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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