The London Homeless Coalition held its twice-yearly Soup ’n Bread Day at Covent Garden Market Square on April 27, 2012 from noon until 1:30 p.m. The role of the London Homeless Coalition (LHC) is to advise, shape and coordinate community responses to homelessness and related needs to the London area.
“Our intention with Soup n’ Bread is to have a community conversation about the impact poverty, homelessness, and the lack of affordable housing have on our community,” says Shelley Yeo, Event Coordinator.
“The City of London, working in partnership with the Coalition and social agencies, is moving forward with strategies to lessen the impact of poverty on those most at risk,” explains Jens Stickling, LHC Chair. “Progress, however, continues to be threatened by attempts to balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens. That can’t be allowed to happen.”
Hot chili was provided by the Salvation Army, while the Women’s Community House organized and manned the Free Store. Toscana Restaurant and Wine Bar sponsored the bread and the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) provided dessert and bottled water. The City of London donated bags so that people could take home food and other items.
Representing the City were Councillors Denise Brown and Dale Henderson. London Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong was in attendance, as was Kelly Shute, Senior Constituency Assistant for Susan Truppe, MP, London North Centre. LSTAR President Barb Whitney and President-Elect Doug Pedlar were on hand to help out and entertainment was provided by local artist and LHC Steering Committee Member Jeremy Jeresky in the form of an interactive art performance piece entitled the Office of Gossip and Complaints.
Pictured (top from left to right): LSTAR President-Elect Doug Pedlar, Kelly Shute, Assistant to MP Susan Truppe, and LSTAR President Barb Whitney.
Pictured (bottom from left to right): LSTAR President-Elect Doug Pedlar and President Barb Whitney.
