Irene Romagnoli

“It has become quite obvious that most of the residents of Lincoln, Beamsville, don’t see the effects of poverty that are seen in larger communities, like St. Catharines, Hamilton or Toronto; 

Signs of poverty and homelessness are right here in Lincoln, but hidden from sight.  Sure, we have food drives and everyone donates their canned goods, but there are so many other needs that aren’t being met in this community for people struggling with poverty… having to make the choice between rent and food, utilities or medications, warm clothes for their kids, or, fresh produce… these are things that people should not have to be worrying about in 2024.  Various levels of government, since the Depression onward, have offloaded, or, cancelled, funding and projects to ‘deal with’ poverty.  Now we are closing in on astronomical numbers of people across the country who are worried about where their next meal is coming from or if they should make the car payment, or, their rent payment.  There are advocates in this community who have tried time and time again to inform people – governments and residents –  that poverty exists in Lincoln, and so does homelessness.  It’s not in-your-face like in big cities, but it soon will be, and I want this community to see what poverty and homelessness look like.  I want them to read about how hard this is to do; and see some data and stories; and hopefully experience a little bit about what it is to be homeless… most people are just one or two life choice decisions away from being in a tent themselves.”