There's a demand for policy change to address the needs of people living in poverty as online voting opens in the 2026 Municipal Election.
The annual Stand Up Against Poverty Rally, organized by the Poverty Reduction Network, was held outside Sarnia City Hall on Friday.
The Inn of the Good Shepherd Programs Manager Adrienne McPhee encouraged attendees to "vote with intention" in this election.
"There's been a lot of information sessions and debates, there's been a lot of really amazing discourse around poverty, homelessness, affordable housing," McPhee said. "Today, October 16, we know exactly where our candidates stand on those issues. If there's something that is meaningful and impactful and important for people, make your vote matter and vote accordingly."
Election day is on Monday, October 26.
Warm Hearts Sarnia Executive Director Crystal Heimbecker said community members should vote for what's right for them, but it shouldn't end there.
"Even after the election, we have to hold them accountable every day," Heimbecker told Sarnia News Today.
Heimbecker said that while there are limitations as to what can be done at a municipal level, the city and county can work together on supportive programs and can facilitate discussions to take matters to upper levels of government.
Warm Hearts Sarnia is a non-profit organization, offering support to over 400 people.
"We provide over 35 different services. Things like snack bags and hygiene bags to those who are unhoused," Heimbecker said. "We do appointment reminders, we do court reminders, we hold hands -- if they need somebody to go to an appointment with them, we stay with them the whole time."
Support was the common theme between Friday's guest speakers, who shared their personal stories of living in poverty and overcoming certain barriers.
One of the guest speakers, Melissa Richter, said over 20 organizations had a positive impact on her, and now, she's in the "beautiful place of helping others."
Another speaker, Melanie LeBel, spoke about the stigma and misconceptions associated with poverty.
"Sometimes I hear people talk about poverty like it's some kind of privilege," LeBel said, referencing Ontario Works and the disability support program.
"Nothing is glamorous about survival mode," LeBel said.
A group of about 40 people stood in the light rain to hear these personal stories. McPhee said part of what the Poverty Reduction Network does is amplify these voices.
"Having those with lived experience be the central focus point of this event is key to everything that we're trying to do here. It's their stories. People who actually live in Sarnia-Lambton are experiencing this," McPhee said. "It's not a stat, it's not happening somewhere else in the world, these are your neighbours, your friends, our families that need that help."
In addition to Friday's speakers, London musician Frank Ridsdale sang some union and solidarity songs for the crowd.
