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Showing posts with label Street News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Street News. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Street News: Mental - Homelessness Correlationship
Which Comes First Mental Health Struggles or Homelessness?
Anne Marie Batten, formerly of Downeyville, credits her rural upbringing with influencing her career as a street nurse in Toronto. In today's installment of Street News Anne Marie Batten shares her insights on the relationship between mental health struggles and homelessness.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Will Government Cuts Cause Increased Deaths?
Anne Marie Batten grew up in Downeyville, early influences in her life prompted her to become a Street Nurse in Toronto, and Social Advocate, In this installment of Street News', Anne Marie writes of cuts to housing security programs that may cause increased deaths for those already marginalised by our economy and poor health.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Heat Alerts : Street News - Anne Marie Batten!
Governments Only Pay Heat Alerts Lip Service!
Seniors and the ill, are hardest hit by summer heat. Health Units across the country, issue heat alerts advising seniors, and the ill to go to the nearest cooling centre. Unfortunately, little is done to insure those needing to be out of the heat, are able to access cooling centres. Here in Omemee, there is no cooling centre, and queries to the City of Kawartha Lakes on behalf of our rural seniors still have not resulted in any action. In Anne Marie Batten's column today,she points out that even in large centres,like Toronto, where there are cooling centres systemic problems still exist. Here is Anne Marie Batten's column - Street News: Heat Alerts!Thursday, January 19, 2012
Flu Season!
Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Pineridge Health Unit Announced Flu Season is officially here. For those without a home to rest and recuperate,Flu season can be extremely dangerous. Anne Marie Batten, a street nurse in Toronto from nearby Downeyville counts her blessings in today’s Street News.
Street News : Cold and Flu Season!
by Anne Marie Batten
January may mean a new year to some but to health care workers it means something else. This is flu and cold season, and this year looks like no exception. Personally, I have been ill for the past 6 days with a sore throat, fever, cough and congestion. We all know how uncomfortable this is. As I rested in my house watching TV and drinking fluids, I realized how lucky I am to have a home and somewhere to rest while I get better. Where does a homeless person go to get rest when they are ill? How do they get over the counter medicine or juice or popsicles?Little Rest for Homeless
Unfortunately, I know the answer. Most homeless shelters ask folks to leave after breakfast until late afternoon. There are some drop ins for shelter through the day where food is provided. Some of these locations have a space to lie down on the floor but most do not. When you are not feeling well, this is an even greater challenge.How Colds Become Pneumonia
There are a few health services that provide over the counter medicines if the person is able to travel to receive this service. If it is an "extreme cold weather alert" day, certain drop ins have TTC tokens provided by the City of Toronto for transportation but on a regular winter day, there may not be any transportation assistance. For many who are homeless, a flu or cold will develop into pneumonia simply because adequate rest and nutrition are not possible in these circumstances.Outreach Getting Services to People
When people can not get to services for help, it is so important to get appropriate services to them. This is the meaning of "outreach." This week, I will pack extra cough drops, throat lozenges, Kleenex and juice boxes as well. We will keep advocating for outreach nursing to be part of every community.About Anne-Marie Batten:Anne Marie Batten,grew up in Downeyville-around here we know her as 'Joe O'Neil's daughter'. Have questions for Anne Marie? Read about Anne Marie's work, or Connect with Anne Marie Batten on Twitter @AnneMarieBatten, LinkedIn her blog Anne Marie Batten, or leave a comment below.We are pleased to feature Anne Marie's column Street News in Omemee Pigeon eFlyer.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Year's Resolutions - What Are Your 2012 Plans?
Anne Marie Batten's column 'Street News' is a widely read feature in Omemee Pigeon eFlyer. In today's article, Anne Marie gives us another glimpse into her life as a Street Nurse in Toronto, and offers some ideas on making 2012 a better year for everyone.
As we begin a new year, and resolutions are being made we tend to look within ourselves for changes we wish to make. I would like to offer a suggestion that involves reaching out to others, and helping to make a significant change in their lives.
Several years ago, my grandmother was residing in a nursing home. I visited regularly and assisted with her meals. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We would often sit in her room listening to the Charley Pride CD I had found for her. Remarkably, she could remember some of the words. Sadly, many of the other residents did not have regular visitors, and her room became a place where a few ladies would gather. Most nursing homes and hospitals have friendly visiting programs, this is a great way to get involved.
This past year, I became aware of a Friday morning Women's Drop-In at a church in downtown Toronto. Many of us who volunteer there have full-time jobs, but attend there before our regular work days. This is a drop in for vulnerable and street involved women of all ages. A hot breakfast is served, and it is a safe haven off the streets. We collect hygiene supplies, toiletries, and gently used clothing for distribution to those in need. This program would not be able to continue without the generous support of volunteers. Although our Fridays begin with a very early alarm clock, many of us will admit this is our favourite morning of the week.
So what is your New Years Resolution?
Street News - Making a Difference in 2012!
by Anne Marie BattenAs we begin a new year, and resolutions are being made we tend to look within ourselves for changes we wish to make. I would like to offer a suggestion that involves reaching out to others, and helping to make a significant change in their lives.
Several years ago, my grandmother was residing in a nursing home. I visited regularly and assisted with her meals. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We would often sit in her room listening to the Charley Pride CD I had found for her. Remarkably, she could remember some of the words. Sadly, many of the other residents did not have regular visitors, and her room became a place where a few ladies would gather. Most nursing homes and hospitals have friendly visiting programs, this is a great way to get involved.
This past year, I became aware of a Friday morning Women's Drop-In at a church in downtown Toronto. Many of us who volunteer there have full-time jobs, but attend there before our regular work days. This is a drop in for vulnerable and street involved women of all ages. A hot breakfast is served, and it is a safe haven off the streets. We collect hygiene supplies, toiletries, and gently used clothing for distribution to those in need. This program would not be able to continue without the generous support of volunteers. Although our Fridays begin with a very early alarm clock, many of us will admit this is our favourite morning of the week.
Small Kindnesses Mean A Lot
While many of us may not have the time to make a significant commitment; a small gesture such as shovelling a neighbour's sidewalk, running an errand for a senior, or babysitting for a busy friend, can make a difference in someone's day.So what is your New Years Resolution?
About Anne-Marie Batten:Anne Marie Batten,grew up in Downeyville-around here we know her as 'Joe O'Neil's daughter'. Have questions for Anne Marie? Read about Anne Marie's work, or Connect with Anne Marie Batten on Twitter @AnneMarieBatten, LinkedIn her blog Anne Marie Batten, or leave a comment below.We are pleased to feature Anne Marie's column Street News in Omemee Pigeon eFlyer.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Anne Marie Batten : Homes for the Holidays!
Anne Marie Battten,grew up in Downeyville, and works as a street nurse in Toronto, Ontario, ministering to the needs of the homeless,poverty stricken seniors, and the marginalised. In today's article, Anne Marie shares her Christmas wish with you. Anne
Marie Batten : Street News!
Homes for the Holidays
by Anne Marie Batten
Currently, on any night in the city of Toronto, there are people sleeping outside. City shelters are generally full. In our outreach volunteer meetings, stories are frequently shared about the lack of available beds. Fortunately, faith based communities have a program called 'Out of the Cold' that is generously run by volunteers. This is an excellent and much appreciated service where people are served a warm meal and sleep indoors usually in a church or meeting room. Each night of the week a different location is open to provide this service. As travel is involved though, this is a barrier for some who wish to access this service.
The 2012 Toronto city budget proposes severe cuts to shelter beds,and many tenants will be displaced by the Toronto Community Housing Corp. properties being put up for sale. Given this situation, we organized an 'Occupy Toronto Homes for the Holidays'.rally on Thursday December 15, 2011.
Did You Know Not All Children Qualify for Christmas Gifts?
We proposed the idea of bringing all those facing homelessness to Nathan Phillips Square to share a hot meal. All those who attended were asked to bring a pot luck item and a toy for children in need. At the same time, it was brought to my attention, that there were some children who could not qualify for the city-run Christmas Program. Many worked very hard with food preparation and set up. With the use of social media and 'Occupy Toronto' volunteers spreading pamphlets for many hours, our event was organized. We gathered in front of the gigantic Christmas Tree. Despite the rainy day, we received four tables of donated food and a warm lunch was served. We collected a generous donation of toys for children who could not receive city assistance.
Christmas Wish-A Home for the Holidays
We were fortunate to have a sound system donated for the event, and some who are experiencing homelessness, spoke about the need for housing and having to sleep outdoors. Some shared their experiences of trying to obtain a shelter bed, when none is available. One woman shared a poem with us. One man shared how he works day labour, yet still remains homeless.
We discussed that winter is coming, it was 10 days before Christmas and many wished for a 'Home for the Holiday'.
Shelters Over-Crowded,Yet Cuts Proposed
When it came my turn to speak, I discussed the meeting we had with the city, and how no extra shelter beds were opened for those evicted from St. James Park. I talked about shelter overcrowding, and proposed closing of three city shelters, and cuts to five more as well as the TCHC properties being put up for sale leaving tenants displaced. I spoke of how Canada is still the only G8 country without a national housing strategy.
Christmas –How many Will Freeze?
There were several media in attendance but unfortunately, we did not see much coverage of this event. Sadly, the holiday season is now here and the cold January weather is right around the corner. We continue to talk, we continue to advocate, hopefully we can keep people safe.
About Anne-Marie Batten:Anne Marie Batten,grew up in Downeyville-around here we know her as 'Joe O'Neil's daughter'. Have questions for Anne Marie? Read about Anne Marie's work, or Connect with Anne Marie Batten on Twitter @AnneMarieBatten, LinkedIn her blog Anne Marie Batten, or leave a comment below.We are pleased to feature Anne Marie's column Street News in Omemee Pigeon eFlyer.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Anne Marie Batten : Street News!
Anne Marie Battten,who grew up in Downeyville, works as a street nurse in Toronto, Ontario, ministering to the needs of the homeless,poverty stricken seniors, and the marginalised. We are pleased to feature the following article from Anne Marie about her work in Toronto, and trust you will find it interesting too.
When Mark stopped in Toronto, I was fortunate to meet with him. Mark's work is inspiring, and as he raises awareness of the issues around homelessness, he helps give a voice to those who otherwise are 'invisible' to some. When Mark visited Toronto, I spent the day doing volunteer Street Outreach with Mark. We walked through parks in downtown Toronto on one of the hottest days during the summer, where we met a young homeless man with blistered feet. I bandaged this feet, and Mark provided him with new socks; most importantly, we spent time with him, learning how he became homeless. We parted after providing him with resources and directions to a nearby air conditioned shelter serving meals.
At this same time, 'Project Winter Survival' was launched. Bargains Group, generously donated several Winter Survival Kits and sleeping bags to be distributed to the homeless on a very chilly Saturday in the downtown area.
I am so impressed with these survival kits, that I intend to remain involved with this project as a volunteer. Many people ask how they can help in my work, I encourage you to join with me in making a significant difference in the lives of many who are homeless, with no other option than to be on our streets. Your donation to 'Project Winter Survival' will not just warm others, but you could save a life - we have the coldest weather coming in the next few months. Thank you for wanting to help. The button below will take you to their donation page.
About Anne-Marie Batten:Anne Marie Batten,grew up in Downeyville-around here we know her as 'Joe O'Neil's daughter'. Have questions for Anne Marie? Read about Anne Marie's work, or Connect with Anne Marie Batten on Twitter @AnneMarieBatten, LinkedIn her blog Anne Marie Batten, or leave a comment below.We are pleased to feature Anne Marie's column Street News in Omemee Pigeon eFlyer.
Sources: http://projectwintersurvival.org/
Huffington Post:We Are Visible Mural Launches Project Winter Survival
Invisible People .tv
Invisible People Need Winter Warmth
Mark Horvath brought invisiblepeople.tv coast to coast across Canada this past summer, stopping in cities to meet homeless people along the way, and helping share their stories.When Mark stopped in Toronto, I was fortunate to meet with him. Mark's work is inspiring, and as he raises awareness of the issues around homelessness, he helps give a voice to those who otherwise are 'invisible' to some. When Mark visited Toronto, I spent the day doing volunteer Street Outreach with Mark. We walked through parks in downtown Toronto on one of the hottest days during the summer, where we met a young homeless man with blistered feet. I bandaged this feet, and Mark provided him with new socks; most importantly, we spent time with him, learning how he became homeless. We parted after providing him with resources and directions to a nearby air conditioned shelter serving meals.
We Are Visible Mural Launches Project Winter Survival
Saturday, December 10, I once again had the honour of working with Mark, when the 'We Are Visible' mural was unveiled at 890 Caledonia Rd. Toronto featuring some of the people from his Canadian tour.At this same time, 'Project Winter Survival' was launched. Bargains Group, generously donated several Winter Survival Kits and sleeping bags to be distributed to the homeless on a very chilly Saturday in the downtown area.
I am so impressed with these survival kits, that I intend to remain involved with this project as a volunteer. Many people ask how they can help in my work, I encourage you to join with me in making a significant difference in the lives of many who are homeless, with no other option than to be on our streets. Your donation to 'Project Winter Survival' will not just warm others, but you could save a life - we have the coldest weather coming in the next few months. Thank you for wanting to help. The button below will take you to their donation page.
Sources: http://projectwintersurvival.org/
Huffington Post:We Are Visible Mural Launches Project Winter Survival
Invisible People .tv
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