POVERTY AND HEALTH

My final day walking in other's shoes!

I made it through. But there aren't any winners. I can see that living in extremely tight circumstances takes away your options and leaves you powerless. If you are living below the poverty line THERE IS NO WAY you can eat nutritious foods (without the help of others), participate in physical activity for enjoyment (instead of survival), take medications that you need to take, see a doctor or dentist when you have a problem. It is relentless. This is not good for a persons long term health - so many chronic conditions can be prevented, delayed or mitigated if people had enough money to live a healthy life.

I have always tried to mindful of what I have, and what I need. I intend to honour what I have - keep it maintained, cleaned, put away, and ensure there is a purpose for me having it. It is hard not to get caught up in a culture of collecting and having. This is also very bad for our environment. I try to pass on what I no longer use to those who can use it - no sense having 5 jackets in my closet when there are people in need who could use one of them! Maybe try it yourself! 

I think the main message this week is that personal connections are invaluable. Personal connections are much more important than money. These are the lifelines. When money is gone, personal connections are what is left. They make you feel happy when you are sad, offer sage advise when you need it, take away pain through humour, and assist you when you need a helping hand.

I would like to thank everyone who helped me this past week, followed the blogs, provided comments, offered me words of encouragements and kindness. I would also like recognize and thank the Fellowship Centre, Jubilee Church, Salvation Army, Minto Beststart Hub, Making Kenora Home and other service providers for doing what you do!

Be kind, give generously, and be thankful for what you have. 

DAY FIVE - NO DISH SOAP

My challenge today: You ran out of dish soap.

Since I have no money left I can't  purchase dish soap which costs $1.99 at the store I stopped at. I found a $0.50 off coupon but this doesn't help me at all.

I called around to some different services and couldn't find any that collect dish soap for families in need. Needless to say - The Salvation Army and the Minto Best Start Hub both offered to give me a smaller amount to get me through until I received my next social assistance payment. THANK GOODNESS FOR THESE ORGANIZATIONS!

My plan B was to see what kind of hand soap I could "borrow" from a public washroom.

THOUGHT FOR FOOD

Today I accessed food through local food programs.

My money is gone, and I owe someone -$2.34. I still have some food left but I thought that I would go on conservation mode. 

For lunch I went to the Kenora Fellowship Centre for their gathering, and received more than food there. An elder said that you need to have three things in life; food, clothing and a roof over your head. This is simple. Sometimes overthinking makes this seem so hard - but its easy. 

Another elder said poverty makes us who we are. Once a person is in poverty there is a mountain of things working against them. Poverty can strip away your choices, resources, health and will. It can lead you to make decisions against what you know is legal, loving and healthy. I think poverty is created by the way our society is constructed - so why can't it be un-created? I think it can be. 

The main point from todays gathering was that everybody needs help at some point, and they only way to tackle the issue of poverty is to help each other and work together. I can get behind that!

For dinner I was able to help Making Kenora Home serve a delicious pulled pork dinner at the Jubilee Church. Shameless plug for food programs in Kenora here. I think being connected to your community is important and an easy way to do this is to volunteer. Instead of complaining, why not try and be part of the community solution to poverty?

So why are there so many people experiencing poverty and relying on food programs? The results from the 2017 Nutritious Food Basket  indicate that there are 3900 people in Northwestern Ontario that are food insecure, 59% of these people receive their income through employment (the working poor). The food programs I attended today take care of our communities daily hunger needs (which are many!!) but really aren't able to deal with the root of the problem. Is it as simple as me not having any money? You know - to get the food, clothing and the roof over my head?

Thank you everyone who helped me out today - especially the Kenora Fellowship Centre, the Jubilee Church, and Making Kenora Home.

DAY FOUR - CAN'T SEE

My Challenge today: Your glasses are broken. You have an interview that involves a written test. You cannot see the paper. What will you do?

As if interviews are not stressful enough - Now I can't see!
I would hope that the employer was compliant with AODA Guidelines and I would inform them of my vision issues and ask for a copy of the written test in larger font, or in a different format that would be easier for me to see.

I still need to get my glasses fixed.
Thankfully we have a great Optometry Clinic in Kenora. From talking with them, they are able to MacGyver fix most broken glasses temporarily. They can also perform an assessment and submit a request to my case manager for new glasses under my health benefits:

Ontario Works Health Benefits Directives
Vision Care for Adults
The Administrator may approve costs for eye glasses, including lenses and frames, repairs or replacements:

• when necessary as a result of a significant change in prescription; or
• if the benefit supports the person’s employability or participation requirements.

A prescription is required from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or physician before the cost of the frames and/or lenses may be approved.

Just a side note: The Kenora Optometry Clinic also accepts used glasses, on behalf of the Lions Club. These glasses are refurbished by prison workers in Saskatchewan, and sent overseas for use in third world countries.

I would also stop by LEAP and meet with an Employment Advisor. I would be able to access the internet to look for more job opportunities. As well they can help me with my resume and covering letter, and give me strategies to help me ace my interview!

NO FUSS BUS

I have never been on a bus in Kenora - until today.

I took the bus to Keewatin and it was actually very fast and efficient! The bus left at 4:36 and I was at the Keewatin arena by 5:00, so I had an hour to wait before curling started. 

The drop in curling fee is $15 per time, and I was unable to find a way to cover that cost. There are many volunteers that do a lot of work to try and reduce the user fees for curling (some may have visited escape room events, serving at social functions, garage and bake sales). Despite their hard work there are still building utilities that need to be paid, and user fees cover those costs. Unfortunately I can't see how a person in poverty would be able to curl, unless they were sponsored by a business or sporting program.

My budget is now in the negatives:

$55.00 - $35.34 (groceries) + $3.00 (carts) - $5.00 (gas money) = $17.66 (from before)

$17.66 - $2.50 (bus fare) - $2.50 (gas money) - $15.00 (curling) = -$2.34

Kate Ronnebeck had some great ideas of low/no cost sporting options in her blog. I am going to keep this in mind for tomorrow because I am out of moolah! 

WHAT IS POVERTY?

I am planning to attend this event tomorrow at the Kenora Fellowship Centre from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Follow them on facebook to learn about other events that are happening there. Anyone want to come with me? There will be food provided;)

!!

DAY THREE - EXTREME COLD WARNING AND A STOLEN JACKET

My challenge today:
You can't find your winter jacket. It may have been stolen. Try to stay warm for the day.

I will try and stay warm, its not like its -40C outside. Except (SHOCKER) - it is.
Needless to say I didn't walk from the Rec Centre this morning like I intended to because I would have frozen.

 

 

 

I was able to swing by the Salvation Army and pick out a great jacket that fit - it was my colour and also very warm. The staff at the Salvation Army are very warm and welcoming and did a great job helping me. They also offered me sweaters and socks for warmth. The jacket cost normally would be $25.00 - still very cheap for a good, warm winter jacket! Because I have blown my budget (see yesterdays post), I was able get the jacket through their voucher program and was given the jacket for free! Thank goodness for this program - a literal life saver in this weather. Right now the Salvation army is in need of mens clothing items (sweaters, pants, boots, jackets), in addition to their usual need for clothing. The also offer food programs and have boxes of food available for those in need.



 



 

Ways to donate items, money and time in Kenora:

Salvation Army

• Will accept: anything that people can wear - shoes, seasonal clothing, new underwear & socks; non-perishable food items; toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, pads and tampon; household items
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Charitable receipts available
• Drop by or call ahead 468-1044
• Open 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
• Always looking for volunteers

Kenora Fellowship Centre

• Will accept: anything that people can wear - shoes, seasonal clothing, new underwear & socks; fresh and non-perishable food items; toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, pads and tampon
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
• Drop in or call ahead - 468-5538
• Open 8:00am to 4:00pm every day
• Always looking for volunteers

Jubilee Church of God

• Will accept: food donations (i.e. meat, non-perishables), grocery gift cards ($25 cards are good since they can go to a family in need); seasonal clothing and footwear that is in good shape
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque), tax receipts available if over a certain amount
• Call ahead - 407-3620; call if unsure if an item you have can be donated
• Always looking for volunteers

Twice is Nice

• Will accept: anything that people can wear  (i.e.: shoes, seasonal clothing)
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Charitable receipts available
• $25.00 Gift cards are available for purchase and are then given to individuals in need to enable folks to come to the store and shop for themselves
• Drop by or call ahead – 467-2337
• Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Closed Monday
• Always looking for volunteers

Kenora Emergency Shelter (Ne-Chee Friendship Centre)

• Will accept: toiletries, toilet paper, new underwear and socks
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
• Donations can be made to Ne-Chee Friendship Centre (call ahead to 468-5440 ext. 233)
• Open 8:00pm to 8:00am every day
• Ne-Chee Street Patrol performs outreach 6:00pm to 10:00pm every day

Legal Aid

• Will accept: toiletries (i.e. mini shampoos, conditioner and soaps)
• Call for more information 468-8888
• Can be dropped off during operating hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Saakaate House

• Will accept: unopened toiletries, new underwear, sanitary napkins; diapers
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque) - will go to shelter resources or to women/families transitioning out of the shelter
• Call ahead - 468-1889

Minto Child Parent Resource Centre

• Will accept: toiletries, baby and children's (and some women's) clothing for their 'give and take'
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque). Used to purchase resources for the centre, family activities and outings for low-income families
• Call ahead - 468-3161
• Open 10:00am to 3:30pm Tuesday to Friday, closed Monday

Women's Place Kenora

• Will accept: donations of seasonal clothing for women & children, household & kitchen items, books of any kind
• Do not accept: shoes, toys or men's clothing
• Monetary donations are always welcome (cash or cheque)
• Call ahead - 468-9095
• Open 12:00pm to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday

Northwestern Health Unit

• Will accept: toiletries (i.e.: mini shampoos, conditioner, soaps), toilet paper, new underwear, socks, mitts, hats, black garbage bags, bag tags, re-usable bags, and bus passes.
• Call for more information 468-3147
• Can be dropped off during operating hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

 

Churches offering food programs in Kenora - contact for details:

Knox United Church

Fellowship Centre 

Jubilee Church

Salvation Army

St. Alban's

Lakeside Baptist

First Baptist

If I forgot any please add into comments section ;)

Just an FYI - Fellowship Centre is currently in need of gently used towels and coffee cups...





BUDGET IS BLOWN

I had a fun morning at my in-laws house for breakfast. I try and see my family and my husbands family at least once per week. It became clear today that it would be extremely hard/impossible to live where I do (in the bushes!) because the cost of transportation alone would be too high. I will take $2.50 out for gas money today and I guess I owe $2.50 for the ride I took yesterday. I think I will try parking my car at the Rec Centre tomorrow and walking to work. Would I be able to have my job if I didn't have access to a vehicle though? I can see how not having a vehicle would limit ones employment prospects. Just another obstacle to overcome.

Here is my budget:
$55.00 - $35.34(groceries) + $3.00(carts) - $5.00 (gas money) = $17.66

This amount gives me anxiety -its only the second day and I have pretty much blown my budget. I go over the foods I chose - could I have cut corners there? I could have - but should I have to? Or should I have sacrificed having a social life and connecting with friends and family? If we are looking and the link between poverty and health - I can see that this constant struggle would leave a person exhausted.

I am scheduled to curl tomorrow, at 6:00pm, in KEEWATIN! I looked at the bus schedule and there is one bus going to Keewatin leaving City Hall at 4:36. This is 6 minutes after I get off work - I will have to hustle to make it! I will also have to see what the drop in curling fee is... but I can see this cutting into my bottom line. The easiest thing to do would be to cancel, but I can't let down my team and it is usually the only time I get to see some friends throughout the week.

Today I ate oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, macaroni and cheese for lunch, an apple and cheese for a snack, and I made a shepherds-like pie for dinner (dirty mashed because I only peel on holidays). My challenge today was to feed two, so my husband and I ate this shepherdy-pie together for dinner. I had to cheat and borrow 1/2 cup of milk for the mash... again meal planning is not my strength! There is enough for my lunch and dinner tomorrow - because I won't have enough time to come home after work and before curling (6 minutes!). 

DAY TWO - FEED A FRIEND

Here is my second challenge - and this is one I can excel at!
I will plan to feed my husband tonight out of my food rations - I will post my meaplan later;)


For now I am heading out to have breakfast with family - and I will bring my oatmeal and banana! I will take $2.50 out of my budget for my bus fare.

SHOPPING CARTS, BABY SHOWERS and BONFIRES

This challenge was difficult for me. I felt very uncomfortable thinking about asking for money from people. I would be willing to work for money, or collect cans - just to feel as though I deserved what I collected and gave something in return. Asking for grocery cart money isn't like that. I waited by the cart area for about 5 mins feeling very awkward with no success, and I chickened out a couple of times. I tried to examine the feeling that I had at that time, and basically it was embarrassment which in turn made me ashamed. I moved locations and started to walk around the parking lot area - I was more comfortable moving and felt less awkward. I kept running into people that I knew, but I couldn't tell them I was participating in A Walk in Other's Shoes.  I was able to collect two dollars from people who knew me and I believe they assumed that I was just out of loonies and they were doing me a favour. I walked away for a length of time so that as they left, they wouldn't see that I was still looking for more money. This made me feel really sneaky just very low. After this I collected a cart that was far away and brought it back for the loonie. I was going to leave at this point but I reminded myself that this is an extra $4 for the week and I wasn't sure if there would be other opportunities for money. I waited another 20 minutes looking for cart opportunities - but nothing was really happening so I pulled the plug.


This was completely demeaning and for a relatively simple task was very hard for me to wrap my mind around.

I didn't have much time to reflect on my experience because I was late for a baby shower for baby Daisy - thankfully I was able to catch a ride with my sister in law and family. It was a lot of fun to see many friends, family and babies! This lightened my mood! I wasn't able to bring any food (normally I would have offered to) and I had already given a gift - but this made me reflect on the plain fact that on social assistance it would be unrealistic to think that you have excess to share. I get joy from giving gifts and finding something that would be useful and thoughtful for my friends and family. I think this whole social convention would be stressful for someone without resources. Again I felt a little shame because I reminded myself that gifts are not just monetary and there are many things you can give that don't cost money.


After the baby shower we had a bonfire at our house with a couple of friends - a low cost event that was a lot of fun!

READY TO GO...

Here are the groceries I purchased yesterday. 

I have to say I was nervous in the check out line  because I wasn't sure exactly how much money the bill would come to. I tried to add it up in my head as I went - but I was not very confident in my math skills. My strategy was to choose foods that are filling and not too expensive. I was able to get some meat and cheese - my two food groups. Currently I have about $20 left for the next five days...not much as all..

Here is my first challenge... Back to the grocery store I go;)