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 Online Poll
Do you think community events such as The Week of Action Against Poverty will lead to positive changes for the poor and homeless in Kenora?
No   74     43%
Yes   100     57%
 Total Votes: 174


Comments   Add Your Own
JN  ( March 7, 2017)
Poverty and homelessness are economic issues that are driven by larger trends than Kenora BUT we are responsible for how we respond within our own community. There are things we can influence and develop locally that reduce the impact of national trends.
Bob  ( March 7, 2017)
Yes there will be a positive change for the poor and homeless but will this change prove to be positive in reducing poverty and homelessness?
Ruth Illman  ( March 6, 2017)
Yes, I believe events like this make a difference but it is step by step and over time. We judge a society/community by how it treats the most vulnerable. Dan J is absolutely correct. He provides many examples of changes that have occurred over the last 10 years. This is a result of many wonderful community organizations and community agencies who work daily to increase awareness of the issues of poverty and homelessness and more importantly take concrete steps to do something about it. I have been fortunate to be able to come to Kenora every year for the past 20 and have family in the judicial system here. There is no comparison to where this community was 20 years ago. Kenora has come a long way over these years and as Dan says in his comments there is still a long way to go. Congratulations to all who keep making a difference..
Paula  ( March 6, 2017)
What a loaded question. I think "poverty" will mean different things to different people. The working poor, I separate and feel sympathy for, and people with genuine disabilities. People opposed to mainstream society, but expect all the benefits is another thing. Society has let generations of people become protesters, that should contribute to provide for themselves, society in general that, through taxes helps support social programs and Mainstream society at large. Unequivocally.
FC  ( March 3, 2017)
I can't believe the "get a job" attitude! At minimum wage and part-time work that most stores prefer to hire at, you are in poverty whether you are working or not. Get Real. Learn the facts
BN  ( March 3, 2017)
I might have been somebody who said "get a job" years ago but I have learned a lot in the last while. Being poor or homeless isn't always your own fault. People are struggling with health issues. I'm proud to wear the red ribbon now that I understand it
Awareness  ( March 3, 2017)
Positive changes? Maybe... But, at least it brings more community awareness to the issues people in poverty face. Many people have assumptions about those living in poverty without really understanding it's a reality for a lot of Canadians, and there's nothing wrong with bringing awareness to these issues.
Freda Holmes  ( March 2, 2017)
Does anyone REALLY think that "those people" would CHOOSE a life of homelessness and hunger!? Some of the most vulnerable people who need housing and support, if they were to show up at your place of work, would you be so anxious to hire them? If you've followed the articles on homelessness, written by very concerned agencies trying to provide solutions, you'd know that homeless citizens were not always so. Many have been subject to job loss, addiction, abandonment, bankruptcy, and now find themselves at the mercy of, hopefully, people OF mercy, willing to help them change their situation. The Week of Action Against Poverty's "Walk in Others' Shoes" is a great lesson for privileged folks to experience just what it is like living in poverty.
Dan Jorgensen  ( March 2, 2017)
The question was whether or not activities like the Week of Action Against Poverty would lead to positive changes for the poor and homeless. I see more community outreach to the poor and homeless than there was 10 years ago in Kenora and I think that is a direct result of increased awareness of the issues that trap people in poverty and homelessness. We have received a commitment from the province to permanently fund an emergency shelter through the KDSB and I think we are slowly but surely moving toward the best solution to homelessness yet...Housing First. That wasn't happening 10 years ago. There's lots of work yet to be done, but without awareness and understanding of the issues and potential solutions we would never get anywhere. People need to let go of simplistic thinking, understand the underlying issues and make dealing with poverty a political priority by keeping it in the public eye. That is the fundamental purpose behind the Week of Action Against Poverty and many thanks to all the people who make it happen.
NN  ( March 2, 2017)
Absolutely! It is not the outcome of the activities that matters as much as the commitment that propells the activity. Good will increases with exercise and I want to live in a community that cares for all of its citizens.

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