Floods, wildfires, and extreme heat are becoming increasingly normal thanks to global heating — and their knock-on effects include the kinds of challenges community social services are well-equipped to handle, such as food and housing insecurity.
COVID-19 has forced many organizations that focus on community well-being to reimagine how they provide essential services. Strengthening community resilience and well-being using innovative social R&D methods is how social service organizations are moving forward post pandemic.
Non-profit arts organizations are in an especially precarious financial position right now. During a global pandemic and high-profile acts of systemic racism, the sense of community, solidarity, and expression fostered by the arts are more important than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating pre-existing inequities around food access, mental health services, and income support. United Way Centraide Canada’s findings suggest the virus is also impoverishing Canadians who were previously secure. Non-profits and government programming will need to be ready for an increase in demand.