YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START food could be a way for you to spend time together. If you don’t havespace for your own garden, find out if your neighbourhood or townhas community or allotment gardens where you can rent or share aspace to grow some food. Some food banks and shelters have sharedgarden space.If you are having trouble buying groceries at the end of the month,find out whether you qualify to use the food bank. This is an excellentresource in an emergency or for as long as it takes you to get on yourfeet financially.BarterSome communities have organized barter systems in which you swapskills through a skill bank. For instance, you could offer babysittingskills and receive help changing the oil in your car or getting a drive toan appointment. Even if you don’t have paid work, you can exchangeskills with others.TransportationIf you can no longer afford a car, public transit may be your bestoption. Secondhand bikes for you and your children are anotherpossibility in the warmer months. Many cities now have car co-ops,where you can have scheduled access to a car at a much lower costthan owning one.UtilitiesLive smart. If you are paying for utilities, turn down your heat atnight, but don’t turn it off in the winter because the pipes will freeze.Make a habit of turning off lights when you leave the room. As youcan afford it, replace regular light bulbs with low energy bulbs. Youcan save money by setting your water heater temperature slightlylower, and turning it off if you are leaving for a few days. See if youhave a local environmental organization that can give you hints onhow to save energy. Many public utilities offices or gas companiesissue information pamphlets.EntertainmentThere are many activities and social events that cost little or nothing.The public library system is generally free, and offers computer access,programs, videos and DVDs as well as books. Public recreationcentres often have reduced price sports programs and clubs if you75