Photo supplied.
Maisie Watson presenting talk on Homeward Bound at the Housing Crisis Symposium hosted last month by St. Thomas More Anglican Church in Millbrook.
Over 50 people attended an all-day conference on March 16th in Millbrook.
The event was entitled “The Housing Crisis – A Way Forward?” and was organized by ‘Journeys’–the outreach & social advocacy working group of St Thomas’ Anglican Church.
The conference brought in front-line housing workers to explore the root causes of homelessness and the present lack of affordable or available housing for people in challenging circumstances.
Christian Harvey, Director of the Warming Room in Peterborough, talked about his work with the most vulnerable members of society, and how we need to re-imagine housing as a basic human right, not simply as a “commodity” subject to the ‘law of supply & demand’. Dorothy Olver, Manager for Homelessness & Addiction Services for the City of Peterborough, gave a first-hand account of the challenges she faces finding appropriate housing for those who need it most. Rebecca Morgan-Quinn, Manager of Housing for the City of Peterborough, spoke extensively on housing policy at different levels of government, and what is actually happening in Peterborough and elsewhere to improve the present dearth of affordable units. Maisie Watson, of Peterborough Housing Corporation, described her work in a new program called “Homeward Bound” which provides marginalized women and their children not only housing but a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty through subsidized higher education, job training and other supports.
The day concluded with a lively panel discussion which included the speakers plus Cavan Monaghan Mayor, Scott McFadden, and federal Green Party candidate for Northumberland-Peterborough South, Jeff Wheeldon. MP Jamie Schmale and MPP Laurie Scott were not able to be part of the panel but sent their best wishes for the event. Conference participants enjoyed complimentary refreshments and a lunch. The event was offered free-of-charge to the community as part of St Thomas’ Anglican Church’s commitment to outreach, social justice & advocacy.
By Rob Ross