In December, our Stand UP for Brampton youth team volunteered with Regeneration, a community outreach program that serves the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and those living in extreme poverty.
Inspired by our experience, Stand UP for Brampton is participating as a team in Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk. Walk with us on February 24th to help raise money for this important community program or make a donation here.
Poverty in the suburbs has been described as “invisible” or something you just don’t talk about. But the evidence is clear- we can no longer turn a blind eye to poverty. Over the past three decades, Peel Region has seen a significant increase in low-income neighbourhoods, from only 2 per cent in 1980, to 45 per cent in 2012 and 52 per cent in 2015. According to a report from the United Way released this last October, the majority of neighbourhoods in Peel are now, for the first time ever, considered low-income.
The volunteers, staff and patrons from Regeneration are on the front lines facing the reality of rising poverty in Peel every day.
Located just north of Main and Church, Regeneration staff and volunteers gather before sunrise to prepare a warm breakfast every morning for hundreds of people seeking shelter, food or a welcoming atmosphere/community. Staff and volunteers cited an increased need for their program with the rise in homelessness due to unemployment and precarious work. Help with their breakfast program is especially necessary at Regeneration.
With a growing number of youth having nowhere to find a warm bed to sleep at night, one patron shared that there are limited places that are affordable and safe in the area.
Just this week at the Region of Peel Council meeting held on February 8, a report highlighted the lack of rental housing stock being built within Peel, leaving people without enough affordable living options.
Regeneration is part of the solution. It is one of only a few programs that provide services for those in need. As highlighted by the United Way, the demand for social services is outpacing what’s currently available in the region.
Staff and volunteers at Regeneration are doing incredible work every day to serve an increasing number of people in our community. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Regeneration for their compassion and contribution in making our city a better place. That is why Stand UP for Brampton will be participating as a team in support of Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. We hope you will join us or consider making a donation. Together as a community, we can do more.
