Organizations are highlighting the need to work together to better support those living in poverty.
The Poverty Reduction Network held its annual "stand up against poverty" rally outside of Sarnia City Hall on Friday, where a small group of about 25 people gathered.
Speakers, such as Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott, highlighted the county's "Be Part of the Solution" campaign.
Multiple information boards were placed outside of city hall, detailing the numerous organizations in Sarnia-Lambton and the services provided to those in need.
Jordon D'Arcy, 33, has utilized multiple services over the years, including Ontario Works, to help her get to where she is today. D'Arcy shared her story of overcoming drug addiction and homelessness, to eventually gaining a post-secondary education and working to provide for her eight-year-old son.
"My message to anyone who finds themselves in poverty would be, reach out to the local organizations. There are so many in Sarnia-Lambton that have so many wonderful resources to offer," she said. "Just know, if you work hard at it, it will get better."
Inn of the Good Shepherd Executive Director Myles Vanni said the key takeaway from Friday's rally is for the community to come together to make an impact and support those who are living in poverty.
He noted how even smaller initiatives can make a real difference.
"We've got the foot care clinic on London Road that is running a 'socktober' campaign to collect socks," he said. "I picked up 1,700 pairs of socks [on Thursday] and they still have two more weeks left to go. It's just people in the community doing that, supporting the agencies that have boots on the ground in helping people."
The Inn's food bank has continued to see a 20 per cent increase in the number of clients with a 20 per cent decrease in the number of donations collected.
A recent Facebook post by the Inn said the food bank's shelves are "running critically low" despite the ongoing Thanksgiving food drive, which ends on October 21.
"Normally, our little warehouse basement would be full of carts of food to be sorted and we've only got about four or five," Vanni said. "Normally, we would expect to have about a dozen in there right now so it does look to be down. We'll know a little bit more when we tally it up next week."
Inn of the Good Shepherd Program Manager Adrienne McPhee implored residents to give what they can.
"Anything that you're able to give helps," McPhee said. "Even if you're not able to give, because I understand that everybody's feeling that pinch of inflation, maybe share posts on Facebook, get the word out there [and] have those positive conversations with your friends and family. Highlight the need that our community is experiencing."
St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank Manager Danica Craig echoed the same need and said many of the clients they serve are either experiencing homelessness or are on the brink.
"We're here because we all have a common ground within the community and we want to make sure that they are able to be supported," Craig said.
During the rally, Vanni pointed to various reasons as to why some may be experiencing poverty, including a lack of proper support from federal and provincial governments and the opioid crisis.
Vanni said he has spoken to many people at Rainbow Park, the site of a large homeless encampment in Sarnia, who like many Canadians, became "hooked" on drugs after being prescribed opioids.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley was also at Friday's rally and noted that it's "a shame" the poverty situation hasn't improved.