Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

Fare Share food bank see need skyrocket as people seeking help more than doubles

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Fare Share workers sorting items

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Helen Donovan, the Chief Executive Officer of Fare Share, said in this interview there was a 61 percent increase over last year. A growing list of factors contributes to this surge. These include inflation, grocery prices, high cost of rent, and the number of people living in the community on fixed incomes. Christmas is a particularly rough time for those in need. So, the food bank is responding with numerous efforts. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Food Bank, Port Hope, Social Justice

Day of remembrance marks dramatic increases in demand at women’s shelter, says executive director

By: |
Nancy Johnston, executive director of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Fifty-two women in Ontario were killed by a spouse or partner over the last year. On average, that is one woman per week. It is a shocking statistic. The danger to women in abusive situations has grown since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. And while measures related to the pandemic have changed, the increases in violence against women have not. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Day of Remembrance, Northumberland, Social Justice, women abuse

County opens warming room early as CAO explains $250,000 annual budget

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St. Peter's Anglican Church Cobourg

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Here is Northumberland County CAO Jennifer Moore talking about the early opening of its warming room. It is a joint project of the county, Transition House, and St. Peter’s Anglican Church. It was scheduled to open on Dec. 5. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice

Details about a community-led temporary warming room at St. Andrew’s Church

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Donations for the community-led warming room.

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Recently, a significant snowstorm drew into sharp focus the need for a warming room for people living in the rough. Some of those homeless people sought shelter in the bus terminal in downtown Cobourg. Through the actions of some advocates, the bus terminal was kept open during the storm. However, the people using the bus terminal were evicted when the storm was over. With nowhere else to go and the official warming room run by Northumberland County not ready, a group of volunteers quickly pulled together to create a temporary warming room at St. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Social Justice

Group hopes to build temporary sleeping cabins for homeless in Northumberland

By: |
Sleeping cabins

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

After efforts, this summer to find a solution to people sleeping in parks and public spaces across Northumberland, a group of concerned citizens got together to propose a solution. Sleeping cabins are small huts of less than 100 sq. ft. that provide a secure, safe place for those who are homeless. These cabins are already being used in Kitchener, Peterborough, and Kingston with some success. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Social Justice

A view from the frontlines: Inside the CUPE protest in Northumberland

By: |
CUPE member Lynn Lewis.

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last week, we watched as the Ontario government imposed a contract on support workers in our schools. These workers belong to the Canadian Union of Public Employees or CUPE. When it announced the deal is said Premier Doug Ford said he wanted to keep kids in the classroom. The provincial government also used the notwithstanding clause to prevent any appeals of its legislation. Then, last Friday, those workers held a protest. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Labour, Politics, Social Justice

Canada Cares seeks nominations in Northumberland and across Canada for caregiver awards

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Canada Cares elderly woman in wheelchair

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Nearly half the population of Northumberland County are seniors. That means there are a lot of organizations and people dedicated to caring for the elderly. Whether it is Northumberland Community Care, Ed’s Hospice, or Meals on Wheels, numerous groups help. Then, there are the family members – spouses, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters. Now, take another moment and think about all who look after those with physical and mental challenges. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Caregivers, Community, Seniors, Social Justice

Homeless Day march spawns statement from county on warming room prep

By: |
Homeless person out in the cold

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last week, a group of advocates held a march in Cobourg on World Homeless Day. They walked from the courthouse on William Street to the County building hoping to raise awareness about those sleeping in the rough in parks and other public spaces across Northumberland. Notably, four days before the march, Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate released a pre-emptive statement saying the county was finalizing the setting up warming rooms. The statement also mentioned getting input from people with lived experience. It also went on to describe other steps the county was taking to help homeless people. In this interview with Jennifer Moore, CAO of Northumberland County will dig deeper into the statement and what is actually going on when it comes to preparations to address the needs of people who find themselves without shelter. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Politics, Social Justice

Seeking solutions to affordable housing and rentals through a community improvement plan

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Housing, Politics, Social Justice

Who owns what? Unpacking Northumberland County’s housing market

By: |

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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Housing, Politics, Social Justice