Child poverty in Windsor-Essex County

By Sente Mushunduzi

Windsor and Essex County is home to the highest child poverty rate in Canada.

According to the 2015 National Household Survey, the provincial average for child poverty is 17 per cent. Windsor and Essex County’s is 24.2 per cent. Approximately one in four children at 17 years of age and under live in poverty in Windsor, including Tecumseh, Lakeshore, LaSalle and Amherstburg.

“Windsor definitely has some poverty issues that can be improved on,” said Vivian Hui, major events executive for Engineers Without Borders Windsor. “By providing people with opportunities that do not have the resources to remain stable and have a steady income, this allows them to gain experience and help support themselves.”

Lorraine Goddard is the CEO of United way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County and said in a Windsor Star article, “[Poverty] should not happen in our country. We should not accept that it is happening in our community.” United Way/Centraide WE supports vital programs and services in the Windsor-Essex community.

June Muir is the CEO of Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor and also said in a Windsor Star article, “Hunger is everybody’s responsibility to address.”

Frazier Fathers is the manager of Community Impact & Learning at the United Way/Centraide WE. He said a child growing up in a low-income household has a one in four chance of remaining in a low-income lifestyle throughout their life.

“Make sure they are getting their post secondary education, such as College, University or skilled trades, so they can find a job that pays well that allows to live happily,” said Fathers.

If you want more information or to make a donation, visit community organization websites such as the Downtown Mission, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and EWB’s Run to End Poverty event. It is on Saturday, March 24 and starts at 11 a.m. It costs $25 to sign up and, including a BBQ for runners. For those who cannot attend, donations can be made on the Engineers Without Borders Canada website.