The situation we are in because of COVID-19 is hard. But, the illness and the restrictions impact some people even more than others. Over the past days, we’ve shared how COVID-19 might be impacting a number of different groups of people. COVID-19 has shined a light on the conditions that put some people in our community at higher risk of … Read More
Chatham-Kent’s Temporary Shelter – One Week In…
It has now been one week since the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services (CKESS) department opened the doors to a Temporary Shelter for community members in need. Over the last week, 43 people have registered at the shelter with some moving to motels based on the unique needs of the individual or family. People who attend are provided … Read More
Indigenous Peoples & COVID-19
We have imagined many different situations over the past few days to help us understand why some people in our community may be having a harder time dealing with COVID-19. Today, we’re thinking about how COVID-19 is impacting Indigenous people. Indigenous people and communities are taking actions to protect themselves during this pandemic. By using traditional knowledge, language and practices, … Read More
Can You Imagine… living through COVID-19 if you already felt alone?
Can you imagine living through the COVID-19 pandemic if you already felt alone or excluded? Think about how that may feel. Do you feel scared or anxious? Do you feel sad or hopeless? Long before we were told to stay at home because of COVID-19, some people in our community felt socially isolated. People may feel alone for many different … Read More
Can you imagine… living through COVID-19 if you didn’t feel safe in your home?
Can you imagine living through this COVID-19 pandemic if you didn’t feel safe in your home? As people are being asked to ‘stay home’ during COVID-19, we have to think about how this may affect people whose homes are not the best place to be. When thinking about what makes us safe in our home, we can think of two … Read More
Can you imagine… living through COVID-19 if you had limits on your physical or intellectual abilities?
Can you imagine living through this COVID-19 pandemic if you had limits on your physical or intellectual abilities? Many in our community depend on other people as part of their daily routine. These individuals and families receive care from various workers from a variety of settings. The care they receive is vital to meet their physical needs and their safety, … Read More
Can you imagine…. living through COVID-19 in a different country?
Can you imagine living through this COVID-19 pandemic if you were in a different country? If you didn’t speak the language of that country? Think about how that would feel. Are you afraid? Do you feel safe? How do you know what to do? Our community is home to many who have come from far and wide. These families and … Read More
Can You Imagine?
We know that the restrictions because of COVID-19 are hard for everyone. But, they’re especially hard to follow for some people in our community. This week, we’ll highlight just how hard following these COVID-19 rules can be for some people. It is important to understand the specific challenges that people face so that we don’t jump to conclusions or judge … Read More
Temporary Shelter – Now Open!
Temporary Shelter Now Open Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services division opened it’s doors to a temporary shelter this morning for community members who are experiencing homelessness. The need for the shelter increased over the last month when individuals who were previously “couch-surfing” were forced into absolute homelessness due to the pandemic. The shelter opened at the Exhibition Hall … Read More
Observing Ramadan During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Community members who are Muslim in Chatham-Kent, and around the world, are observing the month of Ramadan. But, for most, Ramadan will look different this year. Because COVID19 spreads through contact between people, the government of Ontario is not allowing gatherings of 5 or more people, including religious gatherings. People are also being encouraged to stay home except for essential … Read More
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow? The popular nursery rhyme makes it seem so easy to start a garden, but there is a lot of information that you will want to consider if you are interested in starting one at home and growing your own produce. To help you get started, we’ve put together some basics to … Read More
Getting Outside During COVID-19
Ah, the sunshine. Is there anything more universally symbolic for “get outside”? At any other time, during any other year, we wouldn’t think twice about opening the front door and going to get some fresh air while enjoying the great outdoors. But has the COVID-19 pandemic changed this? Have the local closures and cancellations made it impossible? Has Spring and … Read More