Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/social-justice/)
Issues related to social injustices within the community
The show:
Affordable housing and addressing homelessness is a county responsibility in Northumberland. You will hear politicians repeat this mantra often. Municipal politicians have few tools to stimulate or create affordable housing and rental units. One approach is the use of grants and loans. This can be done at the lower level. Continue Reading →
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The show:
For years I have wanted to do this story. So often, when listening to people talk about homelessness or affordable housing, the conversation inevitably turns to real estate. What is going on with the housing market in Northumberland? Advocates will tell you skyrocketing housing prices are pushing people out of the market. They will also curse investors and speculators who snap up properties to flip them – that is, buy and sell them in a short period for a profit – or turn them into rental units going for unholy monthly amounts. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
It was a beautiful Sunday morning just over a year ago. Sgt. Janice MacDonald of the Cobourg Police was sitting in her cruiser in a parking lot on Strathy Road. On a small patch of grass, she saw a homeless woman sleeping. It broke her heart. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
The recent tragic death of Kory Trenouth brought into sharp focus the impact of the opioid crisis in Northumberland County. Then, last week, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit released an opioid alert warning illegal drug users about the possibility of overdosing or potential poisons in the drug supply. The first interview on today’s show hones in on the continuing opioid crisis in the county. As of July 5, there were 64 overdoses in Northumberland. Last year, the total was 152. Continue Reading →
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The interview:
Cobourg Councillor Nicole Beatty is pushing hard to get the issue of homelessness addressed in the community. At a special meeting dedicated to the homeless crisis on July 4, Beatty was vocal, looking to expedite action. First, there was the staff report on encampments. The council unanimously decided to keep the status quo with a few minor changes. Next, there was Beatty’s initiative. Continue Reading →
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Nothing is more fundamental than food and shelter. Today’s show looks at two aspects of those struggling in the community. First, Anne Newman, executive director of Transition House, will speak candidly about the homeless situation. While people sleep rough in parks and public spaces, Newsman said Transition House has empty beds. Newman also offers solutions. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
In Cobourg and Port Hope, 550 households will seek help from the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank on any given week. These are people from a wide range of backgrounds: unemployed professionals, seniors living on a fixed income, young families, working poor, and youth. For some, it takes courage to overcome the barriers of asking for help. For others, there is little choice as they cannot find enough work to cover the rising costs of food, rent, gas, and other necessities. Helen Donovan, the CEO of the food bank, will tell you many heartbreaking stories of people who come every week to get a few days of food as they struggle. Continue Reading →
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The interview for the Daily Wrap:
Just after midnight Thursday, a 36-year-old man was found in distress in the lobby of a local bank on King Street. Police officers discovered him and tried to help. Sadly, he died. Missy McLean is a director for Moms Stop The Harm. She is a local activist working hard to change local attitudes toward those who are addicted to drugs and their families. Continue Reading →
The show:
The full interview:
Trent Hills Pride is holding its first official celebrations this weekend. It is another first for Northumberland County. Two events were held previously, but over the past year, a group of dedicated people have organized a three-day event. It started yesterday, and it is packed with fun things to do. You will want to hear all about it. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
According to Northumberland County official reports, 78 people are homeless. It could be more. There are only 24 beds at Transition House, the county’s only emergency shelter. People are sleeping in tents in the local woods. They sleep on the beach. Continue Reading →
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