NEWS RELEASE
UNITED WAY CENTARIDE SIMCOE MUSKOKA
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On Nov. 8, the Poverty Reduction Task Group for Simcoe County will hold its second annual “Rethink Poverty” event at The Common Roof in Orillia. United Way Simcoe Muskoka will be co-hosting the event in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce, and District of Muskoka and Town of The Blue Mountains agencies and organizations.
"More than 49,000 people are living in poverty in Simcoe Muskoka and it is rising,” says United Way Chief Administrative Officer Sharon McCormick, "We need to have these collaborative discussions for the community services sector to engage with government in developing a poverty reduction strategy to help those in our communities.” 
The goal of the day is for attendees to better understand how poverty is impacting individuals across the region, learn about current strategies being taken to address the issue, and have a collaborative conversation to move from a state of “talk” to one of “action” in partnership with all orders of government when it comes to poverty reduction in Simcoe, Muskoka, and the Town of the Blue Mountains.
“Your United Way is committed to bringing together local experts to collectively find solutions to complex community issues,” added United Way Chief Philanthropy and Executive Officer Brian Shelley. “It is our hope that through this event on Nov. 8, we can land on some collective commitments to help our most vulnerable friends and neighbours.”
Consider the following:
- Over 49,000 individuals are living in poverty across Simcoe Muskoka
- It is estimated that 21 per cent of residents in Simcoe Muskoka experienced food insecurity in 2022
- The most recent homelessness enumerations estimated that on any given day over 160 individuals in Muskoka and 722 individuals in Simcoe County are experiencing homelessness
- Poverty in rural communities is deepened by the high costs of food, housing materials, energy, and travel for medical care.
Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the event on the 8th are to register here.
When: Nov. 8, 2023 – 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Orillia Common Roof, 169 Front St South, Orillia, Ont. L3V 4S8
Who: This event is open to anyone wanting to join the discussion about poverty reduction
To register: Click here
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