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A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Feb. 12, 2018- day 3 challenge completed

So here's what would happen to me, should I have a broken tooth which is causing me pain, and I'm on Ontario Works, the challenge presented to me in this mornings envelope.
Each month OW sends you a drug as well as a dental card.
I would need to make a dental appointment, explaining my circumstances. I would need to bring the dental card with me to the dental office. OW allows up to an annual maximum of $600. Anything over and above that requires approval with the dental office needing to provide an estimate which the patient must give to their case manager. The claim for my appointment is submitted to the Health Unit by the dental office. So, I would say the challenge is complete.

This afternoon I saw my daughter briefly. Was nice to see her and got a few hugs in.
I walked to bargain shop as well as Dollarama to find Valentine's gifts for my grand children late this afternoon. The wind was brutally cold! My ears were burning even through my toque. I had been home for about and hour and they were still hurting.
I have $12.35 left now. I have a plan of what I will do for my Husband, son, daughter as well as son in law, provided I still have money left on Wednesday morning. Depends on what the next 2 days challenges are. I'm making them something but also want to purchase something....top secret right now.
Funny, when I was leaving Dollarama tonight, I found a dime on the ground, also found a small white feather earlier in my day. Both made me smile and gave me a little strength. Anyone who knows me knows what I think feathers and dimes mean.

Too cold to walk over to see my grand children tonight and no city buses run after 6. Maybe tomorrow.
I continue to struggle with not hearing from my closest friends and my family members. I miss them.
That has been the hardest part of this challenge. It's easier for me to tolerate the repetitive menu, and the static in my clothes, the crazy hair and dry skin than to not talk with my sisters, my daughter, and my friends. I'm thankful I have my Husband and Son here with me. I'm supposed to be taking on the challenge of a single person on OW. I don't know how they do it, day after day all alone.

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