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Door to door in Toronto: A community development approach to addressing
poverty issues.
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For a long time Toronto has needed an organization like The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). For too many years we have seen frightening things arising in our city including: slum landlords; payday lenders like Money Mart; and claw-backs to our social programs - just to name a few. As a result, many people are experiencing a lot of grief and hardship. For many years people have just not know what to do.
This is where ACORN is so very important. ACORN goes door to door asking people what they are concerned about and organizes around issues of local concern. ACORN can come in and organize people whom are concerned with various issues. One of the most important things about ACORN is that it teaches the community how to get things done, whom to contact in order to attain their goals and how to become a powerful and productive community force. Being an ACORN member empowers you with the knowledge that you are not alone and you can get instant assistance when needed from all ACORN chapters in your city. All one has to do is call and help will come. It enables one to realize that there is strength in numbers and one need not be a victim but a winner.
I have been living with a slum landlord for the last eight years. Since ACORN came into my building we have come together as a group and forced the landlord to make repairs in the buildings. We are also collectively taking the owner to the tribunal to ensure that we get the changes we want to see. Our plan is to get the building up to code and we not going to stop until this happens. Also, we are now planning a citywide campaign to rid Toronto of all slum landlords. We are going to take back Toronto for the people-- not just focusing on tenant issues but on all the other forces out there that take advantage of ordinary citizens. Collectively we have knowledge and we have power and that is what we are building.
I feel that ACORN is a much-needed organization not only in Toronto
but Canada- wide. It teaches and empowers people with the knowledge
and the know-how to change negative circumstances. They can be strong
in order to change things not only for themselves but for the whole
community. This can only be a good thing. I, for one will be forever
grateful that ACORN came to Toronto. I can only hope - and work
to help - ACORN grow.
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