What are basic needs? They are those things which allow us to live a life of simple dignity, maintain a state of good health and to provide adequately for ourselves and our family members. The United Nations Convention on Human Rights, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Ontario Code of Human Rights all say that each of us has the inherent right to the resources necessary to meet basic needs. In Canada, and in Woolwich Township, some of our basic needs are food, shelter, clothing, access to affordable transportation, sufficient income to acquire those things which are not grown or made at home, freedom from personal harm or threatened harm, companionship and opportunities to be of service to others.


What you can do to provide for basic needs:

• Donate to the Food Basket Program
• Start a Neighbourhood Watch program
• Organize Block Parents in your village or town
• Volunteer with Kiwanis Transit 669-4533 (toll-free: 1-800-461-1355) or Care Ring 669-5139 (toll-free: 1-800-661-7918)
• Support local thrift stores and second hand shops
• Encourage developers to build affordable housing
• Exercise and stay healthy
• Welcome people living on lower incomes into your neighbourhood and community life
• Build houses as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
• Lobby for improved public transit.

For more information:

Woolwich Community Services 669-5139 or 1-800-661-7918

Woolwich Community Health Centre, Health Promoter 664-3794

Block Parent Program 745-8410

Family Violence Prevention Program 669-5139 or 1-800-661-7918

Neighbourhood Watch 570-3000 x380

Community Care Concepts 669-3023 or 749-0784