Downtown & Around Town - Barrie
This page was created as a medium to help raise awareness of the socioeconomic issues that exist in the city of Barrie, Ontario, from the perspective of a person with lived experience. These issues involve poverty, homelessness, housing, physical & mental health, addictions, social services, government policies & procedures, social indifference, and economic imbalan
ce. We do have many serious and concerning issues in our country, and this trickles down into our communities. But, however negative or dire the issues that I share may be, my intention is not to depress or discourage readers, nor to chastise or harass public figures; but rather, to unite us, and empower us all to get involved in building a better Barrie- together. This is where we live, work, and play. This is where we can make a significant difference in the quality of our lives, and of others around us; this is where we start- at home. We all have a stake in our community, and a vested interest in the present and future health & vitality of this city. The majority of the content posted to this page comes from my own experiences & observations, and is expressed in my own words. I will also share relevant content from outside sources that address the same issues, and add weight to my cause of ‘bringing about positive social change’. But, in order to see a change, we need to BE the change; and everyone has something of value that they can contribute towards the health and well being of their community, and its residents. As for myself, I am an independent community advocate for the fair and decent treatment of vulnerable & disadvantaged members of our community, and I’m deeply involved in many aspects & areas of our social service system. I am an active Community Volunteer, a Peer Advocate at our downtown street centre, an Advisor on our county’s Poverty Reduction Task Force, an Advisor on the Steering Committee of this regions most aggressive, productive, and influential advocacy group for ending homelessness, I write & publish articles about my experiences & observations, I blog, I’ve given speeches to community groups, organizations, and government policy makers; and, should the need arise, I’m not shy about rolling up my sleeves and putting on my activist hat to stand up for the rights of people downtrodden by careless or callous socioeconomic progress. Join the movement, , 'like' Downtown & Around Town - Barrie!
