President Judy Nairn (L) and David Barth (R) thank guest speaker Marion Thompson-Howell.
May 18, 2022 Rotary:
Announcements:
Concordia is ending the buffet on June 1st. We are working with Concordia to explore a possible alternative to the buffet for lunch.
May 28 District Conference at Bingeman’s … the deadline for registration is Saturday May 21.
Kitchener club is celebrating 100 years on June 27 with a lunch at Golf’s – more details to follow
Kidsability Fun Day is cancelled on June 11
The club visioning exercise will take place June 18 from 9-12 at the Knights of Columbus in Kitchener. Contact Everton if you would like to participate.
Catch the Ace jackpot now $11,000
Special Dates:
Three club members celebrate birthdays on May 20: Graham Gardner, Jack Kinch and John Rose
May 20 Michelle Wilmott celebrates her birthday
50/50
Alex had the winning number twice but, did not find the black marble. Don also had a winning ticket; however, also did not have luck in finding the black marble. The 50/50 pot continues to grow.
Speaker:
Judy welcomed our speaker today Marion Thompson-Howell
Marion is the Chair of St. Mary’s Hospital Board
She is also an active member of the Better Tent City Board
Marion shared some background data with our group – according to the Region of Waterloo 2020 report on homelessness 11,000 people in our region experience homelessness and 4,000 of these people are completely unsheltered
Businessman Ron Doyle responded to this growing need by providing a space at lot 42 for a number of these unsheltered people who were living outside in tents
In 2 years, a Better Tent City has moved three times
Today 50 people our housed in 42 – 10x10 cabins
All residents are one step away from sleeping outdoors in the bush in a tent
In a Better Tent City, residents have four walls, warmth, and security
Recent additions have been running water and laundry
All residents suffer from mental health and addictions
Most live on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) – the housing allowance for a single person on ODSP is $450.00 per month
Recent additions have been a gathering place and community kitchen
Sanguine Heath Care provides pharmaceutical assistance
1.5 staff support the community along with numerous volunteers
Initial data is showing promising results: reduction in calls to police, emergency room visits and over-dose
A Family First policy from Finland, which focusing on housing people first, before requiring them to address mental health and addiction issues, results in approximate $15,000 less per person in spending
A Better Tent City is only one small approach to addressing the housing crisis in our Region
