Social Action and Outreach Committee (SAOC)
The World Heath Organization observes World Mental Health Day on October 10 and it is a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. The focus for 2025 is mental health in humanitarian emergencies. Click here for further information.
It has been 30 years since the Beijing Declaration – the world’s blueprint for gender equality. October 11 was declared International Day of the Girl Child and this year’s theme is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis”. For more information, click here.
In Canada, the month of October is recognized as Latin American Heritage Month. It was proclaimed by the Parliament of Canada in 2018 to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions of the Latin American community to Canadian society and culture. For more information, click here. On your way to coffee after the worship service, take a look at the Social Action and Outreach Bulletin Board and meet some notable Canadians with Latin American origins.
September 30 marks both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It honours Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system. For more information, go to https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html.
In 1981 the United Nations declared September 21 as International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day. The United Nations created this day to improve relationships between countries and encourage cooperation, world peace, and an end to war and conflicts. It is also a day dedicated to those who promote peace in conflict zones by providing humanitarian aid. Click here for further information.
The United Nations observed World Lake Day on August 27. Lakes are the lifeblood of our planet and one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. They serve as a crucial source of fresh water, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry. Lakes play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for countless species of fish, plants, and wildlife. For further information go to https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-lake-day.
Every year, on September 5, people all across the world celebrate the International Day of Charity. Established by the United Nations in 2012, the day is all about highlighting the importance of giving and inspiring charitable actions across borders. For further information go to https://www.calendarr.com/canada/international-day-of-charity/.
International Day of Friendship is celebrated on July 30. It was proclaimed in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. For additional information, click here.
Human Trafficking Is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is held on July 30 and was proclaimed in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly. Human trafficking continues to be a global threat driven by organized crime. More and more victims are being trafficked every year, across greater distances, with greater violence, for longer periods of time and for greater profit. For more information, click here.
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration. For further information, click here.
June 20 is World Refugee Day. It is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. For further information, click here.
Sunday, June 8 is World Oceans Day and it reminds us of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere. For further information, click here.
Thursday, June 5 is World Environment Day. Led by the United Nations Environment Program, it has been held annually since 1973. World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated around the world. For further information, click here.
The month of May is officially recognized by the Government of Canada as “Asian Heritage Month“. It is an opportunity to learn about the diverse culture, history, achievements and contributions that people of Asian origin have done to make Canada the country it is. Click here for more information. Take a moment and stop by the Social Action and Outreach Community (SAOC) bulletin board in the upstairs hallway near the Sanctuary and check out our poster show of “Notable Asian Canadians”.
SAOC continues to bring issues of importance to the congregation’s attention. Earth Day Canada is an environmental organization that helps, inspires, supports and facilitates individuals, municipalities and organizations to reduce their impact on the environment by taking concrete action on Earth Day (April 22) and every day. For additional information, go to https://earthday.ca/organization/mission/.
April 22 is International Mother Earth Day, a United Nations Day of Observance. The day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity’s common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity. For additional information, go to https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-mother-earth-day-2025.
Be part of “Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025“, a United Church of Canada (UCC) program that will take place April 20-27. Hold or attend an event to pray, learn, and act for Climate Justice. UCC will hold Earth Sunday on April 27. For more information on what the UCC is doing, go to https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/climate-change.
Throughout the year, SAOC will be bringing to the congregation’s attention a variety of environmental issues. World Water Day, on March 22, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater. It is a day to celebrate water and inspire action to tackle the global water crisis. Save Our Glaciers is the focus of the 2025 Campaign. For more information, click here.
Saving Items from the Landfill and Donating to Local Charities
SAOC would like to remind you that if you are spring cleaning or downsizing, please consider donating to local organizations. Click here for a list of places that accept donations.
Community Houses Supported by RPUC
SAOC supports four Community Houses in our area through personal care collections and financial donations. Click here for a list of the Community Houses.
January 31, 2025: Social Action and Outreach Committee’s (SAOC) final poverty issue is Economic Barriers. Basic Income Ottawa is working to bring to the attention of all levels of government the importance of a basic income for all. It is a regular, unconditional cash transfer from government to individuals to enable everyone to meet their basic needs, participate in society and live with dignity. Basic income is a strategic investment to improve well-being. For information on how Basic Income Ottawa is working towards eliminating economic barriers, click here.
Basic Income Ottawa – https://ottawabasicincome.ca/
Ottawa Basic Income Guarantee focuses on advocacy in Ottawa. They are members of the Ontario Basic Income Network (OBIN), and partners with Basic Income Canada Youth Network (BIYCN), Basic Income Canada Network (BICN) and Coalition Canada.
The myths circulate: “People are lazy and won’t work if they have a Basic Income.” “It is too expensive and we can’t afford it.” However, evidence has shown the myths to be false. When people have the economic freedom to make choices and plan for their future, involvement in work and in the community increases. The lack of income security creates mental stress on individuals and families, resulting in a significant burden on our health, justice, welfare and related social services systems. A basic income is a periodic, unconditional cash payment provided by government to individuals. It ensures recipients can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
January 24, 2025: The Social Action and Outreach Committee (SAOC) continues to bring attention to the issue of poverty in Ottawa. This week we focus on the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) who build affordable housing to help reduce housing insecurity in Ottawa. Rideau Park, along with many other Ottawa churches, is a member of the MHI.
Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) – https://www.multifaithhousing.ca/
Multifaith Housing Initiative exists to build affordable housing that helps fix Ottawa’s housing crisis and gets at-risk people into secure, safe homes. MHI is a not-for-profit charitable organization in Ottawa, established in 2002.
MHI is a coalition of faith groups who work with local businesses, civil society, the City of Ottawa and federal/provincial governments to build and house our communities for the future. This new way of working has created homes for more than 400 people, with more on the way. It has opened up new ways to gather the commitment, skills and resources that build homes and strengthen communities. To have a safe, secure, affordable home is life changing. A roof over your head means more than shelter. It means better health, more stability. A chance to work, study and live to build a future for yourself, for others and for the greater community.
Gloucester Housing Corporation amalgamated with MHI in the fall of 2024. The amalgamation increased MHI’s tenant count to over 1,000 people, over nine different housing communities.
January 10, 2025: The Social Action and Outreach Committee continues to bring attention to the issue of poverty in Ottawa. This week we focus on the Heron Emergency Food Centre (HEFC), who provides an emergency supply of food to food insecure households in our community. HEFC is assisted by the generosity of local churches (including Rideau Park) and residents.
Heron Emergency Food Centre (HEFC) – https://www.hefc.ca/
HEFC is a food bank, covering a specific geographic area in southeast Ottawa. Through our contract with Ottawa Food Bank (OFB), we are required to only serve people in our catchment area.
HEFC is a separate, not-for-profit charitable organization with its own Board of Directors and budget. We receive some food in bulk from the OFB, but must also purchase supplemental supplies to ensure that those in need receive sufficient, nutritious food. These purchases are funded by donations.
HEFC provides food to those in need, once per month, with amounts determined by the size of family and the amount of food we have.
Many people are only one pay cheque away from financial disaster; an accident, illness, job loss or other unforeseen event can overwhelm low-income families. A single person on Ontario Works, receives $733.00 a month in 2024, unchanged since 2022, according to the government website. A furnished room costs at least $900.00 a month in Ottawa in 2024.
In Ottawa, the monthly cost of feeding a family of four increased $48 in 2024. The Nutritious Food Basket Survey by Ottawa Public Health, shows the monthly cost of healthy eating for a family of four is $1,244 in 2024, up from $1,196 in 2023 and $1,129 in 2022 (the 2022 and 2023 prices are adjusted for inflation).
Families struggling on a permanent disability or old age pension or managing unexpected expenses often find they do not have enough food to last a month.
January 3, 2025: Over the next few weeks, the Social Action and Outreach Committee will be bringing the issues of food insecurity, housing insecurity and economic barriers to the congregations attention. Ottawa is a wealthy city in a wealthy country, yet there are tens of thousands in our city who are either homeless or live in inadequate housing. Many Ottawa residents cannot meet their daily food needs. Some also miss opportunities and even critical appointments because they cannot afford transportation.
Poverty in Ottawa
Data on the current state of poverty in Ottawa, September 2024 https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/default/files/povertydata2024_EN.pdf
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity Over one million more people in Canada experienced food insecurity in 2021 and almost three-quarters of them (72.9 percent) were people who lived in families with children. Food insecurity refers to the uncertainty or inability to afford sufficient quantities of food, and barriers to accessing quality food to maintain a healthy diet. It is an indicator of material deprivation and a function of household income. Over one million more people in Canada experienced food insecurity in 2021 and almost three-quarters of them (72.9 percent) were people who lived in families with children. Relative to other household composition types, a higher percentage of single mothers, particularly those who identify as Indigenous or Black, experience food insecurity. Furthermore, one in four (26 percent) newcomer families in Canada are food insecure.
Between March 2022 and November 2023, the average annual increase in the cost of food purchased from stores in Canada was considerably higher than overall measures of inflation. Despite high inflation, however, people in Canada spent less than anticipated on food in 2023. While the expected annual cost of a healthy food basket for a couple with two children was $16,288.40; the actual amount families spent on food was $15,595 or $693 less. This suggests that in the context of higher shelter costs, interest rates and levels of personal debt, people changed their spending habits by either buying less food and/or opting for cheaper lower quality food.
Housing Insecurity
Pathways to homelessness are complex and highlight the unique challenges faced by different populations. In 2023, a total of 8,656 people used the emergency shelter system in Ottawa. An experience of homelessness, even in the distant past, increases the risk of financial insecurity and interruptions to school and employment later in life. Since 2021, the number of single people in emergency shelters has increased by 28 percent from 4,051 people in 2021 to 5,188 people in 2023. Of the 1,016 families in emergency shelters, almost two-thirds (63.1 percent) were headed by single mothers. In addition, a total of 2,381 children were in the shelter system in 2023 representing approximately one in four shelter users (27.5 percent).
Economic Barriers
Among Ottawa residents in 2023, almost three-quarters (73 percent) reported having reduced their expenses because of inflation and nearly one-quarter (23 percent) indicated that their household financial situation was poor or very poor. Economic disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, wage instability, and high inflation contributed to greater difficulty among low-income households to purchase essential goods and services such as food, shelter, and clothing. In the context of stagnant or low wage growth, inflation acts as an additional tax on low-income households as they must spend a larger share of their disposable income on daily necessities. Higher than expected levels of inflation place additional strain on their capacity to maintain their current standard of living. Between 2021 and 2022, the share of disposable income spent on daily essentials increased by 25 percent among the lowest income households in Canada. Low-income households also expressed high levels of concern about gasoline prices, their ability to meet daily expenses, and afford housing.