Housing is a Human Right.
The United Nations identifies adequate housing as a fundamental human right, defining it as “the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity.” This year, the fallout from the COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in devastating economic hardship and the loss of housing and access to resources for many in our community. In Niagara, there are currently 12 000 families on the waiting list for Niagara Regional Housing and the average wait time can be between 5 and 18 years.
Bethlehem Housing and Support Services provides affordable housing and services to support the personal growth of individuals and families. They are in fact, the only organization in Niagara which provides supportive transitional and permanent housing for men, women and children and they need our help.
For the last 16 years Bethlehem Housing has held an Empty Bowls fundraiser, raising $61 000 last year in support of affordable housing and services in Niagara. They have had to readjust this year and are throwing their first annual Empty Bowls at Home event!
Bethlehem Housing has partnered with local restaurants(for example – Incoho and Ravine Winery) who will be putting together and providing soup making kits with recipes that include all the perfectly portioned non-perishable items needed to make your soup at home. Included in the kit will be: local wine, bread, dessert, and other fun surprises! To participate, you will need to purchase tickets and preorder your kits before March 17th. Pick up will be on March 25th or 26th from TBD locations.
If you’d like more info about Bethlehem Housing, the Empty Bowls at Home fundraiser or would like to buy tickets – click here – https://www.bethlehemhousing.ca/site/empty-bowls-fundraiser-2021
Also! Bethlehem Housing Executive Director, Lori Beech, appeared on YourTV Niagara and talked a bit about the fundraiser. Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttU2l5MwHJk
On behalf of the Human Rights Standing Committee
Jessica McCourt
Women’s Advocate & Employment Equity Rep
Unifor Local 199 General Motors Unit
Office: 905-641-6559
Cell: 289-228-5967