Published: February 2017

In April 2016, the SPRC supported Hamilton Organizing for Poverty Elimination (HOPE) and Hamilton Faith Communities in Action to organize a Social Audit, a process of examining the social assistance system through the stories of people who are experiencing it. The social audit involved a panel of Hamilton influencers from faith, education, health, media, and politics listening to the stories of 29 people, one at a time over three days. That experience has changed the way they think about poverty responses and how they can use their influence to help the community and the government think differently. This report includes a clearly written and poignant summary of those stories, some reflections from the auditors, and recommendations to all levels of government. Click here to read the report.

Community Partners: First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, Good Shepherd, Hamilton Organizing for Poverty Elimination, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, Diocese of Hamilton, Anglican Diocese of Niagara, Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition