Stress has increased for our participants, along with their sense of urgency and anxiety. Pre-pandemic issues related to food insecurity, transportation costs, cost of living/rent etc. have been compounded and exacerbated during COVID. The dire lack of access to affordable housing is of particular note: the high cost of rent, and low availability with hundreds of applicants has Muskoka in crisis.

One tangible way to help with this challenge is to spread the word about the upcoming podcast series the YWCA Muskoka Circles Team is launching this June. The Walls Within explores the housing crisis from the perspective of people currently living through it.

How might the seasonal population be impacted by these challenges faced by your program participants? 

They will find it difficult to find seasonal help, may see the exhaustion in front line workers, shortages in staffing at restaurants, camps, small local businesses, etc., and there may be more conflicts arising as people try to cope. 

What is the number one need you are experiencing that RAMP could help you to communicate?

 We encourage our seasonal neighbours to try to stay open, listen, and understand. To be aware of your own situation and how it may be different or seen differently by others. We all have a tendency to make quick judgements, such as, “all drivers from Toronto are pushy” or, “there are lots of jobs but nobody wants them because people are lazy”, rather than seeing one another with positive intent and recognizing the more complicated truths. All people need to feel worthy, competent, respected and valued.

What is the number one thing seasonal residents could help you with?

It is surprisingly hard for small, Muskoka-based charities to reach the seasonal population. Donations from seasonal residents is a game changer and allows YWCA Muskoka to continue providing direct financial aid for those on low income. Seasonal residents can also learn about YWCA Muskoka’s vast variety of services that help people at all ages and stages of life - from youth to seniors - and they can help us reach other seasonal residents and potential donors through their networks. RAMP has been a true leader in doing this already and we are incredibly thankful for RAMP's relationship with YWCA Muskoka.