Why are we having this conversation now?
Poverty is not new to our area. We’ve been talking about this issue for nearly 80 years through the lens of the programs we fund, but we felt it was important to broaden that conversation.
Poverty, in its simplest form, is not having access to basic needs such as shelter, food, and clothing.
But it’s much bigger than just a conversation about finances. It’s a discussion about marginalization, exclusion, health, environmental factors, affordability, transition and lack of opportunity.
It’s messy. It’s complex. And because of that, often misunderstood. That’s why we want to start this important conversation locally.
For too long, we’ve leaned on stereotypes to digest this reality many in our region experience. And if we want to truly tackle this issue as a community, we need to have a common understanding of what it is and how poverty looks right here in Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Akwesasne and Cornwall.
Our aim with this video is to frame how poverty is perceived in our region. We’re talking about this primarily through the lens of those who are currently living in it or have past experience with it. Their stories and experiences drive the narrative.
We explore this topic through three different perspectives — “Jane”, Nick and Amanda. A single mom who has suddenly had to raise her kids on an unstable single income due to unforeseen circumstances. A young man who fell into addiction and fought to get his life back on track. And a young woman who struggled for years to get the help she needed, and once she did, was able to thrive in a way she never knew was possible.
Thank you to ACFO-SDG for translating the video captions in French. You can turn on the French and English captions on YouTube and Facebook.
