Two local organizations are vowing to address poverty and homelessness after they signed a new agreement.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Walter Naveau tells us it means the world to him that NAN members will be working alongside staff from the area’s social services board.
“I used to say [there were] insurmountable odds. Now we’re at the same table, now we’re dialoguing in the same language, and now we’re envisioning and trying to go forward in that right direction,” Naveau explains. “We’re all going to be thinking in terms of, ‘Let’s be healthy people. Let’s move forward as human beings.'”
NAN and Thunder Bay’s DSSAB will work together to ensure adequate housing for all families and individuals in Thunder Bay.
Naveau adds he sees it as a good first step.
“It’s giving hope to those that are homeless and destitute, but also to know that NAN staff are working with them.”
Services Board Chair Lucy Kloosterhuis tells us they’ll be examining why residents are living on the streets and what they can do to help get them affordable homes.
