This is the first in a series of guest posts by Metcalf Innovation Fellow John Stapleton that explore the difficulties that social assistance recipients face. John’s focus is primarily on newcomers who are searching for a way to be self-reliant, and on situations in which barriers are particularly acute. Titled Solitary Confinement, these posts stem directly from Metcalf’s Resilient Neighbourhood Economies (RNE) project, which focused on building sustainable economic opportunities for low-income people.

Metcalf’s Environment Program has three focus areas. In 2016, applications to Cycle City and Electrifying Movement will be by RFP and invitation-only. Applications to Enabling Solutions are due April 13, 2016. Enabling Solutions funds efforts to advance fiscal policy reforms, to research and communicate low-carbon solutions, and to develop cross-sector support for sustained climate leadership at the provincial and national levels.

Close to 90 people from a cross section of performing arts organizations gathered, on January 21, for an information session hosted by Metcalf’s Performing Arts program. The event was an opportunity to discuss the 2016 Creative Strategies Incubator focus issue: providing greater opportunities for artistic work to achieve its potential. Michael Trent, Director of Performing Arts, led the group through an in-depth examination of the focus issue. Letters of interest are due on or before March 7, 2016.

Metcalf Innovation Fellow Sarah Schulman and her team are facilitating a six-month prototype of new practices to help and support street-involved adults. Every few weeks they are capturing real-time lessons learned and sharing them on their blog. A post from the first six weeks addresses how they are reassessing the role of drop-in centres and thinking through the best mix of interventions — from basic to psychological and relational needs. The team is also creating a dashboard with highlights of the week, and publishing videos that demonstrate how they are prototyping their ideas.

Toronto Environmental Alliance’s INHALE project, supported by Metcalf, is designed to improve air quality by empowering people to monitor their local air. Volunteers attach mobile air particulate monitoring equipment to their backpacks, bike handlebars, or baby stroller handles, and walk, run, or ride through their neighbourhoods collecting air quality data. Results are then shared with the broader community. Toronto Environmental Alliance has released a video about the initiative.

The 2014 Creative Strategies Incubator is now halfway through its three-year learning network. This cohort is addressing audience engagement and community building. Participants recently completed a Q&A to share how their initiatives are taking shape and to formally share what they are learning. One of the important issues that has come to light is the importance of finding the right tools and metrics that enable a company to measure and evaluate the efficacy of its strategic initiatives.

Metcalf grantee caterToronto is one of two organizations selected to help deliver the City of Toronto’s new Food Venture Program. The Food Venture Program provides assistance to food entrepreneurs through business training, mentorship and grant opportunities, and ongoing advisory services. caterToronto is helping to reduce barriers to low-income entrepreneurs by proving additional financial and training support.

In December, York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies officially plugged in its new solar-powered electric vehicle charging station. The charging station is part of an initiative, funded in part by Metcalf, to craft an accessible and affordable electric vehicle strategy and to develop policy recommendations for expanding renewable energy-powered personal transportation.

Metcalf grantee Social Enterprise Toronto is hosting its second Social Enterprise Toronto Conference on March 10. The theme is Communities driving social enterprise. The conference will be an opportunity for the social enterprise community and stakeholders to explore how to support social enterprises through strong local networks and, in turn, leverage the power of social enterprise to create employment and build community resilience.