2017 Embracing Diversity Full Report
SRPC’s Newcomer report looks at how newcomers are experiencing our community, the challenges they face in settling here and how we can help make our community a more welcoming place to live.
SRPC’s Newcomer report looks at how newcomers are experiencing our community, the challenges they face in settling here and how we can help make our community a more welcoming place to live.
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and loneliness while an additional 28% of newcomers felt only somewhat integrated into Perth-<br />
Huron (see Figure 4). 14 Similarly, in 2011/12, 26% of Perth residents and 27% of Huron residents<br />
reported that they did not feel a strong sense of belonging to their community. 15<br />
Figure 4. Newcomer self-identified feelings of isolation and integration in Perth and<br />
Huron Counties (NONA Survey)<br />
23%<br />
16%<br />
28%<br />
33%<br />
Feel part of Perth and Huron<br />
23 respondents<br />
Somewhat integrated<br />
20 respondents<br />
Feel isolated<br />
11 respondents<br />
Blank<br />
16 respondents<br />
Newcomers also identified social isolation and the cold weather as two other challenges<br />
that are difficult to overcome. Perth and Huron residents that do not have a car also report<br />
that they are isolated and have difficulty participating in everyday activities, a situation that<br />
becomes even more challenging during winter weather 16 . Finally, finding housing was<br />
identified as one of the top three challenges faced by newcomers moving to Perth and Huron<br />
(see Figure 5). A 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and<br />
St. Marys 17 and A Long Term Housing and Homelessness Plan for the County of Huron 18<br />
both identified a need for safe, affordable, and appropriate housing for families and individuals<br />
with low incomes.<br />
14 Ibid.<br />
15 Social Research & Planning Council (2014). Quality of Life in Perth & Huron County 2014.<br />
http://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/srpc/quality-of-life/<br />
16 Social Research & Planning Council (2012). The road ahead: A study of transportation needs across Huron and Perth Counties.<br />
http://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/srpc/transportation/<br />
17 OrgCode Consulting Inc. (2013). A 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. https://www.<br />
stratfordcanada.ca/en/insidecityhall/resources/A_10-Year_Housing__Homelessness_Plan_for_Stratford_Perth_County_and_St._Marys.pdf<br />
18 OrgCode Consulting Inc. (2014). A Long Term Housing and Homelessness Plan for the County of Huron.<br />
https://www.huroncounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Housing-HomelessnessPlan.pdf<br />
16 Newcomer Experiences
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