'Our community is a different place than it was two years ago': Vital Signs report shows problems growing
The London Community Foundation (LCF) launched its 2021 Vital Signs report, "Be the Change" on Thursday.
The report acts as a ‘pulse check’ on the state of the community,
“The report pains a picture of serious problems we’re facing,” says LCF’s Vital Signs Chair Dr. Jerry White.
“But it’s not just about numbers, it calls upon us all to take action and provides people with the tools to start making social change.”
The report launched with an online event and moderated panel discussion featuring several local thought leaders.
The discussion focused on how residents can work together to create a more just and equitable community.
According to the report, COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities and brought many pressing issues into sharp focus.
“Whether it be COVID-19 perpetuating issues like affordable housing or unemployment, increasing hate crimes or the traumatic legacy of residential schools, we are seeing a heightened awareness and the desire for people to become more engaged,” says Dr. White.
The report highlight six focuses. Housing, racial equality, well-being, gender equality, education, and food security.
The average price of rent in London increased by 7 per cent in 2020, and there are almost 6,000 individuals and families currently on the waitlist for social housing, and as of September over 1,300 individuals are experiencing homelessness.
“Good data is essential to informing social change efforts,” says Dr. White. “The London Vital Signs Data Hub is a long-term project that will require partnerships and collaboration of local organizations and government.”
LCF is inviting any local agencies who collect community-based data to contribute to this project.
“The goal is to track social trends over time and use that information to make positive changes that benefit our community” says Dr. White.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.