Circles Muskoka needs your help to inspire and equip communities to resolve poverty

Poverty is a complicated issue and the statistics in Muskoka are stark. Consider that in 2013 about 57 per cent of all permanent households in Muskoka reported earning less than $30,000 per year. The waiting list for rent-geared-to-income had increased by 146 per cent in just seven years. (See more stats above)..

New data is being compiled but the problem persists, according to a recent information session held on the issue in Huntsville. The concept of poverty is loaded with stigma and prejudice – admittedly impacting even those who have made a career out of helping others.

To try and change that mindset, the YWCA, Table Soup Kitchen Foundation, Muskoka Community Church, Bracebridge United Church and Gravenhurst Women’s Centre have partnered together to offer Bridges Out of Poverty, a one-day workshop with keynote speakers. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre and costs $50, which includes a workbook. The last one was held in Huntsville. Organizers encourage the one-day session as a means of strengthening your understanding of poverty. The workshop is open to everyone.

They’ve also brought a new initiative to the community, Circles Muskoka. The community-based initiative would match families or individuals with low incomes with community volunteers who have higher incomes in order to form an intentional and symbiotic friendship. The volunteers, referred to as allies, would gain insight into the struggles faced by many and understand and hopefully champion systemic problems in the community while confronting their own stereotypes. Those in need, referred to as circle leaders, would chart the direction for their own progress, enhancing and expanding their skills and networking circle with the help of allies. The circle would generally meet weekly for about 18 months – although it would depend on the situation.

An information session was held Wednesday evening at the Community Room at Robinson’s Independent Grocers. An estimated 35 people attended the meeting and learned alarming statistics and heard from a tearful individual, who prefers not to be identified as she is getting her life back on course, about the hardships she faced when she became ill and lost all of her savings, income security and housing. She said she was embarrassed and felt alone, and emphasized the importance of having supports and feeling like someone was listening and caring in order to move forward on her road to recovery.

The Circles initiative has met with success in other communities and organizers are hoping it will be received with equal success in Muskoka. To become involved in Circles Muskoka by either attending a workshop, making a donation, volunteering to provide logistical support or becoming a circle leader or ally, please contact YWCA Muskoka at 705-645-9827 or email [email protected]. You can also access more information about the initiative here.

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