Inner City Agencies
Organization profile published 1979

Publisher:  Social Justice Commission, Edmonton, Canada
Year Published:  1979
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX983

The Inner City agencies work with a large unemployed, often transient population, very poor senior citizens and the over 55 displaced population who do not qualify for pensions and cannot find employment.

Abstract: 
The Inner City agencies work with a large unemployed, often transient population, very poor senior citizens and the over 55 displaced population who do not qualify for pensions and cannot find employment. The agencies attempt to meet at least basic needs: food redistribution, home visits, limited legal and consumer counselling, organized recreational activities, housing, agency referrals, hot meals, overnight men's hostels, etc. The agencies vary from Church based to volunteer 'self-help' groups such as Humans on Welfare. They generally work with slightly different constituencies, e.g. native people, welfare recipients, the elderly or transients.

Nearly all of the agencies are individually involved in food re-distribution. Persistent problems with perishability and inconsistent supplies have introduced the concept of a "central food bank" with adequate freezer space and cold storage, and pick-up vans. The Centre could conceivably be collectively managed by the agencies. However, most admit that the work they do is essentially "patch-work," and that a deeper social and economic transformation is needed.