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The total number of adult persons in low-income households in Muskoka has been rising since 2005. A new report indicates that the minimum wage in Muskoka is not enough for residents to live comfortably. That’s not a revelation to Michaele Robertson. In fact, news like this pleases her for one reason only. “No I’m not …

New Living Wage rate for Muskoka not surprising to local officials Read More »

Agency hands keys over to couple and single mother during June 16 ceremony. Jacey and Darius, along with Helene Brault, are the new homeowners of a Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North build in Bala. Kim Woodcock shared a touching story with all those who gathered on a street in Bala on June 16. The …

‘You changed my life, to give me more’: Bala’s new homeowners grateful for Habitat build Read More »

The number of people in Muskoka needing assistance for emergency and transitional housing has doubled since 2019, and the number of shelter nights has increased by 607 per cent from 2019 to 2022, according to a District of Muskoka report. Emergency rooms in motels and shelters have seen an increase in the number of people …

Bracebridge’s housing emergency in a nutshell; ‘Creating housing that addresses the most vulnerable in our community’ Read More »

District to receive $761K increase in funding over next two years. Maureen Callaghan told a sad, but all too true story. In the backdrop of a feel-good announcement of the District of Muskoka receiving a financial hike over the next two years for homelessness prevention programming, the district manager of homelessness prevention told the story of …

Helping those in need: Muskoka plans to help homeless with additional funding Read More »

Being unable to provide for your children is a stress no parent should have to carry, says Graham Hookey. According to Statistics Canada, child poverty rates in Canada declined by more than 50 per cent between 2015 and 2020, largely a function of an increase in the Canada Child Benefit Plan. Despite this, the poverty …

Statistical anomalies in child poverty Read More »

Project will become home to 2 area families in the spring of 2024, says Habitat for Humanity. Applications are now open for individuals and families to apply for the two semi-detached houses at 369 Muskoka Beach Rd. in Gravenhurst, built by Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) to tackle the affordable housing crisis.  Groundbreaking for the …

Applications open for 2 Habitat for Humanity homes in Gravenhurst Read More »

Calculated hourly rate gives workers extra money to pay for essential items. With many people struggling to make ends meet, even getting a second job to pay the bills, some employers are embracing a new tactic: a living wage. It’s a calculated hourly rate — above minimum wage — paid to employees, giving them extra …

EXPLAINER: What is a living wage? Read More »

Sometimes I feel like we’re Huntsville’s best-kept secret’. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is tucked behind the Huntsville Place Mall on King William Street. And it will remain in the same location for another three years.  After five years in its present location, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North has signed on to extend the …

Habitat for Humanity ReStore signs for another 3 years at Huntsville Place Mall Read More »

YWCA National Emergency Survivor Support Fund helped 20 women with over $20,000 in grants in 6 month period. As we approach the new year, I’ve been asked to reflect on our experiences at the Community YWCA of Muskoka this past year, and what will come ahead.  Working in the charitable sector is both challenging and …

‘We need to be as resilient as the people we serve’: YWCA Muskoka’s year in review Read More »