One thing that communities, including Port Hardy, are doing to help is creating Poverty Reduction Strategies at the local level. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities, in 2012, recommended seven pilot communities to the Ministry of Children and Family Development to develop strategies and share best practices with the Ministry, to be shared with the rest of the province. So, as part of those efforts, we have a community facilitator in Port Hardy who has been meeting with people and setting up the meeting for us to talk about how to develop our strategy.
At this gathering it was clear that the issue of poverty is a priority for many people in the community, with representatives from Port Hardy council, the RCMP, the Kwakiutl First Nation, the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations, The Ministry of Children and Family Development, Strong Start, North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre, North Island College, the Salvation Army, our local Harvest Food Bank, our local Native Friendship Centre, the Mt. Waddington Health Network, Vancouver Island Health Authority, AND North Island Employment Foundation Society! Even with that many people sitting around the table, we came up with many more who help people in poverty and/or should be helping create the plan.
This was an interesting look at just how many different people, organizations, programs etc. take on a small piece of the poverty puzzle. I can really see how, without a shared strategy, it is difficult to combine efforts to make the biggest difference for the community members who need support. I am looking forward to the work of this group, and encourage you to look up poverty reduction efforts in your own community!
Here are some sample plans, mentioned at the meeting, that might inspire you:
Also, take a look at the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition's website to learn more about this issue.