In late January, The Neighbourhood Group made deputations to the City Budget Subcommittee regarding the upcoming budget. With competing priorities across the Toronto, it is critical to let City Council know what is truly important, and our participants and staff did just that:

• Robert from our Member Advocacy Committee shared his challenges with substance use, mental health issues and homelessness, and the need for more funding for social services.
• Rina, a participant in our women’s programs, discussed the need for programs that support newcomer women and seniors.
• Dua, also from our Member Advocacy Committee, shared a story that shows the need for more supportive and affordable housing. Dua was also quoted in the Toronto Star’s article about the Budget.
• Marianne from the Toronto Drop-in Network discussed the state of shelters and affordable housing.
• Daniella, also from the Toronto Drop-in Network, related the need for increased funding for drop-ins across the city.
• Helen, one of our staff, discussed the important work performed by social service agencies, and the need for increased funding.
• Thayalini, another member of our staff, talked about the need to expand library hours.

While the impact of deputations on the City Budget is unknown at this time, the passion of our speakers left an impression. Councillor Carroll and Councillor Cheng promised to follow up on the size of the increase for drop-ins.