Regeneration’s “New Normal” during the COVID-19 Pandemic
“We are all in this together (even if we are two metres apart)!”
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications for Regeneration Outreach Community, as adherence to the physical distancing measures that have been established to protect the public has meant that Regeneration has had to find creative ways to fulfil its mission.
These changes have not been made in isolation however, as valuable partnerships with other organizations have been critical in responding to the shifting needs in the City of Brampton. Combining resources has allowed for a stronger united front in addressing the social ramifications from the pandemic, allowing those who need it access to much-needed support.
Take-Out Meal Program and
Personal Care
To ensure the safety of our guests, staff and volunteers, Regeneration has instituted protective measures, which begins with a take-away meal program. Using physical distancing and take-out windows, Regen is able to serve the people that rely on Regen’s meal program. There have been close to 900 meals served per week during the declared State of Emergency.
It has taken a lot
of adjustment, but the support that Regen has proudly provided to the downtown
community has continued uninterrupted because of the collaboration between the
selfless volunteers and our dedicated staff team. A great success even in such
uncertain and frightening circumstances.
Along with the meal program, Regen has also increased capacity for individuals who are in need of shower or laundry facilities. Hours for these services have been increased and now run from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm as the demand for personal care is heightened due to the shutdown of public facilities. One grateful guest said, “I figure each day I have spent about 20 minutes inside, and that’s when I come and get a shower or do laundry and get a meal at [Regen]… thanks so much!”
Emergency Food Bank
The reality of this necessary State of Emergency and shutdown of non-essential services is that the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities have not disappeared. For many, the needs have been heightened due to the Pandemic. With that in mind, Regeneration acted swiftly, collaborating with other organizations to open a safe and accessible Emergency Food Bank, operating out of the Regeneration Thrift Store Location.
The Regeneration Emergency Food Bank has met the needs of hundreds of individuals and families, operating weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and making sure that food is getting to those who need it. The valuable partnerships through the City of Brampton’s Social Support Task Force has allowed Regeneration to respond in love to the needs of Brampton. In addition, the City of Brampton has partnered with the Food Bank to deliver groceries to people who are unable to access the Food Bank on a weekly basis. The response of the community has been overwhelming. Whether it be through donations of food from individuals, businesses, churches or other organizations, or the hard work of volunteers, this Food Bank has been shaped by the hearts of caring and loving people.
Drop-In Centre
Regeneration has also established a Drop-In Centre. Common areas like restaurants, public spaces, and the library are not available to those who are homeless or are without a living space. There are very limited options for access to bathrooms, communication technology, and even a place to sleep for a few hours; so Regeneration has created this space for people to do just that. Guests can use computers, a charging station and can access safe and clean areas to rest and avoid inclement weather. Guests have even got assistance in completing their 2019 taxes from this location as well as our Main Street office. The Drop-In Centre is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-3:00 pm.
Regeneration Drop-In Centre fulfils this need for people while practicing infection control and sanitation procedures. Guests are screened before they enter the location, and areas are kept disinfected and clean to avoid potential contamination.
For details on Regeneration
Outreach Community’s service during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.regenbrampton.com
For information on how to support
Regeneration, please visit https://regenbrampton.com/donate/
Practical Ways to Recognize & Combat Mental Illness Stigma
Together We Can End the Stigma
Even though mental illness is not something anyone chooses to have, most people who live with mental illness have been blamed for their condition at some point. Outdated beliefs and attitudes contribute to the stigma surrounding mental illness and continue to harm countless individuals every day.
Fortunately, we have the power to change the conversation around mental illness. Mental illness is not “a phase” or something people can snap out of if they just “try harder”. These hurtful attitudes not only make it more difficult for individuals with mental illness to seek help but can lead to discrimination, making it hard for individuals to access jobs, housing, and other basic necessities.
Are Stigma & Discrimination The Same Thing?
Stigma and discrimination are separate but interrelated concepts. Stigma refers to negative attitudes and stereotypes, while discrimination refers to unfair treatment based on a person’s identity. Individuals with mental illness face both each day, but the only way to begin to eliminate mental illness discrimination is by tackling the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Stigma is a form of prejudice, and just like racism, sexism, and other disparaging attitudes needs to be confronted if harmful perceptions and actions are to change. Just like a physical illness such as cancer or diabetes, mental illness is not a choice or something to be ashamed of.
How to Recognize Mental Illness Stigma
How people speak and act gives away a lot about who they are as a person. Look for signs of disparaging or dismissive language and actions. Phrases like “it’s just a phase, he’ll get over it” and “she could be happier if she just tried” are both examples of disparaging language. The first dismisses the very real struggle of individuals with mental illness, and the second blames mental illness on the individuals it affects.
What Steps Can I Take to Help End the Stigma?
The only way we can end the stigma around mental illness is if we all work to do so. Though we won’t be able to end the stigma overnight, every positive action, no matter how small, contributes to this positive collective effort.
Speak Openly About Mental Health
Before we can change the discussion, we need to feel comfortable discussing mental illness. It used to be that cancer wasn’t discussed in polite company, but open and honest conversations have changed prevailing attitudes towards cancer and individuals with cancer, destigmatizing this once-taboo topic.
By talking about mental health and mental illness, we normalize these discussions and begin to change prevailing attitudes.
Setting a Positive Example
If you have struggled with mental illness before or know someone who has and feel comfortable sharing your experiences, you should do so. Someone you know may be struggling right now, and knowing that there is someone they can reach out to could make a significant difference in their life.
Educate Yourself & Others
By taking the time to read articles like this one, you have begun to educate yourself on mental health, mental illness, and the struggles and barriers many individuals with mental illness face. Look for information from reputable sources such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Use Respectful & Inclusive Language
Words are incredibly powerful and have the ability to both heal and harm. Be aware of how you speak about mental illness. Some tips include:
Never define someone by their condition. A person is not their condition, and they should never be addressed as such. A person is not bipolar; they have bipolar disorder or are experiencing bipolar disorder. This applies to groups as well; Someone has a mental illness, they don’t belong to a group called “the mentally ill”.
Tread carefully when discussing suicide. Suicide is a sensitive topic and needs to be discussed using language that is respectful towards both the individual and their loved ones. Instead of saying someone “committed suicide,” say they “died by suicide” or “were lost to suicide”. If a person tried to take their own life, say they “attempted suicide” as opposed to “tried to commit suicide”.
Don’t use mental health conditions as adjectives. Unless you have a clinical diagnosis, don’t say you are “OCD” just because you like to keep your house clean or say that the weather is “bipolar” because it keeps changing quickly. Flippant language like this undermines legitimate diagnosis and makes light of very serious conditions.
Avoid hurtful words. Never say someone is “crazy”, ”psychotic”, or “insane”. For individuals who are dealing with challenging symptoms and a condition beyond their control, being called “crazy” can bring additional pain to an already difficult situation.
Don’t “other” people. Avoid using terms like “others” or “abnormal”. Referring to individuals experiencing mental illness by these terms promotes and “us” versus “them” attitude and can make individuals with mental illness appear inferior or different or make them feel like they are on the edge of or excluded from society, which they are not.
Show Compassion
Before speaking or acting, ask yourself what the consequences of your words or actions will be. Will your words help change the conversation around mental illness for the better, or harm our collective ability to combat this stigma.
Even something as simple as a smile, a few words of encouragement, or a hug’s offer can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
Be Open & Honest
If you see a therapist or psychiatrist or know someone who does, don’t hide that fact. People don’t feel embarrassed when they have an appointment with their family doctor, dentist, or optometrist, and seeing a therapist or psychiatrist should be treated the same way. All of these professionals work together to help keep our bodies and minds healthy, so just like you don’t need to be ashamed of visiting the dentist, you shouldn’t be ashamed of seeing a mental health professional.
You also don’t have to experience mental illness to benefit from visiting a therapist or talking openly about the state of your mental health with someone you trust such as a friend, family member, or religious or spiritual leader. After all, you don’t wait for your car to die before taking it to the shop; you take it in for regular tuneups to keep it running smoothly. Your mental health is the same way: keeping an eye on it and regularly checking in with someone who cares about you can help promote positive mental health and make it easier for you to get professional help if you need it.
Speak Out Against Negative Portrayals in the Media
The media and entertainment industry plays a crucial role in shaping public opinions on many issues, including mental health and mental illness. Unfortunately, people experiencing mental illness are still often portrayed as dangerous, violent, and unpredictable. News stories, in particular, often sensationalize violent acts performed by individuals with mental illness. At the same time, newspapers and news channels rarely feature stories of recovery or positive news about similar individuals.
All of these negative portrayals contribute to a culture of fear and misunderstanding. If you see a negative portrayal of mental illness or portray seeking help as a sign of weakness, you should speak up. Reach out to the company responsible on social media and let them know that you feel their portrayal is harmful.
Don’t Self Stigmatize
Acting with compassion extends to yourself as well. It can often be easier to treat others with compassion than to show ourselves the same courtesy. If you find that you are often having disparaging or disheartening thoughts about yourself (such as believing you will never get better, or that you don’t deserve help) pause and take a moment to assess what is going on. Try and figure out where these negative thoughts are coming from and consider reaching out to someone who cares about you for support.
You can also help build a positive support network by getting involved in your community.
2020 Rick Robson Memorial Golf Tournament is Postponed
Recommendations from the government to practice social distancing and shutter doors for all non-essential businesses have made it challenging to continue to provide support for our less fortunate. So, we are reaching out today to regretfully announce our 2020 Rick Robson Memorial Golf Tournament will not continue as planned. The event will be rescheduled in 2021, details will be available at a later date.
To take the place of our efforts in organizing and executing our annual Golf Tournament, we have focused on implementing take-out meals and personal care programs. We are closely following guidelines set in place by continuing to practice physical distancing and using plexiglass shielding.
We have proudly served over 900 meals per week since the declaration of the State of Emergency. Although it has taken significant adjustment in these uncertain and frightening times, our selfless staff and volunteers have made it possible to continue to make a difference.
Alongside our meal program, we have increased the capacity for individuals in need of shower or laundry facilities. With most non-essential businesses closed, access to public washroom facilities has decreased significantly – so we have worked to provide what we can for increased demand.
We’ve also collaborated with other organizations, including the City of Brampton, to get an Emergency Food Bank in operation to help provide people with the items they need. Additionally, we have established an Emergency Drop-In Centre to help individuals find shelter for the night.
In past years, the annual Rick Robson Memorial Golf Tournament has helped to raise money in memoriam of Rick Robson to assist homeless individuals in Brampton. Donations have been used to provide our community:
Hot meals 365 days a year
Necessities like clothing, showers, hygiene products, and laundry
Social integration programs such as art, games, and bingo
Life skills taught through workshops and our community kitchen
Love, encouragement, and support
A Message For Our Attendees of The Rick Robson Memorial Golf Tournament
In the absence of this tournament, we would love to provide a way for those who may have attended the tournament a way to give back. If you would like to help Regen continue to provide for our community, please consider donating what you can.
Alongside a dollar amount of your choice, we accept the selfless donation of your time as a volunteer as well as food, clothing, and essential items. For more information, click here.
Additionally, if you are interested in helping Regen continue to provide for Brampton and area, please consider donating. Alongside a dollar amount of your choice, we accept the selfless donation of your time as a volunteer as well as food, clothing, and essential items. For more information, click here.
We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and love for our community.
How Does Healthcare Inequality Exist in Canada?
Canada is one of 51 countries around the world to have free universal healthcare. We pay taxes so that everyone can get the medication, treatment, or care they need without having to bear the financial burden.
Every Canadian has access to our healthcare system. In theory, that should mean that everyone’s health is basically consistent across social and economic classes.
Unfortunately, even with accessible and affordable health services, health and healthcare inequality still exists in Canada. Let’s take a look at health inequality and how it occurs within a somewhat progressive healthcare system like ours.
What Is Health Inequality?
When one socioeconomic group is generally healthier than another socioeconomic group, it’s known as health inequality or healthcare inequality.
Socioeconomic groups don’t just refer to income and tax brackets. While health is often closely linked to wealth, there are other elements at play as well. Education, sex, living situation, income, family life, and even ethnicity can all factor into your socioeconomic status.
How Do We Know Healthcare Inequality Exists in Canada?
Here are a few statistics that demonstrate Canada’s healthcare inequality:
Highest-income Canadians get 11.3 more healthy years than lowest-income Canadians
Life expectancy is 5-6 years lower for Metis people
Tuberculosis is significantly more common among indigenous people than non-indigenous people
High alcohol consumption is most common among people with less than a high school education
Some Sources of Health Inequality
Poverty & Working Poverty
Even though basic healthcare is available for free, health is much more general than doctor’s visits or hospitalization. Your health depends heavily on sleep, diet, hygiene, and other basic human needs.
Unfortunately, many of these basic needs go unmet due to poverty. For Canada’s homeless population, shelter, safety, food, and bathing are not necessarily a given. If these staples of health aren’t fulfilled, you become much more vulnerable to illness and injury.
This idea doesn’t just extend to extreme cases of poverty, either. Many people with full-time jobs still live below the poverty line. This is sometimes called working poverty.
Processed foods are typically the cheapest. Unfortunately, they’re also high in sugars and low in nutritional value. People living in poverty are more likely to suffer from obesity because they cannot afford a more varied and nutritious diet.
Approximately 8.7% of Canadians live below the poverty line. Even if healthcare is free, health inequality exists as long as poverty is a problem in Canada.
Gender Norms & Biases
Even in a socially-progressive country like Canada, sexism is still a lingering problem. Gender biases (usually against women and non-binary people, but sometimes against men) place a barrier between Canadians and the diagnosis or care that they need.
There’s a long-standing theory that doctors and medical professionals take women’s reports of pain less seriously than they do for men. There is plenty of literature, documentation, and anecdotal evidence to support this theory.
People are more likely to feel empathy for people they identify with. It’s possible that, since more than half of Canada’s doctors are male, they are more likely to identify with male patients.
Historically, “women’s issues” have also been largely underrepresented in medicine. Issues specific to the uterus and ovaries like Endometriosis and PCOS are notoriously understudied. As a result, patients suffering from these and similar diseases can struggle to get a diagnosis. And once they have it, there are seldom any really effective treatments due to lack of research.
Even conditions that are not sex-related may have a history of gender bias. For decades, medical research for conditions like ADHD and ASD was only performed with men. Unfortunately, these conditions often present completely differently in women. Because the diagnosis criteria were tailored to more male experiences, women were, and sometimes still are, unable to get the diagnosis, treatment, and support they need.
Non-Covered Services
While most medical care is covered for Canadians, some services require additional health insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Dentistry, for example, is not covered by universal healthcare. As a result, it has become a huge barrier to healthy living for many Canadians.
96% of Canadians have tooth decay. In addition to toothaches, dental decay can have serious repercussions for your health. Tooth decay may be linked to:
Gum disease
Infections
Pneumonia
Pregnancy complications
Heart disease
These are serious issues. And while we may not be able to prevent all of them completely, with the appropriate dental care, we can reduce the risk.
Unfortunately, many Canadians are unable to afford regular dental cleanings, let alone fillings, root canals, and more elaborate procedures. It’s not uncommon for Canadians to lose teeth, often because they are too decayed to save, or because they are too expensive to restore. Losing teeth and other dental issues often leave sufferers unable to chew.
Approximately 7.6% of Canadian adults are unable to chew. The vast majority of these adults belong to the lowest-paid group of Canadians. If you are unable to chew, it becomes difficult to maintain a healthy diet which is key for overall health.
Inaccessibility
For many Canadians, the healthcare they need is simply not accessible to them. It could be a communication barrier, like an immigrant who can’t find healthcare in their language, or a person who is deaf and needs a signing translator.
There’s also the issue of availability. Even major cities may only have 1 or 2 specialists in any given area. It’s common for transgender people to spend years on waiting lists before they can transition because there aren’t enough endocrinologists to help an entire population.
For people with special needs or disabilities, accessibility can be a massive hurdle. When there’s no space for a wheelchair in an eye exam room, eye exams become inaccessible for someone. When there’s no quiet space for a noise-sensitive person on the Autism spectrum, waiting rooms become inaccessible.
Even when healthcare is financially accessible to everyone, it may not be physically accessible to everyone.
Understanding the Realities of Canada’s Healthcare System
Canadian healthcare does a lot of good for a lot of people. Universal healthcare makes diagnosis and treatment more readily available for anyone who needs it, and that’s a good thing.
But it’s important to remember that healthcare inequality still exists in Canada. By recognizing some of the biases and barriers built into the system, we can highlight the gaps where we need the most change. The more we consider healthcare inequality, the better equipped we are to eliminate it.
Regeneration’s “New Normal” During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications for Regeneration Outreach Community, as adherence to the physical distancing measures that have been established to protect the public has meant that Regeneration has had to find creative ways to fulfil its mission.
These changes have not been made in isolation however, as valuable partnerships with other organizations have been critical in responding to the shifting needs in the City of Brampton. Combining resources has allowed for a stronger united front in addressing the social ramifications from the pandemic, allowing those who need it access to much-needed support.
Take-Out Meal Program and Personal Care
To ensure the safety of our guests, staff and volunteers, Regeneration has instituted protective measures, which begins with a take-away meal program. Using physical distancing and take-out windows, Regen is able to serve the people that rely on Regen’s meal program. There have been close to 900 meals served per week during the declared State of Emergency.
It has taken a lot of adjustment, but the support that Regen has proudly provided to the downtown community has continued uninterrupted because of the collaboration between the selfless volunteers and our dedicated staff team. A great success even in such uncertain and frightening circumstances.
Along with the meal program, Regen has also increased capacity for individuals who are in need of shower or laundry facilities. Hours for these services have been increased and now run from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm as the demand for personal care is heightened due to the shutdown of public facilities. One grateful guest said, “I figure each day I have spent about 20 minutes inside, and that’s when I come and get a shower or do laundry and get a meal at [Regen]… thanks so much!”
Emergency Food Bank
The reality of this necessary State of Emergency and shutdown of non-essential services is that the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities have not disappeared. For many, the needs have been heightened due to the Pandemic. With that in mind, Regeneration acted swiftly, collaborating with other organizations to open a safe and accessible Emergency Food Bank, operating out of the Regeneration Thrift Store location.
The Regeneration Emergency Food Bank has met the needs of hundreds of individuals and families, operating weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and making sure that food is getting to those who need it. The valuable partnerships with organizations like St. Andrews Food Bank, Ste. Louise Food Bank, the Knight’s Table and the City of Brampton have allowed Regeneration to respond in love to the needs of Brampton.
In addition, the City of Brampton has partnered with the Food Bank to deliver groceries to people who are unable to access the Food Bank on a weekly basis. The response of the community has been overwhelming. Whether it be through donations of food from individuals, businesses, churches or other organizations, or the hard work of volunteers, this Food Bank has been shaped by the hearts of caring and loving people.
Drop-In Centre
Regeneration has also established an Emergency Drop-In Centre in partnership with Kennedy Road Church. Common areas like restaurants, public spaces, and the library are not available to those who are homeless. There very limited options for access to bathrooms, communication technology, and even a place to sleep for a few hours. The Drop-In Centre is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-3:00 pm.
Regeneration Drop-In Centre fulfils this need for people while practicing infection control and sanitation procedures. Guests are screened before they enter the location, and areas are kept sanitized and clean to avoid potential contamination.
For details on Regeneration Outreach Community’s service during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.regenbrampton.com
For information on how to support Regeneration, please visit https://regenbrampton.com/donate/
How Mental Health, Faith, & Social Connection Can Help the Homeless
Canada is one of the wealthiest nations of the world, but far too many of our fellow citizens don’t have enough financial support to meet their basic needs. It is estimated that about 235,000 Canadians are homeless on any given year, and about 35,000 are homeless on any given night. The causes of homelessness vary from person to person, but the most common causes include:
Poverty
Unemployment
A lack of social and family support
Physical health struggles
Mental health struggles
To better support those experiencing homelessness, we need to tend to the spiritual, social, and mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
Mental Health & Homelessness: A Vicious Cycle
Mental health issues and homelessness can form a vicious cycle. Individuals with mental illness are more likely to become homeless, but mental illness can also make it more difficult for unsheltered individuals to leave homelessness behind for good.
Poverty is a huge factor in determining which individuals are more likely to experience homelessness. If a person is suffering from poor mental health, they may find it more difficult to hold onto steady work. This lack of steady employment can make it difficult to pay rent and purchase necessities such as food. As housing prices in Canada only continue to rise, we may find more of our fellow Canadians forced out of their homes.
Poor mental health can also make us more vulnerable and can cause vulnerable people to push away their support network and isolate themselves. This means that when the possibility of homelessness arises, individuals with poor mental health may not have a robust social network to turn to for aid.
Individuals who are homeless are also more likely to develop mental illnesses. The chronic, unyielding stress of being homeless can cause fear, anxiety, and depression and may cause mental illness to worsen.
When vulnerable individuals are able to have their mental health needs met, it can help make it easier for them to leave homelessness behind for good.
The Housing First Model
Providing affordable social housing could be a way of helping people with mental health combat homelessness. In Canada, people with mental illness can find it challenging to access the renting and housing market. Landlords tend not to want to rent to potential tenants without a steady source of income to pay the rent. However, being unsheltered makes it more likely for vulnerable individuals to experience mental and physical illness. To address the root of the problem, some American and Canadian cities have adopted a Housing First model.
The housing first model is exactly what it sounds like: provide unsheltered individuals with stable housing and then address other issues from there. Unlike several other models, which may require vulnerable individuals to meet strict eligibility requirements (such as sober living) before they are provided with shelter, housing first allows the most vulnerable among us to enjoy the safety and dignity of having a place to call our own without any strings attached.
Addressing Poverty
Another way we as a community can help improve the lives of our shelterless neighbours is to work to alleviate poverty. Unfortunately, finding and maintaining steady employment can be challenging for individuals dealing with severe mental illness.
Individuals with poor mental health are still viewed by many employers as unstable or unreliable, which means that those of us who require steady work the most may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break free from.
What Can We Do to Help?
Communities and government institutions can support our most vulnerable neighbours in two ways: They can support charities and nonprofits, or they can provide help directly to someone in need.
Faith & Homelessness
Faith is about connecting with something bigger than one’s self. Faith is different from religion, although a person can be spiritual as a result of practicing a religion. To get how faith and religious activities connect to homelessness, one can look at how they interact with factors that cause homelessness, including mental illness, poverty, and social isolation.
Some studies have found that people who are spiritual or practice a religion tend to be more resilient and better able to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
How Can Faith Help the Homeless?
Faith plays a significant role in a person’s ability to overcome challenges. For many, believing in a higher power can provide the emotional and mental strength required to find inner strength and peace in stressful or depressive situations. As such, communities and organizations that work with the vulnerable should take steps to help address both their physical and their mental and spiritual needs.
For some of us, faith and religion can have a positive effect on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Prayer, in particular, can:
Help manage stress effectively.
Insulate us from depression.
Help us foster a positive outlook on life.
Another factor that affects homelessness is poverty. The lack of a stable income can cause a person the ability to afford the necessities of life, such as paying rent, resulting in homelessness. In times of trouble, having a church or other close-knit community to turn to can provide a social safety net. Many spiritual schools of thought also encourage their members to care for the most vulnerable among them and strive to teach their community members that all individuals, regardless of their situation, deserve dignity and respect.
Social Connection & Homelessness
Losing social connections can make homelessness even more difficult to bear. In addition to other hardships that homeless people face (including poor mental health, being unsheltered, and living in poverty), many unsheltered individuals face social isolation as well. Though mental illness may cause some unsheltered individuals to sever social ties or push their loved ones away, being homeless can also cause social isolation because of the way most of society ignores this vulnerable group and denies their humanity.
Lack of social connections can increase loneliness, anxiety, depression, and take a toll on our mental and physical health. It can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and severe low self-esteem.
How Can Social Connection Help the Homeless?
How people connect socially differs from person to person. To help reach and support our most vulnerable community members, we need to come up with a variety of strategies since no one single strategy will be able to effectively help everyone.
Organizations can help the homeless forge social connections by providing inclusive programs that are welcome to everyone. For example, a support group can provide a forum for individuals with similar concerns or struggles to share their experiences, connect, and support one another.
Poor self-esteem and feelings of poor self-worth can also increase social isolation for homeless individuals. Communities can help by providing life and employment skills-based programs that can help people who are homeless or are likely to become homeless soon. These programs can help these vulnerable individuals learn valuable skills to improve their job prospects and reduce poverty. Learning a new skill can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.
Finally, community groups can share their facilities with their vulnerable neighbours by becoming social hubs where vulnerable individuals can share meals, grab a cup of coffee, and form social relationships with one another and the wider community.
Being unsheltered is a difficult burden to bear. By volunteering or donating to organizations like ours that work with vulnerable individuals, you can help make a difference in someone’s life.
Resources For Meals During COVID-19
As the world has had to quickly respond to the current COVID-19 crisis in the past two weeks, the City of Brampton has made some drastic changes to ensure that the most vulnerable people in this community are cared for through the indeterminable duration and impact of this pandemic. They promptly launched a Task Force to ensure that the vulnerable population receives support at this time, you can view this initiative here:
https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/emergency-management/Pages/COVID-19-Social-Support-Task-Force.aspx
Regeneration has become an anchor and a lead responder to the needs of the vulnerable population and ensuring access to essential food services. In collaboration with the City of Brampton, the Knight’s Table and United Sikhs, a significant amount of food is being redistributed from Regeneration to those in need. This is how we are helping:
Regeneration’s meal programs (Breakfast seven days a week from 8:00am-9:30am/9:15am on Sundays and lunch Monday-Thursday from 11:30am-12:30pm)
Emergency Food Bank (Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00pm-2:00pm) at 253 Queen St. E, Brampton, ON.
Delivering meals and groceries to families in need through partnering organizations (please use the City of Brampton link above to access needed services)
For individuals and families in Brampton that are healthy and financially secure, this crisis is a wake up call to how fast circumstances can change and the importance of social services like public health and the media that help navigate through complicated times.
For those who live without this financial security, or are vulnerable due to physical or mental health struggles, the support given by the City of Brampton, and organizations like Regeneration, the Knight’s Table and United Sikhs, could be having a meal or going hungry.
For those interested and in a position to support these organizations through food donation, please visit this page. To financially support the work being done by these anchor organizations, please click below or call by phone:
Regeneration Outreach CommunityKnight’s Table
United Sikhs – 905-672-2245 or 905-799-2682 or 647-287-4644
We are all in this together!
The Poverty Trap: How People Become Stuck in the Cycle of Poverty
What is Poverty?
Poverty is defined by the United Nations as the inability to fulfill basic needs like food, healthcare, education, and access to water and sanitation. By that definition, around 10% of the world lives in extreme poverty.
In Canada, that number is around 9%, although it is higher for certain groups like single mothers and aboriginals. And while 60% of people experience poverty temporarily, much of the other 40% are often stuck in a cycle of poverty, experiencing homelessness and other issues for years.
What Causes Poverty?
There isn’t one sole cause of poverty. For many, it’s a combination of the causes below that can cause temporary poverty to become cyclical.
Disabilities
People living with a physical or mental disability are twice as likely to struggle with poverty or homelessness. This link has been well-documented and it’s estimated that 45% of homeless Canadians are either disabled or struggling with a mental illness.
People experiencing homelessness are also more likely to have a learning disability. 16% of homeless people have a learning disability, compared to only 2% of the general population. A disability can make it harder for people to find long-term employment and apply for assistance, further increasing their chance of living in poverty or experiencing homelessness.
Long-Term Employment Issues
Disabilities are closely linked with employment issues, which are of course linked with poverty. The Canadian Labour Congress argues that while some disabilities prevent certain people from working, many people with disabilities can work but can’t find jobs due to discrimination and other barriers.
Less than 3 out of 10 businesses hire people with disabilities, despite one study finding that employees with disabilities meet or exceed expectations 75% of the time. It can be difficult for those experiencing poverty or homelessness to find a job for a number of other reasons in addition to disabilities. Often, they don’t have access to a phone or have a permanent address, or have gaps in their employment history.
Many also don’t have work-appropriate attire or reliable transportation. If they are living at a shelter, the hours of the job may conflict with the time of shelter’s curfew or meal programs. All these barriers can make it difficult or impossible for someone to find a job and lift themselves out of poverty.
Difficulty Accessing Assistance
For those who have difficulty accessing a job, assistance or benefits programs may be their best chance of escaping poverty. However, the system for applying and receiving benefits can be difficult to navigate, especially for those with a disability or those experiencing homelessness.
It can be difficult for the average person to fill out a government form, let alone someone with a learning or intellectual disability. It can also be difficult for homeless people to complete the forms and follow-up properly, as they have no permanent address and often no phone number. One study in Ontario found that 70% of homeless people were unable to even get an application without assistance.
For those who can complete the forms, wait times can be up to 2 years long for people who desperately need immediate assistance. Many argue that assistance programs have failed to keep up with the cost of living and those who do qualify to receive assistance still don’t have enough to survive.
Limited Affordable Housing
It’s no secret that the cost of living is on the rise, which can make affordable housing difficult to find, especially for people with disabilities. Housing is considered affordable when a person or household spends less than 30% of their pre-tax income on shelter.
Over 27% of Canadians don’t have access to affordable housing, and that number is even higher for people with disabilities. People with disabilities often spend more than 50% of their pre-tax income on housing, 20% higher than what is considered affordable.
How Poverty Becomes Cyclical
Most low-income Canadians are poor for a short period of time, with most struggling for a year or less. The number of Canadians living in persistent or cyclical poverty is decreasing, but many Canadians still remain trapped in the poverty cycle.
32% of people experiencing homelessness in the Peel Region are experiencing chronic homelessness. Disability, employment issues, difficulty accessing assistance, and limited affordable housing can all contribute to poverty and one another.
Someone with a disability may have difficulty finding a job, further worsening poverty. Similarly, someone experiencing homelessness may have difficulty applying for assistance, preventing them from getting the help they need.
Once the cycle of poverty has begun, it’s likely to continue without outside intervention. We all understand that poverty is a problem, but with a better understanding of the causes, we can be better equipped to make a meaningful difference.
How to Help the Homeless: What & When to Donate
Homelessness is an unfortunate epidemic that affects many major Canadian cities, and Brampton is no exception. As of August 2019, the region of Peel housed 922 homeless people, but not enough shelters or affordable housing to accommodate them.
As Canadians, we can all do our part to fight against homelessness and help marginalized individuals. Giving cash donations to nonprofit organizations and charities is helpful, but some specific items can help individuals get through tougher times.
If you see individuals trying to remain comfortable on the streets, the most universal thing that you can give them in any season is kindness. They are people too, with thoughts and feelings, and a smile or warm greeting can help lift spirits if nothing else.
What Should You Give to Individuals
Winter Donations
In colder seasons, it is difficult for people experiencing homelessness to live comfortably and stay warm. Sometimes, shelters are not a viable option for some individuals due to mental illness or certain phobias such as claustrophobia, so they choose to remain outside. Additionally, with the lack of space at shelters, it can be impossible for some people to find solace indoors.
If you’d like to donate to individuals trying to stay warm in colder months, certain items could be valued a little more than others.
Hand, Foot, or Body Warmers
Even with gloves or mittens, winter winds can chill extremities to the bone, and for individuals stuck outside – frostbite is always a fear. Hand or body warmers are small inexpensive pouches that can be placed inside clothing and provide heat for at least 1-2 hours. People experiencing homelessness during cold snaps will always be grateful to receive a source of temporary warmth.
Gift Cards
Specialized gift cards to coffee shops or fast food restaurants can help individuals stay warm while they are waiting for room at a shelter, or simply just give them a break from the cold. Having an opportunity to go for lunch with a friend or even indulge in a warm tea are little things that we take for granted that can be special for a person dealing with homelessness.
You don’t need to stick to food-related cards as well as gift cards for malls, clothing stores, or even prepaid Visa gift cards can help individuals purchase necessities that they need, such as proper fitting bras, hygiene products, or pet food if they have a furry companion.
Summer Donations
Care Packages
Making small care packages can be helpful for people that are trying to live on the streets. Include items that can help give them a boost, like fruit, granola bars, crackers and other non-perishable items that don’t need to be refrigerated. Some other helpful additions can include reusable water bottles, warm socks and gloves, hygiene products, lip chap, and gift cards.
Spices
As strange as it may sound, having a small stash of spices can make mundane meals that homeless people can find at soup kitchens or shelters more tasty and exciting.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
During warmer months, sunburns and bug bites can make staying outside uncomfortable. Providing individuals with items to soothe sunburns or prevent them can be extremely helpful in making their lives easier.
Additionally, in some areas or months of the year, bugs can be detrimental and cause itchy bites which may lead to scabs and infection. Giving bug spray or after bite can help prevent bites and subsequent open wounds or infection.
What Should You Give to Shelters
In winter months, shelters become packed to the rafters with homeless individuals seeking shelter from the cold. Due to the increase in people wanting to stay at the shelters, supplies they give out can run low.
However, many shelters will happily accept donations like food and clothing so they can remain prepared for guests.
Warm Clothes & Footwear
In colder weather, warm jackets, socks, pants, sweaters, and boots are in high demand to keep individuals warm while they are outside. Donating items in a variety of sizes or men, women, and children is always beneficial for shelters to have to distribute to their guests.
Towels
Shelters often have an influx of people coming in wishing to wash and bathe in their facilities. As they often can’t launder towels for each new guest, new towels are a great donation for shelters.
Diapers & Formula
Family shelters will house guests of any age, from infants to the elderly. Donating diapers, wipes, formula, or any items made for young children can be extremely helpful for impoverished families.
Transit Passes
As most shelters provide housing for the night, the next day guests are required to move on for the day, so providing them with transit passes to travel to their desired destination can be very helpful. Transit passes can help individuals job hunt, or make it to work, school, or any other place they may need to be.
Your Time
Just like kindness can go a long way, volunteering at your local shelter can help in a variety of ways. From kitchen duties to sorting donations, shelters can always use an extra pair of hands.
Things to Avoid
While most shelters and people affected by homelessness will always appreciate the thought, there are some things you may just want to skip.
Shelters are unable to take certain items due to safety issues or lack of space. Leftover or perishable food items are usually a no-go. Additionally, larger furniture items can be helpful when people find places to live away from the shelter, but shelters cannot store them. Look for local thrift stores to give away gently used items.
In Case of Emergency
Sometimes, you may witness someone that is in immediate need of assistance. Depending on the situation, you should call 211 (non-profit organizations), 311 (non-emergency), or 911 (emergency) to assist the person in need.
In colder months, some signs to watch out for are:
Exposed skin
Signs of frostbite
Someone unconscious or unresponsive
A sign of hypothermia is someone removing their clothing when they are in cold temperatures. One of the best ways to gauge a situation is to communicate with the individual if it is safe to do so.
Regeneration has drives, fundraisers, a thrift store, and events to help lessen the issue of homelessness, poverty, and addiction here in Brampton. If you are interested in getting involved, visit our website to find out more.