I know that COVID-19 has changed daily life for all of us.
But take a moment to imagine what it’s like if you’ve been living paycheque-to-paycheque and you lose your job. Or you’re lucky enough to have a job, but now you’re working from home with your abuser. Many people in our community are facing impossible situations just like these.
It’s hard to stay positive.
We have an opportunity right now to make a new social safety net, pull the strings back together, stitch it a little tighter and fill those gaps that have been here too long in our community.
United Way is about solutions, so we asked four local experts to share how they’re innovating on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Dr. Chris Mackie, Middlesex London Health Unit, starts with the big picture: how the deepening crisis is affecting our community, especially marginalized populations who were already struggling before the pandemic hit.
There’s been a spike in domestic violence since the pandemic hit and Dr. Annalise Trudell from Anova tells us what we can do to help our friends, colleagues and neighbours be safe.
Scott Courtice from the London Intercommunity Health Centre and Lori Fitzgerald from Inn Out of the Cold share ways their organizations are building a more resilient communities.
Each of these United Way partner agencies is using the pandemic as an opportunity to do things differently, now and maybe forever. Take a moment to watch their short video clips below. I know you’ll be inspired.
We have an opportunity right now to make a new social safety net, pull the strings back together, stitch it a little tighter and fill those gaps that have been here too long in our community.
Thank you for showing your local love and continuing to give, care and connect at a time when our community needs you most.
P.S. If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, call Anova’s 24/7 crisis and support line at 519-642-3000. If you see someone experiencing homelessness in distress, call London Cares 24/7 519-667-2273.
Dr. Chris Mackie, Middlesex London Health Unit, takes a big picture view of COVID-19 and its affect on our community, especially marginalized populations already struggling before the pandemic hit.
Dr. Annalise Trudell, Anova, says that 1 in 10 Canadian women fear they will experience violence in the home this year. Here’s what you can do. It might not be what you think.
Scott Courtice, London Intercommunity Health Centre, believes that important change is on the horizon and we’re positioned to do the right thing now more than ever.
Lori Fitzgerald, Inn Out of the Cold, shares how United Way funding helped the Inn triple services for St. Thomas residents experiencing homelessness when COVID hit.
Topics : #LocalLove Letter, CEO blog, COVID-19
