Stephanie Charles: POVERTY AND HEALTH

Description

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

POVERTY AND HEALTH

My final day walking in other's shoes!

I made it through. But there aren't any winners. I can see that living in extremely tight circumstances takes away your options and leaves you powerless. If you are living below the poverty line THERE IS NO WAY you can eat nutritious foods (without the help of others), participate in physical activity for enjoyment (instead of survival), take medications that you need to take, see a doctor or dentist when you have a problem. It is relentless. This is not good for a persons long term health - so many chronic conditions can be prevented, delayed or mitigated if people had enough money to live a healthy life.

I have always tried to mindful of what I have, and what I need. I intend to honour what I have - keep it maintained, cleaned, put away, and ensure there is a purpose for me having it. It is hard not to get caught up in a culture of collecting and having. This is also very bad for our environment. I try to pass on what I no longer use to those who can use it - no sense having 5 jackets in my closet when there are people in need who could use one of them! Maybe try it yourself!

I think the main message this week is that personal connections are invaluable. Personal connections are much more important than money. These are the lifelines. When money is gone, personal connections are what is left. They make you feel happy when you are sad, offer sage advise when you need it, take away pain through humour, and assist you when you need a helping hand.

I would like to thank everyone who helped me this past week, followed the blogs, provided comments, offered me words of encouragements and kindness. I would also like recognize and thank the Fellowship Centre, Jubilee Church, Salvation Army, Minto Beststart Hub, Making Kenora Home and other service providers for doing what you do!

Be kind, give generously, and be thankful for what you have.

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About Me

I was fortunate to grow up in Kenora surrounded by such natural beauty. I love Northwestern Ontario and the variety of outdoor activities that are possible here. I especially enjoy fishing, going on boat rides, bonfires, partridge hunting, blueberry picking, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing – It seems like weekends are never long enough for all these adventures and it is hard to choose what to do sometimes! I work at the Northwestern Health Unit as a Health Promoter and believe in the work of public health. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my fur baby Hudson.

Why do you want to undertake the Walk In Our Shoes challenge?

I think it is very important to look at the links between poverty and health. My main reason for participating in a Walk in Other’s Shoes is to experience and gain insight into some of the struggles folks in poverty face.

What do you think will be the hardest part of the five days?

Living in poverty is difficult. I think that if you are living in poverty you have to be always planning to make the most of the limited resource and personal connections you have. For example, today I was not organized and didn’t bring a lunch to work – but I do have the option of driving my car to a restaurant and picking up a meal to go. So for me I think it will be challenging to have everything planned out. As well, I will have to forego some luxuries that are not essential, but I think I can manage that ok.

Have you thought of any strategies for helping you get through it?

I hope to eat one good healthy meal per day, but expect that my other meals may not be as healthy. I also expect to be walking more places and not relying on my vehicle as much.

What do you expect to gain from your experience?

I hope to gain insight and appreciate the resiliency that folks who are experiencing poverty have. I also think my experience with remind me how lucky I am to have abundance in my life and help me advocate for the vulnerable folks I meet through my job.