowsthemtooertheirprogramsto5and6yearolds.Babys Best Startisapre-natalweeklyprogramwithafocuson

nutritionandhealth,whereyoungmotherscanmeettogether,preparefood,andaccesscommunityservices.CAPCssupportallowsmothersstayinvolvedwiththeprogramuntiltheirbabyis1yearold.HamiltonPublic LibraryhassupportfromCAPCtohiresummerstudentstogotoneighbourhoodlocations,runningliteracyprogramsforchildrenandfamiliessuchastheSummerReadingClub.Todays Family isfocusedonchildcareoperations.Theyndpeoplewhowanttoopendaycaresintheirhomeandhelpgetthemup-andrunning.Finally,thereisalsoaHome Management Workerprogram. CAPChasanimportantroleassupportfortheseprogramsandasalsoaspresenceintheRiverdalecommunity,whichisaneedycommunitywiththelargestimmigrantpopulationinHamilton(22.2%).84%ofresidentsliveinrentalaccommodationandthereare

manylandlord/tenantissues.Itisachallengeforresidentstoaccessservicesbecauseoflackoftransportationandconcentrationofservicesinthecore.7000peopleliveinapartmentbuildings,andmanypeopleareafraidtogooutorspeakoutbecausetheydonotwanttolosetheirshelter.ThemajorityofRiverdalefamiliesarelivingbelowtheLow-IncomeCuto,andCAPCcangivethemopportunitiesthroughtheprogrammingandtellthemwheretheycanconnectwithservices.TheRiverdaleCAPCCounciliscomposedofcommunitymembers,bringingissuesandconcernstothemeetings.ArecentreportwaspublishedbytheSPRCcalledKidsandCommunityHamilton:AParentReadinessProject,wherewomenfromthecommunitywerehiredanddesignedasurveytogetresidentinputandputtogetherareporttoempowerparentandaectchangetobenettheiryoungchildrenforboththeshortandlong-term. CAPChasaonefamilyatatimepolicy,tomakeanindividualimpactandmoveontothenext,andpartnerwherevertheycantobringintheexpertsandtakeadvantageofwhatpeoplearealreadydoing.

City Kidz

CityKidzisanon-protChristianorganizationinHamiltonthatiscommiedtomakingalong-termpositiveinuencetochildreninthecommunity,totransformtheirlivesintooneofpurposeandmotivation.Theirmandatehasthreeaspects:Impact,Instilland

Inspire.Theyhopetoimpactthecourseofachildawayfromadestructivepathandfacilitatepositiveexperiences.TheyalsoinstillChristian-basedvalues,whichatthecorearerespectforauthority,doingwhatisrightandtreatingothersasyouwouldwanttobetreated.TheInspirepieceisthehopefactor,whereCityKidzcanhelpchildrenbuildupresiliencetochoosepositivethingsfortheirlives. CityKidzworkswithacorepopulationofkidsage3-16andstaywiththemthroughouttheirchildhood.Atage16,youtharepairedwithothervolunteeragencies.TheirinitiativesincludehomevisitsandSaturdayprogramming.CityKidzstavisitaendeesoftheSaturdayprogrameveryweektocheckinandletthemknowwhatishappeningthatweek.TheSaturdayprogramiswheretheyinstillvalues,andeachweektheybusinover500childrenfora90-minute


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Disneystyleprogram,withanemphasisonhavingfunbutmostimportantlyforeverychildtoknowtheyareloved.Otherinitiativesaresecondary,suchasBikes4KidsandChristmasCompassion.PovertyisnotthemotivationofCityKidz,buttheyrecognizethatHamiltonasaneedandultimatelypovertyconnectswithachildswell-being.Theyareopentocommunitypartnershipsandtrytokeepuptodatewithwhatishappeningintermsofpovertyreductioneorts.CityKidzsupportsothergroupsthatwanttoachievesomethingforthebeerofthecommunity.

Youth-Serving Organizations

CFS

YEAH

WUM

Street Youth Planning Collaborative The Collaborators

The Living Rock

TheLivingRockwasbornasastorefrontonKingStreetwithaplatformtoworkwithstreet-involvedyouth,andovertimeithasevolvedintoitscurrentformonWilsonstreet,asanon-protChristianoutreachfocusedonbuildingbridgestocommunityforyouthatrisk.TheLivingRockhopestohelpstreet-involvedyouthintegrateintothecommunitythroughvarioussupports,sothattheycanrecognizewhattheybringtothetable.TheRockprovidesasafe


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placeforyouthtocomeastheyareandfeelasenseofbelonging.Theyserveyouthfromage13to26,andaddressingpovertythroughaddressingtheyyouthsneedsisamajorpartofwhattheydo. ManyoftheRocksprogramshelpsupportthebasicneedsofyouth.TheyhaveBreakfastandDinnerProgramsthatprovidehealthy,hotmeals,whichisoentherstconnectionyouthmaketotherestofwhattheRockhastooer.ThereisalsoaFoodandClothingbank,recreationalprograms,employmentandleadershiptraining,Housingsupport,addictionssupport,programsforyoung

parentsandparents-to-be,aswellasengagementthroughthearts.Withtheireveningandweekendprograms,theyprovideapositivealternativeforyouthwithvarioushigh-energyactivitiessotheycanchanneltheirinterestsinapositiveway.AtthecoreoftheLivingRockishelpingyouthndasenseofcommunitythatgoesmuchbeyondprovidingforbasicneeds.Partneringorganizationsalsocomeon-sitetoprovideservices:theAdultBasicEducationAssociation,adrugaddictionsworkerfromAlternativesforYouth,ahealthworkerfromNotreDameandaprenatalnursefromSt.Manor.Havingpartnerscomeon-siteworkswell,andhelpsreducethefearandbarriersyouthwouldhavendingtheservicesontheirown.

Good Shepherd Youth Services

GoodShepherdYouthServicesarecommiedtobuildingcommunityandoeringhopebyhelpingyouthgetothestreetsandbackontrackwithavarietyofprogramsandservicesrangingfromemergencyfoodandshelter,tocounseling,toskillstrainingandeducation.Theyrecognizehowresilientyouthare,andbelievethatnoyouthshouldstandalone. TheBrennanHouseopenedintheearly1990sfollowingacommunityneedsassessmentthatdemonstratedthattherewasnowhereforstreet-involvedyouthtogo.Itprovidestransitionalhousingforyouthage16-20thataremovingoutofhomelessnesstoindependence.In1998,theyrecognizedtheneedforashelterandopenedtheNotreDameHouse,whichisa24-houremergencyshelterforhomelessandstreet-involvedyouth.Itisalsoamulti-disciplinaryservicecentreprovidingmeals,outreach,laundry,phone,healthcare,addictionscounselor,ahomelessnesspreventionworker,andcontinuingeducation,oeredincollaborationwithotheryouth-servingagencies. BrennanHouseACTS(Aer-careTransitionalSupportiveHousing)recentlyopenedthisyearforgraduatesoftheBrennanHouse,whocanliveindependentlybutstillhavestasupportforindividualneeds.Thereisalsoacommunitykitchenwhereyouthcanmakemealstogether.ThemostrecentadditionisAngelasPlace,whichrecentlyopenedaeralongprocesstondsupportforyoungmotherstoliveindependently.TheSheltersonlyhavetheresources

tokeepgirlsuntiltheirbabiesare3monthsold.AngelasPlaceisnowopenforteensupto21,incollaborationwithSt.MartinsManorfromCFSandGraceHavenfromtheSalvationArmy.Itisastrength-basedprogramwithparentingsupport,programmingsuchasnutrition,budgeting,EarlyYears,acommunitygardenandcommunitykitchens.

Catholic Family Servicesarealsopartofthecollaborative,andtheycoordinateSt.MartinsManor,whichisashelterforpregnantteensandteenmothers.Wesley Urban MinistriescoordinatestheYouthOutreachWorkersHamiltonandhasseveralservicesforyouth,includingWesleyYouthHousingandateendrop-in.Alternatives for Youthwasnotaparticipantinthisproject,butisakey


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[Poverty]isasocialissuethatyouthwanttoanddomobilizearoundtodevelopandimplement

innovative,localsolutionsforitsprevention.

youth-servingorganizationthatprovidedrugandalcoholrelatedservicestoyouthandtheirfamilies.Theyoerasafeenvironmentandtryworkwithyouthtomeettheirspecicneeds.Health Initiatives for Youthisanon-protorganizationthatprovidessexualandreproductivehealthservicesforyouthandyoungadultswhoresideinHamilton,alongwithhelpingyouthaccessprogramswhichpromotehealthyrelationshipsandselfesteem.

Youth Engagement Action Hamilton (YEAH)

YEAHisacity-widecollaborativethatseekstoguideandimproveyouthengagementinHamilton.YEAHconnectsindividualyouthandgroupsofyoungpeopletoeachotherandtoopportunitiesforcommunityinvolvementthatareyouthledandyouth-directed.ItociallybeganinSeptember2007,aeraperiodofconsultationsandapproachingfunders.TheYMCAworkedwiththeSPRCtogetthingsgoing,andtheinitiativewassupportedbytheyouthandcommunityleaders.YEAHsmissionisforHamiltontorecognize,inspireandengageyouthincreatingacaring,connectedcommunity.Forgrassrootsinvolvement,YEAHfocusesonyouthage13-18years,withyouthage19-25inleadershipormentorroles. Inthe2006consultations,youthidentiedpovertyasthe

numberoneissuetheyfeltaneedtoaddress.YEAHreceivesfundingfromtheHamiltonCommunityFoundationandCanadianHeritagefoundation.TheyhavecreatedaYouthEngagement101packageforpeoplewhoworkwithyouthandwanttolearnaboutwhatengagementreallyisitisnotaboutconsulting,butratheritisaboutgeingtheminvolvedimmediatelyinameaningfulway,wherewhattheydoisyouth-directedandmotivated.Thispastyear,YEAHgaveout$5000inYouthCatalystFunds,grantsforyouthtocarry-outprojectswhichtheyhavecarriedoutfocusingontheissueofpovertyinvariousneighbourhoods. SomeupcomingprojectsforYEAHaretheYouthPhotovoiceProject,facilitatedwiththeSPRCandtheCommunityCentreforMediaArts,theYouthArtsNetwork,andanAnti-Violenceproject.YEAHalsohasfundingtohaveyouthengagementin3neighbourhoodswithpovertyreductionasthefocus.YEAHhelpsllinsomeoftheinformationgapsthatexistaroundbestpracticesforyouthengagementinHamilton,andhelpsagencies,organizationsandgroupstondconcretewaystoengageyouthandrecognizethattheyareanimportantvoiceinthecommunity.

Community Health Centres

CommunityHealthCentresarefundedbytheprovincialgovernment.Eachisindependentandcommunity-based,governedbyacommunity-ledBoardofDirectors.Themodelofcarein

communityhealthcentresislookingathealthbeyondjusttheabsenceofdisease,butaourishingofholistichealth.Therefore,theroleofthehealthcentresistorespondtoindividualstoimprovetheiroverallwell-beingphysical,mentalandsocial-asitrelatestohousing,employment,socialnetworks,environment,accesstofoodandsocialservices,etc.Inthemap,itisevidentthatthecommunityhealthcentershavemanyconnectionstheyarenotonlywell-connectedbyquantity,butbytheirscope,whichspansfromthesocialservices,tocommunityorganizations,toadvocacygroups.TheyengagetheirowncommunitiesaswellasthebroaderHamiltoncommunity,andbyimprovingthehealthofpeopleandcommunitiestheyareinevitablyreducingpovertyaswell.Itmaybevaluabletolookatcommunityhealthasawaytomoveforwardandconsidertheinterrelatedfactors


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TohaveacommunitywhereallarecaredforandhaveanadequatestandardoflivingmeanssuccessforHamiltonandthehealthcenters

thatimpactthewell-beingofourcitizensandcities.

The North Hamilton Community Health CentrereachestheNorth-Centralpartofthecity,andopenedtheirdoorsin.Theirmandateistoprovideexcellent,client-focusedprimarycareandoutreachservicestothecommunity,andtodevelopacareplanthatrespondstobroaddeterminantsofhealth.Alloftheirprogramsrespondtooneormoreofthedeterminants.Forexample,theyruncommunitykitchenswhichaddressfoodsecurity,andadiabetesprogramthatsupports

whereanindividualisatintheirlifecircumstances.Theyarealwayslookingforwaystobuildcommunitycapacitytoaddresspeoplesneeds. AnincredibleexampleofcollaborationistheNHCHCsOrganicCommunityGarden.Justover10yearsago,thegardendevelopedoutofafocusgroupwherecommunitymemberswerelookingattheirneedsregardingfoodsecurity.IncollaborationwiththeCity,localbusinessandresidentstheydevelopedtherstgardenproject.TheCitydonatedland,businesseshelpedwithseedsandsoiltesting,andaresidentlentthegardenerstheirhosewhenwateringtheplantswasaroadblock.Eachpiecewasessential.Now,theNHCHChas4gardensandover130plots. NHCHCalsohasapartnershipwithSt.JosephsHospital,

providingmentalhealthservicestorefugees.Asanewcomer,itisdiculttoaccessservicesandthehospitalapproachedNorthHamiltonseekingpsychiatriccareandcounselingforrefugees.TheypartneredwithSISOtolookattheircapacityregardingculturalinterpretation,andnowclientsarereceivingcarethatotherwisetheywouldnothaveaccessed.

The Urban Core Community Health Centrereachesthepopulationinthecoreofthecityandisinitseleventhyearofoperation.UrbanCoreiscommiedtoprovidingthecommunitywithprimarycare,educationandadvocacytoimprovetheirwell-being.AworkinggroupfortheInnerCityHealthStrategyconcludedthatpovertyisthesinglebiggesthealththreatweface,andsoUrbanCorehasavitalroletoplayintermsofhelpingpeoplewhofacemanybarrierstoahealthylife. UrbanCoresapproachisclient-centeredandmultidisciplinary,anditincludesculturalinterpretation,counseling,communitydevelopment,advocacy,outreach,education,healthpromotion,administrationandprimaryhealthcare.Programsandservicesincludedrop-ins,communitygrouptrainingsessions,AngerManagement,supportprograms,cookingclassesandmuchmore.OverthepasttwoyearstheyhavebeentryingtodevelopanInnerCityHealthStrategywheredierentcommunitiescanhavetheirneedsmetatthepolicylevels.SimonFraserUniversityinBCandQueensUniversityaresupportingtheStrategythroughresearch,as

wellastheColourofPovertycampaignandtheRoundtable.TheyhavealsorecentlystartedaHIPHOPprogram(HealthInterventionforthePreventionofHomelessnessfortheOlderPerson),inpartnershipwithSt.MahewsHouseandVictoriaOrderofNursestoreachouttoolder,isolatedadultswhohavebarrierstoprimaryhealthcareandarelivinginpoverty. Theybelievethatpeace,shelter,food,income,astableeco-system,sustainableresources,socialjusticeandequityarefundamentalconditionstothehealthandwell-beingofindividualsandcommunities.Andso,sincepovertyspanssomanyaspectsofhumanlife,thecommunityhealthcentresareafundamentalpieceofwhatishappeninginHamilton.Theyarenotpushinganyagendaotherthanempoweringandcaringforcitizensandpromoting


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personalandcommunityhealth.

TherearealsotheFrancophoneCommunityHealthCentreandtheAboriginalHealthCentre,whowerenotparticipantsintheprojectbutareincludedinthemapascommunitypartners.

Grassroots and Advocacy Groups

Campaign for Adequate Welfare Disability Benets (CAWDB)

TheCAWDBwasociallyestablishedinMarch2003,aeraPublicForumonpovertywasheldattheHamiltonPublicLibrary.TheforumspurredaSocialJusticePolicyGroupandtheOperationsAdvisoryCommieethroughtheCity,andvariousactivistsandindividualscametogethertoformtheCampaign.TheCAWDBsmandateistoeducatethepublicthroughactivismtounderstandtheneedsofpeopleonsocialassistance,andtobearesponsiblegrouppromotingsocialjusticeandstructuralchange. TheCampaignhasbeenpoliticallyactive,holdingfourpublicforums,makingpresentationstoCityHallandtheRoundtable,andhavealsobeeninvolvedintherecentlyformedHamiltonWorkingGroupfortheOntarioPovertyReductionStrategy.Theyare

Itseasytomakepovertyauniversitytopicinteractingatthegrassrootsleveliswhatkeepsitreal,andhowyouknowwhatpeopleneed.


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Involvepeoplefromthegroundrightfromthestart.

Itsnotournetworththatmaers;itswhoweareaspeople.

Hope: For Hamilton tocollectivelydevelopanage-friendlycitywhereseniorsfeelrespectanddontfeelabused.

Hope:Thatgrassrootsgroupsarerecognizedaspartofthewholeprocess,andtobepartofarealnetwork.

commiedtoprovidingthevoiceofpeoplewhoareactuallylivinginpoverty,promotingpolicychangefromtheground.Atapracticallevel,theyhaveformedacommunitygardenattheJamesvilleCommunityCentreandprovideself-helpandsupportforindividualslivinginlow-income. AcurrentprojectforwhichtheyhavejustrequestedfundingisaPeertoPeerSupporttrainingprogram,wherepeoplewillhaveanopportunitytolearnabouttheirrightsandreceivesupportintermsofsocialassistancepapersandpolicies.TheCAWDBprovides

anopenseingtotalkamongpeoplewithacommongoalandsharedexperiences,andtheymeetbiweeklyattheFirstPilgrimUnitedChurch.Theyhavebecomeaneective,cohesivevoicewithmembershipandinvolvementinmanyareasthatoverlapswithissuessuchasfoodsecurityandaordablehousing.

Hamilton Council on Aging

TheHamiltonCouncilonAgingisasenior-drivennon-prot,voluntaryorganizationdedicatedtoenhancingthequalityoflifeofallseniorsinHamilton.Theyhopetoeducatethecommunityregardingagingandprovideseniorswithincreasedaccesstosupportservicesandnancialbenets.Theycouncilociallyformedtwoyearsago,

andworksoutofSt.PetersHealthCare.TheCouncilonAginghasanimportantroleregardingpovertyreduction,mainlytoreduceexclusionandisolation.Manyseniorsareisolated,andneedtobeengaged,andaredisproportionatelylivingbelowthelow-incomecut-o. TheCouncilonAginghasvariousprojectsatthemoment.SeniorsHelpingSeniorstoAccessFinancialEntitlementswillincreasethenumberofqualifyingseniorsinHamiltonandimprovetheiraccesstoabroadrangeofbenets.Theyaretakinganeighbourhood-basedapproach,workingwithcommunitygroupsandagenciestolocatelow-incomeseniors. ImprovingAccesstoHealth&CommunitySupportServicesforSeniorsfromDiverseCommunitysistoeliminatebarrierstoaccessinghealthandcommunitysupport,forseniorsfromdiverseethno-culturalcommunities.Seniorsaretrainedtoprovideoutreachtotheirowncommunities,andtoeducateagenciesandserviceprovidersabouthowtomakethemselvesaccessibleandinclusive.AnEnhancingCulturalCompetencetoolkitwasdeveloped. TheSeniorsinPovertyworkinggroup,supportedbytheSPRC,hasanadvocacyroleandisdevelopingaResourceToolkitandstrategiestocontactpoliticiansregardingseniorslivinginpoverty.TheCouncilonAginghasabroadrangeofpartneringorganizations,anditconnectsseveralorganizationssuchasSISO,HCCIandsocialservicesintothegrassroots/advocacyweb.

Temp Worker Right Group TheTempWorkerRightGroupisagrassrootsadvocacygroupthatociallyformedin2008toprovideavoiceforaneglectedgroupofworkers,andtoprovideaspaceforthemtogettogetheranddiscusstheissuesatagrassrootslevel.AccordingtotheWorkersActionCentreinToronto,30%ofjobsaretemporary,contract,orpart-timeandtemporaryagencyworkersmake40%lessthanpermanentworkerswithnoholidaypayorbenets.Tempworkersarenotprotectedinlabourlaws,andthereisaneedtocollaborateandmakethelabourunionsandthegovernmentawareoftheneedforchange. Thegroupbeganbecauseofthereal-lifeexperiencesofalocaltempworker,whoneededtoactandbringforththeneedsof


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TempWorkers.TherehavebeenmanysuccessesincludingmeetingwiththeHamiltonDistrictLabourCouncilandspeakinginfrontoftheRoundtableandothergroups.Theycanbethemuch-neededmessengertothosewhocanenactpolicychange.

Living Wage Coalition

TheLivingWageCoalitionbeganwithasmallgroupofcitizensinterestedinthetopicofaLivingWage.Theyjoinedwitharelated

teamfromMcMasterandhadtheociallaunchinMay2007.TheLivingWageCoalitionsultimategoalistogetalivingwageintheHamiltoncommunity,whichisandtoraiseawarenessandworkwithothergroupssopeopleunderstandthatalivingwageisneededandpossible.Theworkingpoorareagroupwhoseexperiencesdemonstratetheneedtopushforchange.Increasingtheminimumwageisarealistic,concretegoalthatwillactuallydecreasepoverty. Theyhaveasteeringcommieeoffourandacoregroupof8-10people.Rightnow,theirfocusisapresentationtoraiseawarenessofwhatalivingwageis,andhowitaectsthepovertyrate.Theyarewillingtopresenttowhoeverisavailable,includingnonprotorganizationsandcorporations,withtheultimategoalthatCityCouncilwilladoptabylawonalivingwage.

Disability Action Networking Group (DANG)

DANGexiststoimprovethequalityoflifeforpeoplewithdisabilities.Itbeganwithagroupof18peoplewhosharedstoriesregardinghousingandshelterissues,andtheycametogethertodoafeasibilitystudy.WiththeHousingHelpCentreandtheSPRCtheycoordinatedtocreateandevidence-basedstudytoputforthaHousingVisionforpeoplewithdisabilities.Theprojectbeganin2003withhelpfromtheCityofHamiltonandOccupationalTherapystudentsfromMcMaster,toanswerthequestionofhowtohousepeoplewithdisabilities.TheycreatedanAdvisoryCommieeofstakeholdersacrosstheprivate,non-prot,andpublicsectorsanddidacommunityassessment. DANGhasalsoworkedonhelpingpeoplemovefromOntarioWorkstotheOntarioDisabilitySupportProgram,workingwiththeLegalClinics,theMarchofDimesandindividualsneedingtheassistance.Thisisongoing,andDANGhasmadepresentationstoCityCouncilandEnvironmentHamilton,andhascommunicatedthroughspeeches,pamphletsandwordofmouth.Forpeoplewithdisabilitieslivinginpoverty,itishardtoknowwheretheservicesandaccessthem,soDANGclaimthemselvesaspeersupport,toarticulatetheissuesandcollaboratewithothers.

Hamilton Health Providers Against Poverty (HHPAP)

HHPAPwasborninHamiltonin2006,aeragroupofpractitionersrealizedhowpovertyisoneofthebiggestdeterminantsofhealth,andtheneedtocombinemedicinewithsocialactivism.AsimilargroupinTorontohadbeenorganizingSpecialDietClinics,wheredoctorssignospecialdietassistanceformsforpatientsthatotherwisewouldnothaveaccesstoaphysicianortothemoney.Theirmainmandateisaddressingthesocialdeterminantsofhealththroughnetworking,educationanddirectaction. Networkingbeganbyndingoutwhowasinthecitydoingsimilartypesofwork.Theeducationpiecehastodowithhealthprovidersandaddressingthedisconnectthathappensbetweenthetrainingandthepeopleyoumeet.Itisachallengetoservepatients

Hope:Tohaveacohesiveidentitythatrepresentsthedisabilitycommunityandbringtogetherdisabilityrecipients,agencies,andfamiliestogetheronadailybasis.

Hope:Thatwecanbepartofincreasingawarenessamongstphysicians,becausepovertyissuchahugefactorofhealthandchangingthemindsetcanchangehowwepractise.


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Hope:Itwouldbegoodifwecoulddropthepartisanagendaandlookattheissues.

holisticallywiththemedicalmodel.HHPAPhopetoshowphysiciansthatpovertysimpactonhealthisevidence-based.ThedirectactionpieceiswhatmakesHHPAPdistinct,becauseasprofessionalstheyarenothigh-leveloracademic,butinteractdirectlywithpeoplelivinginpoverty.TheyheldSpecialDietClinicsinHamiltonthroughout2007,andabout$1millionwasputdirectlyintothehandofpeople.HHPAPscurrentprojectisregardingaccesstoDentalCare,creatingamapofwhatservicesexistsothatnewCanadiansandpeoplewithoutbenetsknowwheretogo.

Anti-Poverty Working Group

TheAnti-PovertyWorkingGrouphasbeeninvolvedinpoverty,evolvingfromthegroupHamiltonAgainstPovertyofthe1980s.Inthelate1990s,theybecameanOPIRGMcMaster(OntarioPublicInterestResearchGroup)workinggroup.Theyhavebeeninvolvedinvariouscampaignsinthecityovertheyears,andhopetonetworkandtietheissuestogether. PasteortsincludetheBreadRun,wheremembersdeliveredbreadalloverthecity.Thisyear,theygotinvolvedwithOutoftheCold,collectingbagsforpeopletocarrytheirbelongings.TheAnti-PovertyWorkingGroupisavailabletosupportothergroupswith

similaraims,andsupportanti-wareorts,emphasizingtheneedforpeopletoseetheconnectionbetweenwarandpoverty.Theyalwayswelcomenewmembersandinitiatives.

Income Security Working Group (ISWG)

TheISWGarosealongwiththeformationoftheCAWDBaerthepovertyforumin2003.ThroughtheSPRC,thegroupinitiallyappliedfor2yearsoffundingtobuildaself-sustainingnetworkaddressinginterrelatedissuessuchasliteracy,training,incomesupportandhealth.TheISWGisstillinactionandisfocusedonorganizingandeducationaroundissuesofincomesecurity.Theyhopetobeanopenspaceforpeopletobringforwardnewideasandinitiatives.Intermsofpovertyreduction,theysetupvehiclesforcommunityeducationandkeepthemgoing,alwayscurrentwiththeissues.Theycanbeafosteringpartnerforotherinitiativestogetgoing.Theyhaveanongoingwebsite,aPovertyWatchnewsleerandspeakingeventsaroundtimelyissuessuchastheCampaign2000andtheOntarioChildBenet. TheyworkedwiththeSPRCandotherstogettheNationalChildBenetreturnedtofamiliesonsocialassistance,andwiththeHHPAPtoruntheSpecialDietClinicstwoinitiativeswhichputmoneydirectlyintopeoplespockets.InSeptember2008,theISWGishostingasessionaboutthe25in5PovertyReductionStrategyandhowsocialassistanceratesreformtsintothepicture.

Environment Hamilton

EnvironmentHamiltonisacitizensgroupthatwasincorporatedin2001asanon-protorganization,dedicatedtobeingthevoiceoftheenvironmentinHamilton.ThefoundersuedthecityforthebuildingoftheRedHillExpressway,andendedupcreatingEnvironmentHamilton.TheircentralmandateistohelppeopleinHamiltondeveloptheknowledgeandskillstheyneedtoprotectandenhancetheenvironmentaroundthem,andtohelpresidentsreceivetherighttolivinginahealthyplace.EnvironmentHamiltonmayseemoutofplaceonamapthatfocusesonpoverty,butthetwoissuescannotbeseparated.Everyonehastherighttolivinginahealthy,


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Hope:Toseeevidence-basedsocialassistancerates.

cleanenvironmentandenjoytheirownbackyard.Manypeoplelivinginpovertydonothavetheresourcesorknowledgetoaddressenvironmentalissues,andEnvironmentHamiltoncanfacilitatecitizenaction,andgetindustriestobegoodneighbours. EnvironmentHamiltonhasbeeninvolvedintheNorthEnd,wherehousingislessexpensivebecauseneighbourhoodsaresurroundedbytheindustrialsteelcompanies.OneinitiativewastheKeithNeighbourhoodProject.Thenorth-endneighbourhoodneverusedtohaveabusline,anditwasdicultformanyparentstogetout

anddogroceries.EnvironmentHamiltongottheHSRandHorizonUtilitiesonboard,andwentdoor-to-doortosurveyresidentsabouttransit.EnvironmentHamiltonand2residentspresentedtheresultsandleerstoCityHall,andthereisnowanewBuslinethatrunsthroughtheneighbourhood,whichlaunchedonJune23rd. Withtheseinitiatives,thestrategyhasbeentondoutwhattheresidentswant,ndthefunder,andworkbetweenthatdirectlyapproachingtheplayerswhocanmakethepoliticaldecisions.ThemostrecentsuccesshasbeentheHSRDaypassinitiative,where22tourist/communitydestinationsaroundthecityoerdiscountswhenafamilyhasanHSRdaypass.TheirworkintheNorthEnddemonstratesthedirectlinkbetweenenvironmentalandsocialsustainability,andhowpovertyimpactspeoplesabilitytodecide

wheretheywanttolive.

McQuesten Legal & Community Services

McQuestenLegal&CommunityServiceswasestablishedapproximately30yearssago.Thereare79LegalClinicsacrossOntario,and3inHamilton,thatstartedoutasindividualpnon-protagenciesthatsolicitedfundingfromthegovernment.EventuallytheywerebroughttogetheroftheLegalAidServicesActandreceivefundingfromLegalAidOntario.OtherlegalclinicsinHamiltonareDundurnandtheHamiltonMountainLegal&CommunityServices,andallthreeworkcloselywitheachotherandcommunitypartners.Theworkthatthelegalclinicsdoisdividedintofourareas:casework,communitydevelopment,publiclegaleducationandlawreform.Alloftheirworkislinkedtopoverty,becausetheirmandateistohelppeoplelivinginlow-incomeaccessservicestheyotherwisewouldnotbeableto.TheworkintheareasoftheTenantProtectionAct,WorkplaceSafety&InsuranceBoard,OntarioWorks,OntarioDisabilitySupportProgram,EmploymentInsurance,CanadaPensionPlanandDeborandCreditor.Theyalsoprovideeducationalseminarswithvariousgroups,includingstudents,tenantassociationsandanti-povertygroups.Servicesarefree,andthereiseligibilitycriteriatoaccesstheservices. McQuestenhasrecentlybeenworkingtodeveloplegislationtosetupanexpertpanelthatwouldreporteveryyearrecommending

evidence-basedsocialassistanceratesandmakingthereportpublic.TheyareworkingwiththeOntarioSocialAssistanceRatesBoardandhopefullythegovernmentwillpassthepolicythiswillprovidetransparencyandaccountability,withamovetowardsevidence-basedsocialpolicy.TheyarealsoworkingwiththeRoundtableandMcMasterthroughtheEconomicFinanceWorkingGroup,tohaveaneconomic/nancemodelandevidence.Thelegalclinicsarewell-connectedtothegrassrootsorganizing,housingandsocialservices,aswellasthehigh-levelplayers,anditisimportantthattheycontinuetoconnectcommunityneedstosystemicchange.


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Housing Groups

Housingisoneofthesocialdeterminantsofhealthandimpactsanindividualsabilitytoparticipateinsociety.FromCityHousingtograssrootstenantorganizing,housingisacriticalpieceinwhatisneededtoreducepovertyandbuildahealthycommunity.Sheltercostsarethelargestsinglehouseholdexpense,andthecloseronecangettohavinghousingcostashalfoftheirincome,thebeerchancesomeonehastomeettheirotherneedsandimprovetheirqualityof

life.City Housing, Homelessness Programs

HamiltonCityHousingfundsstreetoutreachinitiatives,shelters,andfundsandmaintainssocialhousingandprogramsgearedtowardsaordablehomeownership.Atthehighlevel,themandateoftheHomelessnessProgramsistoreduceandalleviatehomelessnessinHamiton/Theyalsoincreasethecapacityofstaandvolunteerstoberesilient,andsupporttheCitysstrategicplantoaddresshomelessnessinHamilton.Theirroleisnotjustaboutprovidingfunding,butalsoaboutengagingthecommunity.Theircorepopulationislong-termshelterusers,womenandchildreneeingviolence,mentalhealth

clients,theaboriginalcommunity,childrenfromtheChildrensAidSocietyandpeopleleavingthecriminaljusticesystem. HomelessnessProgramsincludethefederalHomelessnessPartnershipInitiative(HPI)money,aswellastheConsolidatedHomelessnessPreventionProgram.HPIoriginatedin1999,initiallyasa3-yearplanandhasbeenrenewedtwice.ThereisaCommunityAdvisoryBoardthatprovidesinput,acceptingandreviewingfundingproposals.HPIpaysagenciesfortheclaimsthattheysubmit,andsupportsinitiativesthatbothalleviateandpreventhomelessness.Theyfundavarietyofagenciesandprograms,includingsocialserviceagencies,aboriginalservicesandtenantadvocacygroupssuchasSHACandtheHousingHelpCentre.Theyareconstantlyaskingthemselveswhoelseshouldbeatthetable,andhopetocontinuetoactasaleadertoaddresshomelessnessinHamilton,tryingtoexpandandmaintaintheirreach.Housing Help Centre

TheHousingHelpCentreisacriticalpartofthehousingnetworkinthecity,withtenantadvocacyatitscoreandprovidingmanyotherrelatedservicesandsupports.Itbeganin1989,withanadvocacyroletokeeptenantshoused,whichevolvedtoallsortsofprograms,collaborativesandinitiativestoprovidesupportstothebroadercommunity.TheHHCprovidesongoingsupporttoindividualswherevertheyaretomeettheirneeds,mainlyworking

withlow-incometenants,pre-tenantswhoarehomelessoratriskofbeinghomeless.Theirbasicethicissocialjustice,andtheyvalueacultureofgrassroots.Beyondrespondingtotheimmediateneedsoftenantstheyarealsolookingforsystemicchange:supportingtenantsitgeinghousinglawsenforcedandempoweringpeopletofeelliketheyhaveagency.Mainactivitiesincludeghtingfortenantstogettherightservice,andincomemaintenancesuchasOWappeals.Theyprovideinformationalresourcestohelppeoplendandmaintainhousing,andalsootherpracticalresourcessuchasbustickets,water,andavoicemailservice. ManyotherprogramsandgroupsareconnectedtotheHousingHelpCentre,suchastheHousingEmergencyLoanProgram(H.E.L.P),theResidentialCareFacilityTenantsCoalitionandtheRoomersand

Ourroleissimilartoquilting:weavingthedierentpeopleandpiecestogether,asthethreadthatrunsthroughthehousingcontinuum.


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BoardersCommiee.ThecoregroupattheHousingHelpCentreseesthemselvesasavoiceofrealityandreason,tryingtoremaingroundedandrelevanttorealpeoplewhodirectlyexperiencetheconsequencesofsystemicissues.EveryoneattheHousingHelpCentreispassionateaboutwhattheydoandareideallyworkingthemselvesoutofajob.Theyrecognizethattherearemanypeopletheywillneverdirectlyreach,butpushingforsystemicchangecanstillimpactthoseindividuals.

Solutions for Housing Action Commiee (SHAC)

SHACisapproximately20yearsold,andprovidedaplatformforworkaroundhousingbycontributingtoreportssuchasHamiltonsCommunityActionPlanonhomelessness.SHACreectstheissuesofpeoplefromagencies,suchasaordablehousingandmeetingspecialneedssuchasaccessibility.Theyworktoinuencepolicyandalsotodirectservicesinthecity.Currently,SHACisorganizingaTenantIssuesConferenceforthefallfortenantstodiscusslocalandprovincialissuesandcomeupwithanagendaforaction.Theyareplanningaroundhavingagradingsystemforlandlordsandplanningissuesaroundaccessibilityandhousinginneighbourhoods.SHAChastheabilitytoinuenceCitypolicy,

becausetheramicationsdonotfallononeagency.Theyprovideapoliticalvoicethatisdicultformostothergroups,andworkcloselywithothertheotherhousinggroupsandsomeofthegrassrootsagencies,involvingthemselvesinvarioushousingprojects.

Tenant Education Project

TheTenantEducationProjectbeganasaprojectofSHAC,withtheoriginalpurposeoftenanteducationinthecommunity.Thereweremanypeopledoingclient-centredwork,butlileoutreach,communitydevelopmentortenantorganizing.TheTenantEducationProjectalsorunstheTenantHelplinewhichbeganin2006,whichisaclearinghousetorefertenantstowheretheyneedtogo,suchasCitydepartments,theHousingHelpCentre,orthelegalclinics. TheTenantEducationProjecthasrecentlybeenfocusedontenantorganizingthetheRiverdaleneighbourhood,onewhichhasaveryconcentratedpopulationandmanyhigh-riserentalapartments.TheHelplinehadbeenreceivingmanycallsfromtheneigbhourhood,andaboutoneyearagotheybegantheRiverdaleCommunityActionGroup.Theyappealagainstlandlords,andalsohadalegaleducationworkshop.Now,tenantshavebeeninvolvedincommunity-basedresearch,askingneighboursaboutwhatneedstohappen.TheTenantEducationProjecthasbeenorganizingadetailedactionplanbasedontheresults. RegardingpovertyinHamilton,TEPisllingasmallgapwith

theRiverdaletenants,teachingthemhowtoenforcetheirrightsinasystemthatisstackedagainstthem.Theworkisconfrontational,andnotalotoftenantorganizingishappeninginthecity.TEPisalsoinvolvedinorganizingtheupcomingcity-widetenantconference,whichwillincludeworkshops,legaladviceandeducation.TEPworkswithgroupsthatputdierentskillsaroundthetable,whoarelookinginthesamedirection.

Aordable Housing Flagship

TheAordableHousingFlagshipbegan5yearsagoasamergingoftwosubcommiees:theCommunityAdvisoryBoardonHomelessnessandtheCivicCoalition.TheCitywaspuingtogether

Hope:Thatmorepeopleinthecitydowhatweare,andthatcommunityorganizingbecomessomeonesmainpriority.


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aSocialVision,includinghousing,andthegroupgottogethertoadvocateforandfacilitateaordablehousing,alongthehousingcontinuum.TheFlagshipismadeupofamixedgroupfromtheprivatesector,banks,developers,andmanyCitysta.Theytriedtoenvisionastrategicplanregardingaordablehousing,tolookathousingasameansforniehgbourhooddevelopment. TheFlagshipisinvolvedwiththreemainactivities.Oneisaroundadvocacyandpolicy,bymeetingwithministersatalllevelsofgovernmentandwithkeyindividualswhocanbringdierent

perspectivestothetable.Theyalsofacilitategeingpeoplehousedandrevitalizingexistinghousing.TheFlagshipisalsoworkingwiththeOrioleandMcQuestenNeighbourhoodAssociations,supportingcommunitydevelopmentandmakinghousingmoreaccessible.Therearemanyfacetsthatcometogethertodecreasepoverty,andhousingisoneofthem.Itisanecessary(butnotsucient)partofimprovingyourqualityoflife,whichgivespeopleastablebasetoparticipateintheircommunities. TheAordableHousingFlagshiphasavisionofmixedneighbourhoods,whereitispossibletolifeaordablyinanyneighbourhoodinthecity,toavoidgheoization.Theyarelookingtotacklethehousingissueoneneighbourhoodatatime,withpeoplewhoarethereandcareabouttheircommunityandmovetomake

thingsbeer.

Prideofplacehasalottodowithqualityoflife.Thisiswherethecommunitydevelopmentlensisimportanttakingownership,and

havingasafeandpleasantplacetolive.Itsnotgoodenoughjusttobehoused.


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HousingNetworkMap

Thefollowingmaprepresentsthenetowrkofhousingandaliatedgroupsinthecity.HamiltonHousing,HomelessnessProgramsareincludedinthemap,aswellasgroupswhoarelinkedtotheHousingHelpCentrewhodidnotdirectlyparticipateintheproject.TheSocialPlaningResearchCouncilandthelegalclinicsareverypresentinthehousingnetwork,anditisevidentthattheHousingHelpCentreisacoreresource,fordirectlyconnectingwithtenantsandwithadvocatingforhigh-levelsystemschange.CertaingroupssuchastheHamiltonCouncilonAging,CAPC,WelcomeInn,SISOandHCCIarealsoconnectedtothehousinggroups.


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Out ofthe Cold

TEP

WAWG

Shelters

HCOA

CAPC

GGTA

AboriginalCoalition


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Good Shepherd:Homes Advisory Committee

O

Private Sector:Real estate,developers


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Faith Groups

Therearemanyfaith-basedinitiativeshappeninginthecommunitythathaveanimpactintheirownneighbourhoodsandbeyondreligiousaliations.Churchessupportsocialserviceagenciesthroughdonationsandvolunteering,andalsomorefullyimmersethemselveswiththepeopleoutsidetheirdoorsthroughinitiativessuchasrecreationprogramsandcommunitygardens.Churchesallcrossthecityarealsoimportantpublicspaces,oeredforpublic

forums,communityevents,meetings,andtheOutoftheColdprogram.Thechurchscallforsocialjusticecanbeworkingparalleltotheeortsofthesecularcommunity,andmanychurchesseemtobetryingtobridgethegapbetweenfaithandsocialaction.

True City Churches

TheTrueCityChurchesrepresentamovementthatwasociallybornin2004,acollectiveofchurchesthathaveacommitmenttopromotingjusticeinHamiltonandbeingtogetherforthegoodofthecity.Theideaisthatindividualchurchesshareacommitmenttotheneighbourhoodtheyareapartof:foreachchurchtondoutwhatisintheirneighbourhoodandwhatisappropriatetolinkto.

Althoughthismovementisnotanocialgroupororganization,itisacollaborativeofchurchesthatareinvolvedatvariouslevelsaroundpovertyalleviation. TrueCitydoesnotbelievethattheywillsolvepoverty:rather,theyarecalledtorelateandbeinvolvedwithpeoplewhomaybelivinginthosesituations.Theyreallywanttostrengthengrassrootsneighbourhoodprojects,andsotheirinitiativesaremorelow-prole.Thechurchescontributetotutoringandbreakfastprograms,sportsandrecreationopportunities,drop-ins,andmore.HughsonSt.Baptisthasacommunitygarden,andWentworthBaptistjustdevelopedTransformationalHousingforpeoplestrugglingwithaddictionsissues.Theyarecreatingwaysforpeopletogetinvolvedwhentheywouldnthavebefore.TrueCitynowhas8churchesinHamiltonthathaveacorecommitmenttothemovement,and25activelypursuinginvolvement. TrueCityisoneofmanyexamplesoffaithmotivatingindividualstobeapartofthepublicsphereandactforsocialjustice,withbothfaith-basedandseculargroups.TheyinitiatedtheBack-PackCampaignwiththeRoundtable,andopenedtheMicahHousefornewrefugeesincollaborationwithSISO.Thecorechurchesoereachotherstrengthamidstthestrugglesandfrustration,andseehowtheycandothingsindierentwaysaccordingtotheneedsoftheirneighbourhoods.

Diocese of Hamilton Social Awareness Oce (SAO)

TheSocialAwarenessOceoftheDioceseofHamiltonopenedin1978bythelateBishop,topromotetheCatholicSocialTeachingsandworkwithanygroupofgoodwillChristianornon-ChristianwhoisengagedinpuingtheSocialDoctrineintopractice.TheDioceseholdsthebeliefthatallpeoplemustbetreatedwithdignityandrespect,andthatpovertyisinjustice.TheSocialTeachingisaboutbalanceofwealth,andinbothHamiltonandtheworldthegapisgrowingbetweentherichandthepoor.TheSocialAwarenessOcetriestobeinvolvedindierentpovertyeortsaroundthecity,aswellasconnecting,encouragingandreferringpeopletodierentopportunities. TheSAOhasspokenandendorsedcommunityorpolitical

Weneedtorethinkandstopseeingpeopleasathreat.

ThecryofthepoorandthecryoftheEarthareone:thereisaneedtopointoutthelinkbetweenpovertyandenvironmentalissues.


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events,suchasthePovertyReductionForumthatwasheldthisspring.TheyalsochairtheEcumenicalSocialStationsoftheCrossCommiee,whichorganizesasocialjusticewalkeveryEaster.Thiseventaractsboththechurchedandtheunchurched,recognizingthattherearemanypeoplegoingthroughthecrackswhofeelmarginalizedanddeservetoparticipateandbeintegrated.TheSAOisfocusedonpromotingsocialjustice,whetherthatbebyspendingtimewithpeople,makingreferrals,orsupportinglike-mindedgroupsandadvocacyeorts

Other Groups

Goodwill Amity Group

TheGoodwillAmityGroupwasestablishedalmost75yearsagoasasocialclubformenduringthedepression,tokeepthemfromdrinkinginthestreets.Post-war,itevolvedtoprovideworkforpeoplewithdisabilitiesandnowexistshelpanyoneovercomeemploymentbarriers,sotheymayliveindependentlyandwithdignityinthecommunity.Theirphilosophyisgivingpeopleahandup,notahand-outandtheyworktohelppeopletondjobsdependingontheirindividualcircumstance.

AnewinitiativewiththeRoundtableisthecreationofadrop-inresourcecentreforyouthatriskofpoverty,givingthemopportunitiesforemploymentandeducation.ItisaSkillsDevelopmentFlagshipinitiative,convenedbytheCityandothercommunitypartnershipsandGoodwillistheheadagencyhostingthecenter.TheSPRCischairingtheAdvisoryCommieetoconnectthemwithfunding.ItwillbeaspaceforYouthtodocontractworth,theschoolboardwillprovidehighschoolcredits,andtheymaydevelopacafforatemporaryemploymentopportunity.Theprogramwillbeforyouthage18-24youareunemployedorunderemployedandhavenotcompletedhighschool.GoodwillsvisionistohavecommunitypartnerscomeinandprovideservicesthatGoodwillcannotdoontheirown,tollthegapsinthecommunitywithoutduplicatingwhateveryoneelseisdoing.

Community Volunteer Action Group (CVAG)

TheCommunityVolunteerActionGroupisanOPIRGWorkingGroupfromMcMasterUniversitythatlinksstudentswithvolunteeringopportunitiesinHamilton.Groupsofstudentswillvolunteertogetheratdierentagenciesorcentresinthecommunity,andCVAGfacilitatesreectionsothatthestudentsexperiencegoesbeyondthevolunteerhours.CVAGvolunteersbenettheservicestheyvolunteerwith,andthevolunteerswhoreectontheirexperiencearemuchmorelikelytobeinvolvedinthelong-term.

StudentsareabletogetoutoftheBubble,learnfromtheirexperienceandbeexposedtotheneedsofthecommunity. CVAGociallybeganin2001whentheOpenCirclegroupatMcMasterrealizedtherewasaneedtoexploreissuesinHamiltoninareectivewayandbridgethedividebetweencampusandthebroaderHamiltoncommunity,becausetherearemanyneighbourhoodsthatstudentsneverdiscoverwhiletheyareatMcMaster.CVAGnowhasapproximately30organizedvolunteergroupsandover300volunteers,andmorestudentsaremovingdowntownandbecomingpartofthecity.TheyhavevolunteergroupsgoingtotheWesleyCentre,WelcomeInn,theEvaRothwellResourceCentre,theNorthHamiltonCommunityHealthCentre,InasmuchWomensShelter,thelibrary,theOntarioMarchofDimes,ConwayGroupHomes,and

Hope:Tobridgeacrossthebarriersthatarecreatingstereotypes.Toseeourcommonhumanityandletgoofthefearthatcreatesthebarriers.


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neighbourhoodcentres.CVAGplaysasupportiveroleregardingpovertyinHamilton.Theyunderstandhowfewresourcesagencieshaveforvolunteertrainingandrecruitment,andCVAGisabletomeetthatneed.Theyintentionallyworkwithagenciesfocusedonpovertyreductionandfostermeaningfulrelationshipsthroughthestudents.HousingGroups

The Community Talks About Collaboration

Why and how collaborations happen

Collaborationisatrendytermacrosstheboardintermsofcommunitydevelopment,politics,economicdevelopmentandotheraspectsoftheciviclife.Groupsconnectwitheachotherindierentwaysandatdierentlevels,andparticipantsofthisprojectsharedhowtheymakeandmaintainconnections. Somecollaborationsareformedstrategically,whenitismandatedbyaministrytomakeastrongerfundingproposal.Sometimes,agencystaormembersofagroupgooutaerrecognizinganeed,tondwhatservicesandsupportsareavailableandhowanothersexpertisewillhelp.Manypartnershipshappennaturally,throughapersonalrelationshipbetweengroupsorthrough

aconversation.Avarietyofserviceprovidersmayseeagapinserviceandcombineeortstostrengthentheirprogramsandresources.Sometimes,peopleseekoutpartnershipsaeraendingcommunityeventsandndingoutthatanorganizationwithsimilaraimsisoeringorseekingsupport. Collaborationscanalsoformaroundspecic,timelyissues.TheHeatAlertWorkingGroupisalsoanexampleofacollaborationthathappensaroundaspecicissue,whichisthatofextremeheatinthesummer.Communitymembersgottogetherandwiththehelpofthelegalclinics,theywereabletoapproachtheCityandcomeupwithaheatprotocolthatwillimprovepeopleshealthandsafety. Themaintenanceofpartnershipsoenhappensthroughsharedprogrammingandresources.Collaborativeswillkeepintouchbymeetingtogetherandcommunicatingthroughemail.Thereislotsofcross-membershipofcommiees,boardsandworkinggroupswhichallowspeopletokeepintouchwitheachotherandinformedaboutwhatishappening.Somestablepartnershipsinvolveoneagencyprovidingaserviceon-sitetohelpanotheragencywhorequiresthatexpertise.Relationshipscanchangeascommunityneedschange,andsotheyaredynamicandmulti-faceted.

The strengths of collaboration

Collaborationisnoteasy,butwhenitworks,therewasstrongagreementamongparticipantsthattheresultsareincredibleandthe

ideasthatemergearebeerthananyonecouldimagine.Thereisachancetobuildonthecapacityofeveryonesstrengthsandexpertise,andlearnfrompeopleyoumaynotnormallyworkwith. Forsocialserviceproviders,thebenetsareimmense.Clientserviceimproveswhenyoucancombinetheexpertiseandresourcesofdierentagenciesandprograms.Servicebecomeseective,ecient,compassionateandcomprehensive.Collaborationgivessocialserviceagenciesthechancetofocustogetherontheneedsofthecommunityinsteadofpushingtheirownagenda.Citizenshaveaccesstoawidervarietyofsupport,andagenciescanmakecross-referralsandcommunicatewitheachotherratherthanduplicateprogramsorstretchthemselvesthin. Foradvocates,thereisstrengthinhavingmanyvoicescoming

Collaborationcreatesabeeroutcomeintheend,ahealthiercommunity.

Thevoiceofanothermayblowyourmindregardingwhatispossible!


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togethertopushforthesamething.Collaborationcanhelpbridgethegapbetweentheimmediateneedsofcitizensandacallforsystemicchange.Itcanconnectthedierentsectorsofthecommunitythatareinterrelatedbutthatnormallyworkinseparaterealms. Atthebasic,humanlevel,itisalwaysencouragingthatthereareothersaroundyouwhocareaboutsocialjustice.Manyparticipantsmentionedthatcollaborationmakespeoplerealizetheyareconnectedtosomethingbiggerthanthemselvesortheirownorganization.Inaeldthatcanbefrustratingandexhausting,

workingtogetherletspeopleenergizeeachotherandsupporteachotheramidstthestruggles.

The challenges of collaboration

Collaborationmaysoundrightandgood,sowhatispreventingauthenticcollaborationfromhappeningmoreoen?Participantsputforthsomeofthebigchallengeswhenitcomestoworkingwithotherssomechallengesaremorefeasiblethanotherstoovercome. Fundingwasemphasizedoverandoverbyparticipantsasahugeobstacletocollaboration.Whenorganizationsareapplyingforthesamefunding,itleadstofearandself-protectionwhichunderminesthespiritofcollaborationthatcouldotherwiseexist.

Fundingcanreinforcethestatusquowithamodelofproposalsthatisnon-creativeandcompetitive.Currently,mostcallsforfundingarebasedontemporarypilotprojects.Itishardfororganizationstobuildsomethingsustainableandmaintainrelationshipswhenthefundingrunsoutandthefunderlooksforanewinitiativetosponsor,ratherthaninvestinginasustainableprogram.Youlosetheexpertisethatpeoplebuild,anditmaynotbefeasibletocontinueapartnership.Therehasbeenanewshitofundingthatsupportscollaboration,butsometimesitforcessupercialcollaborationthathappensforthefundingratherthanbecauseofacommonvision.Timeisspentndingpartnersandtakenawayfromdirectserviceandsystemicchange. Anotherhuge,practicalbarrierthatwasalsoechoedbymanyparticipantsistheissueoftime.Ittakestimetoworkthroughprocessesandcollaboratewhengroupsandorganizationsarealreadyunder-resourcedandoverstretchedtryingtofullltheirownmandate.Itishardtostepbackandseethebigpicturewhenorganizationsaresowrappedupintheirownprograms.Oneparticipantnotedthatcollaborationisnotinmostmandatesandtimeandresourcesmustbededicatedforpeopletomakethingshappen.Thereisalwaysagapbetweenresourcesandexpectations,anditishardtobalancethetwo. Manychallengesareinlinewiththebasicissuesthatwehaveashumanbeingslivinginacommunitywithsomanydierentvaluesandinterests.Itishardtoworktogetherwhentherearedierentvaluesystemsandphilosophiesthrustinggroupsforward.Groups

oenletreligiousorotherdierencesgetinthewayofwhattheywanttoseehappen,andtherecanbemisconceptionsaroundgroupsintentionsandwhotheyarewillingtoworkwith.Also,therecanbetensionsandpowerdierencesbetweenlargeandsmallorganizations,anditcanbefrustratingforsmallorganizationswhenbiggerplayerscomeandaskforideas.Someorganizationsarelong-establishedandhavestrictpolicies,soitcanbedicultgeingthemtotakerisksandthinkoutsidethebox. Itisalsoimportanttorememberthatcollaborationisnotalwaysappropriateorfeasible.Sometimes,therealityisthatyoucannotworkwithpeoplewhohaveacompletelydierentideaofwhattheproblemisandwhatshouldbedoneaboutit.Sometimes,groupsneedtobeconfrontationalandcannotpleaseeveryone,butwhencollaborating

Wehavedevelopedinsightandrespectforfolkswedidntknowaboutbefore.

Povertyisahot-buonissue:workingwithinthetensionsandnotleingitdetractfromyourlong-termvisionisabigchallenge:shorttermversussystemicchange,individualcapacityversusbig

groups,whatpeoplebelievepovertyisversusthereality

Theneedandactionspringsfromthegrassroots,butthemoneyandlong-termchangecomesfromthebigplayers:howtobridgethetwo?


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theycangetpulledintoamoremiddle-of-the-roadwaywhentheyreallywantisradicalchange. Evidently,thechallengesandtensionsaremanytherearepracticalandsystemicbarriersthatpreventthefosteringofnetworksthatcouldimprovecommunityandindividualwell-being.Groupscanbeprotectiveandcanletdierencesgetinthewayofacommonvision.Noteveryoneiswillingtocollaborateorbepatientwhentheneedissogreat.Authenticcollaboration,however,ispossible,andthefollowingstoriesareexamplesofwhathappenswhenindividuals

andorganizationsmobilizearoundaneedthatspringsfromthecommunity.

Collaboration Stories

AnAuthenticCollaborationStory:TheStreetYouthPlanningCollaborative

InOctober2005,facilitatedthroughtheSPRC,theyouth-servingcommunitycametogetherandputoutacomprehensivereport:AddressingtheNeedsofStreet-InvolvedYouthinHamilton.Throughthisreport,communitystrengthsandgapswereidentied,andtherewere27recommendationsthatemergedbasedontheneeds

oftheyouthinthecommunity. TheStreetYouthPlanningCollaborative(SYPC)formed,anditisanexampleofgenuinecollaborationthatismakingadierenceforyouthinHamilton.Itisagroupofdirectorsofsixyouth-servingagencies,whomeetregularlytoshareideasanddiscusswhatishappeningwithintheiragenciesandthebroaderHamiltoncommunity.Anewethichasemerged:groupsthatareactuallysharingresourcesratherthancompetingwitheachother.CollaboratorsintheSYPChavebeenabletotakeotheiragencyhatandmoveforwardwithacommonvisionandafocusoncommunityneedsrst. TheformationofAngelasPlacethroughGoodShepherdYouthServicesisanexampleofcollaboration,wheretheagenciesdidaneedsassessmentwiththeYoungParentNetwork.Throughajointeort,youth-servingagenciespresentedtotheCommunityAdvisoryBoardforhousinganddemandedthattheHPIfundinggotoyouth.WesleyYouthHousingandAngelasPlaceweretheresult,andtheyarecombiningassetsandtakingadvantageofeachothersexpertise. FortheSYPC,collaborationisthesuccessbutitisalsoachallenge.Itisatransparentcollaborative,andtogethertheyfacilitatefundingandleverageresources.Thiscollaborationworksbecausetheagenciessetoutwiththesamegoalanddealtwithvaluedierencesandtensionsfromthebeginning.Youngpeoplearebeerservedbecausesomeonewillstepupwhenagapemerges.Theyareconnectedtosomethingbiggerthantheirindividualagency,

andcanenergizeeachother.ManyparticipantshavedescribedthecollaborativeapproachofyouthservicesandyouthengagementinHamiltonasamodeloftruecollaborationthatshouldhappeninthebroadercommunity.

CommunityGardens

CommunityGardensareagreatexampleofinitiativesthatrequirecollaborationandthathavethepotentialtobreakdownculturalandsocialbarriers,tofosterasenseofcommunityandownershipwhiledirectlyprovidingresourcestoindividualswhoneedit.ThecreationofthegardensattheNorthHamiltonCommunityHealthCentreandtheNeighbourtoNeighbourCentreareexamples

Thiswayofstructuringthingsshouldbethenorm,whereeveryonetakesapart,andeveryoneissharing.


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ofinitiativesthatbringinexpertisefromadiversityofplayers,engageresidents,andllagaptoimprovefoodsecurityintheneighbourhood.CommunitygardenscanmobilizesupportfromtheCity,thebusinesscommunity,residents,neighbourhoodassociations,churches,environmentalgroupsandotherinterestedpartiestocreateasomethingsustainableandbenecial,andthatrequirestrustandaccountabilitytowork. TherecentlyformedHamiltonCommunityGardeningNetworkexiststobringtogetheranyoneinthecityinvolvedincommunity

gardens,whethertheyarelookingtostartoralreadyinvolved,whethertheyareinstitutionalorcommunitymembers.BecausetheCommunityGardenNetworktsunderthemandateofmanyorganizations,itsmainresourceisstahours,andisthereforemuchlessdependentontheconstantebbandowoffunding.TheywillbereleasingacommunityconsultationreportinFall2008.TheHamiltonWorkingGroupfortheOntarioPovertyReductionStrategy

TheHamiltonWorkingGroupfortheOntarioPovertyReductionStrategywasformedinthespringinresponsetotheprovincesPovertyReductionStrategy,wheretheMinisterDeb

Mahewsisconsultingcommunitiestondoutwhattheyneedandwantintermsofpolicychangetoreducepovertyintheprovince.TheWorkingGroupismadeupdiversevoicesfromthecommunity,includingparticipatingorganizationsinthisproject,withamixofmembersfromthegrassrootsgroups,theschoolboard,McQuestenLegal&CommunityServices,theSPRC,thefaithcommunity,studentsandstafromMcMasterUniversity,theHCCI,andothers.ThegroupformedwithavisiontobringHamiltonsneedstothetableandgetasmanystakeholdersonboardtopushtheprovincialgovernmenttomakeconcretechanges.Already,theyhavehelpedorganizeaPublicForumwithHamiltonsMPPsandaprovincialrepresentative,andinitiatedapostcardcampaign.SomethinguniqueabouttheWorkingGroupisthateveryonearoundthetableistherewithacommonpurpose:topushforsystemicchangethatisgreatlyneeded,andtoensurethatthemanyneedsofHamiltonareconsideredandaddressed.Whilethisgroupisstillinitsinfancy,itisontheroadtoworkingacrosssectors,withlocalandprovincialpartners,toensurethatthegovernmentmakesthisapriority.

Community Vision of Collaboration

Thevisionofcollaborationportrayedhereisacombinationoftheideasofparticipantsonthisproject.Collaborationandpartnershiparewordsthatareusedinmanysituations,sometimesauthenticallyandsometimessimplybecausetheyarepopular

wordstogetdierentsupportforinitiatives.Notallcollaborationispositiveormeaningful,butmembersoftheHamiltoncommunityhaveputforthacohesivepicturewhatstrongcollaborationactuallymeans.Thereseemstobeastrongdesireforpeopletodevelopanunderstandingofwhatcollaborationmeansandhowtouseittobeerservethecommunity. Themainqualitiesoftruecollaborationarehavingacommonvision,havingrelationshipsoftrust,andbeingopenandtransparentfromthebeginning.Thereneedstobeaphilosophyofsharingratherthancompetitionthatisfocusedontheneedsofthecommunity.Ifgroupsareclearfromtheoutsetabouttheirvaluesandexpectations,wheretheyarecomingfromandwhattheyhavetooer,thetensionscanbeaddressedatthebeginningandthecollaborativecanmove

Truecollaborationmeansthatpeoplearenotcompetitive,theyenterprojectstogetherandthrowresourcestogethertobeerthecommunity.

True,strongcollaborationismakingjointdecisions:youdontmakebigchangeswithout

recognizinghowitaectsothers.

Itseasytocollaboratewiththerightpeople,butdontdoitforcollaboratio

eby - voices of poverty in hamilton - mapping community relationships

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