Why focus on poverty?
Poverty is complex. There are many factors. Our economy has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Locally, we have many residents who struggle to meet basic needs. Through community conversations, citizens told us that limited income results in having to make difficult choices every day. An example would be a choice between food or transportation or rent and hydro. They also spoke of the lack of understanding and stigma and what it’s like to live in these conditions.
Poverty is complex. The burden is profound. Those living with limited income face many social and health barriers.
Local Strategies
Help meet basic needs
- Increase access to affordable, healthy, fresh food
- Provide supports and options to obtain & maintain affordable, safe and stable housing
- Create awareness and the supports to obtain resources for improved health and well-being
- Educate the community about the reality of living in poverty
Strengthen employment readiness
- Increase access to supports that will provide education resources, strengthen employment readiness and relevant life skills
- Recognize and reduce barriers to obtaining and maintaining a job
Poverty to Possibility Programs
Resident Support with Indwell
Meeting basic needs is foundational to a healthy, prosperous community. The resident support program at Harvey Woods Lofts ensures that all residents have access to supports for health, well-being, community engagement and employment
Oxford Oral Outreach with Oxford County Community Health Centre & Partners
Oral health care is vital to our health, self-esteem and to employment readiness but is often not accessible for adults living with limited income. This collaborative outreach program creates awareness and offers supports to help people obtain oral health care and treatments that ultimately lead to better health and well-being
Oxford Street Outreach Program with Oxford County Community Health Centre
A sense of belonging is a key determinant of health, both physical and mental. Safe and reliable housing is critical to well-being. The goals of this program are to decrease isolation and assist people in making social connections within safe environments and to support individuals as they transition from precarious housing to a permanent, safe location with appropriate supports