https://www.officialsperofoundation.org/

Spéro at Guelph, Guelph, ON (2026)

08/04/2022

Want to learn more homelessness in Guelph and how you can help solve it? Spéro recommends the series of videos produced by the Oak Tree Project and Ward 1 Studios.

The series of 5 videos are conversations with experts and Guelph community members as they share their knowledge, experiences and solutions around homelessness. The goal of the project is to open viewers minds to the idea that we can all play a role in solving homelessness.

The videos can be found on the Oak Tree Project website. Like if you'll be giving them a watch! We'd love to know what your takeaways are, drop them in the comments below!

[ID- Top of the slide reads "Spero Recommends". The center of the slide contains a black and white image of a microphone with the text "Oak Tree 7- Conversations on Homelessness". A purple text box at the bottom of the slide contains black text of the caption above.]

07/27/2022

Today's "Spéro Support Spotlight", is The Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC), which aims to build inclusive, engaging and responsive participation in neighbourhood groups. One of GNSC's many goals is to reduce the impact of poverty and promote equitable access to resources and supports.

The GNSC runs many programs, including the North End Harvest Market, and the FEWD food truck which aim to alleviate food insecurity, as well as summer camps and the Creative Collective, which aim to build community.

How can you get involved?

Join (or start!) a local neighborhood group

Volunteer as a delivery driver or food hamper packer

Make a monetary donation

Share this post!

[ID:
First slide - top right corner reads "Spéro Support Spotlight". Middle of slide heading reads "A healthy, safe community
where everyone feels at home". Below appears the orange and purple text logo of GNSC. Directly under the logo is a subheading reading "Swipe for more info!".
The second and third slide contain the caption information above.]

07/20/2022

Mythbuster!

Poverty and Food Insecurity Don't Affect Mental Health.

FALSE!

Unaffordable housing, food, childcare, and healthcare can negatively affect mental health.

Therapy will only go so far if someone's anxiety comes from having to sleep in emergency housing or on the street.

Medication for mental health issues won't help if it has to be taken with food but they can't afford groceries.

Working overtime to afford childcare leaves little time or energy to prioritise mental health care.

Mental health care will only go so far if someone's depression comes from a thyroid issue they can't afford to treat.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CHILDCARE, HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY ARE MENTAL HEALTH CARE!

Like and share if you agree!

[ID: seven slides with a black background and green graphics. White text at the top of each slide reads "Mythbusters". Slide 1 reads in larger white text "Poverty and Food Insecurity Don't Affect Mental Health". Slide two to seven contain the caption information above.]

07/13/2022

What is social enterprise? And how can it help non-profits?

Social Enterprise is the intersection of business and non-profit.

Non-profits have a deep understanding of issues within the communities they serve, and are used to having to create innovative projects to deal with the realities of resource and budget limitations.

Social enterprises aim to use the efficiencies of business principles and techniques to achieve a social objective.

For example, a local food aid program might plant a garden to supplement food donations, and fund the garden through weekly gardening workshops.

Ontario has over 10,000 social enterprises, and more than two thirds of them are less than 3 years old.

Tag your favourite social enterprise or non-profit!

[ID: five slides with a black background and green and white graphics. Slide 1 reads in larger white text "What are Non-Profit Housing Co-ops?". Slides two to five contains the caption information above. Slide six lists references in white text.]

07/06/2022

Gentrification is the process of low income residents of an urban area being displaced by wealthier people moving in. This can exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities.

Want to learn more about gentrification and its impacts? Spéro recommends the Science Vs. podcast episode "Gentrification: What's Really Happening?".

Like if you'll be giving it a listen!

[ID- Top of the slide reads "Spéro Recommends". The center of the slide contains a black and white image of a microphone with the text "Gentrification: What's Really Happening?". A yellow text box at the bottom of the slide contains black text reading "This episode of the Science Vs. podcast examines the effects of gentrification and how this process may exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities."]

06/29/2022

Today's "Spéro Support Spotlight", is The Bench, a grassroots support delivering essential supplies to those experiencing poverty and housing insecurity in downtown Guelph.

Like if this is the first time you've heard of The Bench!

[ID:
First slide - top right corner reads "Spéro Support Spotlight". Middle of slide heading reads "The Bench". Below appears a photo of downtown Guelph. Directly under the logo is a subheading reading "Swipe for more info!".
Second slide - title reads "Who Are They?". Directly under is text reading "Known simply as "The Bench" this grassroots support founded by Ed Pickersgill provides essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene items and sleeping bags to people in downtown Guelph, many of whom are experiencing housing insecurity. The Bench relies entirely on donations, and operates from public space in front of the Guelph Concert Theatre from 1:45 to 3pm Monday to Saturday. The Bench also helps connect people with other supports and provides a base for distributing meals donated by restaurants and other organizations".
Third slide - title reads "How to help". Directly under are bullet points reading "Contact Ed Pickersgill through Facebook to make a monetary or supplies donation, Join the Guelph Community Poverty Relief Facebook group, Start a fundraiser in support of the Bench".]

06/16/2022

Today, Spéro recommends a new book "Nowhere to Call Home" by Leah den Bok.

Inspired by her mother's experiences, den Bok's work aims to humanize those struggling with housing insecurity, and highlight how the pandemic has impacted them. She does this through a collection of stories and photographs of people experiencing homelessness throughout North America. Proceeds from the sale of her book are donated to homeless shelters.

Like if you'll be adding this one to your summer reading list!

[ID- Top of the slide reads "Spéro Recommends". The center of the slide contains a black and white image of a microphone with the text "Nowhere to Call Home by Leah den Bok". A green text box at the bottom of the slide contains black text reading "Nowhere to Call Home is a collection of photographs and stories of people experiencing homelessness across North America. Den Bok particularly focuses on how the pandemic has affected homeless individuals."]

06/09/2022

Non-Profit Housing Co-operatives could be making a comeback, but what exactly are they?

Non-Profit Co-ops offer mixed income units that aim to give flexibility to residents if their circumstances change, and well as to keep costs low long-term.

Like if you learned something about Co-op Housing!

[ID: five slides with a black background and purple and white graphics. Slide 1 reads in larger white text "What are Non-Profit Housing Co-ops?". On slide two white text reads "Non-Profit Co-operative housing combines multiple housing units at different price points. Some units are priced at market value, and others are scaled to income level and topped up with government subsidies". On slide three white text reads "Many co-operatives are able to accommodate residents moving from one price tier to another as their circumstances change". On slide four white text reads "One of the benefits of Non-Profit Co-operative Housing is that once the mortgage of the building is paid off, costs for residents remain low over time. Non-Profit Co-ops became popular in the 1960's, and could be a key solution in the future to alleviate the housing affordability crisis". Slide five lists references in white text.]

05/26/2022

Mythbuster!

Affordable housing has a standardized definition.

FALSE!

There are a few definitions that might come up when discussing affordable housing such as:

1) Housing that costs less than 30% of an individual household's income

2) Housing that costs less than 30% of the median household income in a given area

3) The existence of a certain percentage of housing units capped at a certain percentage under the market price

Standardizing the definition of affordable housing will help to better identify and address gaps in housing supply.

Like if this surprised you!

[ID: five slides with a black background and yellow graphics. White text at the top of each slide reads "Mythbusters". Slide 1 reads in larger white text "Affordable Housing has a standardized definition". Slide two to four contain the caption information above. Slide five lists references in white text.]

05/19/2022

The Ontario Provincial election is set for June 2nd, and housing has been identified as a key issue this year.

Not sure where the parties stand on this and other social issues? We've put together a handy guide to get you started.

Please note that these slides are a summary of aspects of the major party platforms that align with Spéro at Guelph's mission. The platforms encompass many other issues, and we have not presented minor parties or independent candidates.

We encourage you to read further about what platforms your local candidates are running on, and above all- exercise your right to vote!

[ID- series of 6 slides with black background and white text. Slide 1 reads "The Ontario election is coming up- where do the major parties stand on social issues". The Spéro at Guelph logo of a black lion head icon appears in a white square in the top right corner. A graphic of a voting ballot and box is in the bottom right corner. Slides 2-5 have the party names "The Greens", "The Liberals" "The New Democratic Party" and "The Progressive Conservatives" in a rectangle of their respective a colours of green, red, orange and blue, with bullet point summary of each parties platform on social issues below. Slide 6 list references used to create this post].

Please send us a DM if you require a text based version of this content!

05/12/2022

Want to learn more about health equity and how it impacts vulnerable and low income communities? Spero recommends the Force Multiplier podcast episode "Health Equity- A Global Challenge that Impacts Us All".

This episode discusses the critical issue of ensuring access to basic health care needs, as well as how equitable health care protects the global community.

Like if you'll be giving it a listen! We'd love to know what your takeaways from the episode are, drop them in the comments below!

[ID- Top of the slide reads "Spero Recommends". The center of the slide contains a black and white image of a microphone with the text "Health Equity- A Global Challenge that Impacts Us All". A purple text box at the bottom of the slide contains black text reading "This episode of the Force Multiplier podcast discusses the global challenge of achieving health equity and interviews two leaders who are working on local solutions to ensure equitable health care for vulnerable communities."]

05/05/2022

Today's "Support Spotlight", is Wyndham House, who offers a range of programs and resources aimed at ending youth homelessness. To learn more about Wyndham House, visit http://www.wyndhamhouse.org/.

ID:
First slide - top right corner reads "Spéro Support Spotlight". Middle of slide heading reads "Working to Prevent, Reduce & End Youth Homelessnes". Below appears the logo of Wyndham House, a blue circle with white house containing the words "Wyndham House". Directly under the logo is a subheading reading "Swipe for more info!".
Second slide - title reads "Who Are They?". Directly under is a paragraph reading "Started in 1973, Wyndham House provides assistance to members of the community between 18 and 25 years old who are experiencing housing instability. Wyndham House offers many programs and services including emergency shelter, youth hub, aftercare, and skills development.".
Third slide - title reads "How to get involved". Directly under are bullet points reading "Make a financial donation, Donate needed items such as clothes, bedding, and school supplies, Host a donation drive, Volunteer with Wyndham House, Bake some treats for the Wyndham House youth!".

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Spéro at Guelph

08/04/2022

07/27/2022

07/20/2022

07/13/2022

07/06/2022

06/29/2022

06/16/2022

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05/26/2022

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