2013 Main: The Challenge Begins

2013 brings the third year of Making Kenora Home's poverty challenge, A Walk in Other’s Shoes. This self-directed event challenges participants to stay within an Ontario Works social assistance benefits' budget.

The maximum for Ontario Works' basic needs benefit is just over $7.00 per day. The challenge budget of $38.00 includes all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. In addition, each participant will be given a daily challenge card. The card will reveal various tasks to be completed before the end of each day.

Participants will be blogging about their experience as it unfolds.

A kick-off event will be held at Kenora City Council Chambers on Friday February 8th at 12:00pm. The wrap up event will be held at Women’s Place Kenora on Wednesday February 13th at 12:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

“Rules”

The monthly rate for Ontario Works as of December 2012 is $606.00 for a single person. The maximum amount allowed for shelter is $376 and maximum for basic needs is $230 per month. The average single rental unit in Kenora is $546.00 per month. The lowest possible monthly rent with utilities included is $450.00 per month for a single room.

To work with what is allocated as basic needs, we are going to use the entire $230.00 per month. This works out to about $38.00 for a five-day period. Basic needs are all expenses other than rent, heat, hydro and home insurance (if you are on social assistance and you rent is higher than your shelter allowance, you must use your basic needs to cover the difference).

In attempt to keep it as realistic as possible, we ask that all participants attempt to not spend anymore that $38.00 over the entire five-day period.

Before taking action in your day, consider such things as heating the home to a comfortable temperature, using extra personal supplies, accessing devices such as the internet or cell phone or washing clothes. Reflect on whether the $38.00 could include the cost of those items. Attempt to keep those “usage” costs to a minimum.

Food

• All food and drink consumed during the five days must come from the $38.00 budget – do not use pre-purchased supplies
• An attempt to eat healthy must be made
• Do not let friends or family purchase or supply meals
• Coffee funds must be paid out of your budget
• Participants are encouraged to attend the meal programs offered through non-profit organizations

Residence Related Costs

• Keep utility costs to a minimum (i.e. turn the heat down, shower every 2 days)
• Keep supply costs to a minimum (i.e. Laundry, food storage, cleaning supplies)
• Participants are encouraged to spend a night at the Kenora Fellowship Centre
• Do some research on renting a residence for $376.00, utilities included. Is it possible?

2013 Main

Friday, February 8, 2013

The Challenge Begins

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Has A Walk In Other's Shoes Poverty Challenge helped you become more aware of the challenges poverty can present?