Blog
In late August, Nourish, in partnership with the New Canadians Centre, piloted a kitchen-based employment training with eight newcomer youth. What were the ingredients that helped these youth to shine?
We started by asking what matters to them. The youth wanted to learn about their workplace rights. They also wanted to learn ways to become more employable - they wanted to learn about their responsibilities. So, we called the training “Know Yourself, Know Your Rights, Know Your Responsibilities.”
Peterborough is in the midst of a housing crisis. Insufficient incomes, whether from wages or social assistance benefits, leave 52.5% of renter households in Peterborough in “core housing need”. That means they spend more than 30% of their total income on shelter costs. The amount of core housing need has been rising steadily with each subsequent census.
Every month in Peterborough City and County, 1 in 6 households are forced to make the impossible choice between keeping a roof over their heads and buying enough food. When there isn’t enough money in the budget, rent comes first and food comes second. Food insecurity and housing unaffordability are connected issues that share a common root: insufficient incomes.
For Erica, having a kitchen table overflowing with chairs, food and laughter is a happy normal.
“I’ve become a massive homebody. Our lives can be pretty chaotic, and I find incredible comfort in the stability of being home. But I also crave the connection of being with people. Having friends and family come share a meal with us satisfies so much of my soul.”
Pages
