THUNDER BAY – When Thunder Bay resident Tasha Almgren’s frustration over the lack of support for those struggling with addiction and mental health boiled over recently, she resolved to turn the feeling into a force for change.
“I myself have struggled with addiction and mental health for most of my life,” she said. “Driving through the city and seeing all the struggle, I was a little bit angry and frustrated with what it looks like. I started thinking, well, how about I start doing something?”
A few weeks later, the results of her determination have surprised Almgren herself.
Over a dozen volunteers gathered across the street from city hall Saturday afternoon, handing out hot food and drinks to those in need, many of whom Almgren greeted by name.
Groups were also preparing to walk the streets around the south core, checking in with those who live on the streets and passing out food, hats, and mitts.
The volunteers were brought together by a Facebook page Almgren recently set up, called Hope for Change. In under two weeks, it has grown to over 900 members.
The group has also raised over $2,000 in donations to fuel Almgren’s vision of a community response to help those in need on Thunder Bay’s streets. Some local stores also chipped in with money and food donations.
Other groups and social service agencies do similar work in the city, Almgren said, but they’re overstretched, and often not fully available outside of business hours.
She fears the shortage of supports will be especially devastating this winter, given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
“With the winter coming, it’s a really scary time for a lot of our friends out here,” she said. “Our winters are brutal, they’re cold, and especially with the rising COVID-19 numbers, people are really worried about where they’re going to seek shelter here.”
While Almgren may not be able to offer shelter beds, she’s a firm believer that the community needs to step up to make whatever difference it can for those who need support. She hopes the project she started can empower everyday citizens to get engaged in addressing the problem.
“I really want to reach the people who are sitting at home wondering, how do we make a difference?” she said. “Well, I was just one person who decided to post something online, and now I have 900 people standing behind me that want to support our friends in the city. Together, we can make a difference.”
Part of that difference is in simply showing concern for people too often ignored, she argues.
“I’ve heard a lot that people are more grateful for the conversation and being treated with kindness,” she said. “Connection is really the opposite of addiction. It really does take a team of people in order to support you, lift you up, show you resources, and be with you.”
Almgren plans to continue her efforts as long as they continue to be fed by support from the community, she said.
Residents can learn more about the Hope for Change initiative at the group’s Facebook page.
