Thunder Bay Non-Profits Strive for Recovery Post-Pandemic

A new report has revealed that Thunder Bay’s non-profit sector is still struggling to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Released on March 15, 2024, by Empower the North, the report synthesizes feedback from 45 non-profit organizations in the area, highlighting significant ongoing challenges related to funding and operational stability.

During the report’s launch at the Mary JL Black Library, Bonnie Krysowaty, who conducted the data analysis, shared insights gathered through a comprehensive outreach effort. This included surveys and community consultations, which aimed to capture a broad range of perspectives. “We really did a fulsome outreach this time around,” Krysowaty stated. “What we heard overwhelmingly is that collaboration and collective impact are really the driving force behind the successes post-COVID for especially nonprofits.”

Despite the emphasis on collaboration, the report underscores the difficulties faced by these organizations. A staggering 86 percent of respondents indicated they are grappling with funding challenges, while 73 percent expressed concern regarding a lack of core or operational funding. Krysowaty noted that most non-profits depend on temporary funding arrangements, often pieced together from various sources, which complicates their long-term planning and ability to respond effectively to community needs.

The report also highlights the impact of complex reporting requirements, a concern for 60 percent of participants, and a perceived scarcity of funders in northern Ontario. This has led to increased competition among non-profits for limited resources. Krysowaty explained that the lack of stable funding creates additional challenges, such as rising operational costs and difficulties in retaining staff.

“When organizations don’t have that core funding to help with mental health supports, peer support for their staff, being able to offer flexible shifts, it really can be detrimental,” she said. Krysowaty further elaborated on the alarming mental health issues faced by staff in the sector, pointing to data indicating that individuals working in housing and homelessness services in Thunder Bay may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at rates nearly double that of police officers and firefighters.

The increase in individuals experiencing homelessness has also been notable, with encampments becoming more visible across Thunder Bay. Krysowaty remarked, “Ten years ago, we didn’t really see that. I’m not saying there weren’t people experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay, but not to the extent that we’re seeing it now.”

Despite these challenges, the report reveals that non-profits are adopting innovative strategies to address their difficulties. “Organizations are trying new ideas, thinking outside the box, creating new resources for people,” Krysowaty noted. This adaptability requires significant trust and coordination among organizations, a trait that Krysowaty finds encouraging given the inherent difficulties of collaboration.

Albert Brule, CEO of the United Way of Thunder Bay, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for different approaches to meet community needs. “In order to meet the needs out there, we’re going to have to do things differently,” he stated. Brule highlighted the importance of collaboration among community stakeholders, including business partners and various levels of government, to improve the overall situation.

Krysowaty concluded by stating that the report is available on the Empower the North website. “We have groups that work together trying to combat a lot of these social issues,” she said. “With this data, that will really help guide our decision-making and our advocacy efforts.”

The findings of this report illustrate the resilience of Thunder Bay’s non-profit sector while also underscoring the critical need for stable funding and innovative solutions to address the ongoing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.