While I understand some of the reasons behind closing Mary’s Place, I wonder why not try to keep it operating until a new solution is found? Saying this, I also realize that keeping it operating and/or finding a solution are both complicated issues.
Reading this, I can’t help but hear the word “capitalism” echo in my head. “We are in a space where we have to compete against each other for resources, land, opportunity, connection, everything. It’s been a competitive space.”
So many necessary & important services in our community are pitted against each other for the meager funds available (all of which could be funded if not for the police budget - a whole other, but related, topic). How can we get services working in community without jeopardizing the little funding they each receive? The system makes it almost impossible for social services to unite.
I plan on diving into the police budget this fall because I do think that's a part of this issue as well. We put a lot of resources into reacting to issues, and limited funding into prevention and care.
Melissa - thanks for the incredible work you do to summarize everything going on in our community. I really look for your write ups so I can understand what’s going on.
It is shameful that the women’s shelter was closed like it was. 🫤
Where did they get that $$ number for a 2 bedroom apartment? That’s insanely low.
That one is from the Engage page here. https://www.engagewr.ca/ywcacambridgeshelter/widgets/188228/faqs
There's also this from January that says: The latest Rental Market Report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows the average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Waterloo Region, ranging at $1,469 per month. https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/01/31/average-two-bedroom-rental-in-waterloo-region-around-1500-per-month-cmhc/
Hope that helps!
While I understand some of the reasons behind closing Mary’s Place, I wonder why not try to keep it operating until a new solution is found? Saying this, I also realize that keeping it operating and/or finding a solution are both complicated issues.
Reading this, I can’t help but hear the word “capitalism” echo in my head. “We are in a space where we have to compete against each other for resources, land, opportunity, connection, everything. It’s been a competitive space.”
So many necessary & important services in our community are pitted against each other for the meager funds available (all of which could be funded if not for the police budget - a whole other, but related, topic). How can we get services working in community without jeopardizing the little funding they each receive? The system makes it almost impossible for social services to unite.
I plan on diving into the police budget this fall because I do think that's a part of this issue as well. We put a lot of resources into reacting to issues, and limited funding into prevention and care.
Melissa - thanks for the incredible work you do to summarize everything going on in our community. I really look for your write ups so I can understand what’s going on.
It is shameful that the women’s shelter was closed like it was. 🫤