Hamilton is a city with many challenges – social, geographic, economic. Jeff Wingard can’t fix the first two, but he wants to address the third.

On Thursday, the McMaster Community Poverty Initiative (MCPI) will be hosting an in-depth panel discussion, “Signs of Hope: Working in the Community to Reduce Poverty.” The event is designed to highlight some of the most pressing socioeconomic issues in Hamilton, while also linking students and staff at the University to other resources in the city.

The free lecture features four speakers: Sally Palmer, professor emeritus (Social Work) and a devout community activist; Jeanette Eby, project coordinator, the McMaster Discovery Program; Christie Bowick, an honours Sociology student; and Wingard, coordinator of the Community Poverty Initiative.

“When it comes to tackling poverty, it’s important to talk about solutions that exist. Even if it’s just a small step,” says Wingard, who’s served in his current role for the past three years. “It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the larger issues.”

In Hamilton, the ninth largest city in Canada with a population well over half a million, the link between income, geography and health is obvious. The Hamilton Spectator’s 2010 Code Red series detailed how life expectancy one west Mountain neighbourhood is more than 20 years longer than certain areas of the inner-city. A complex issue with many contributing factors, Wingard knows the divide won’t disappear overnight. But it’s important to move forward, one step at a time.

“We want to deconstruct some of the issues behind poverty, and examine why it exists in the first place,” he says.

Comprised of roughly 25 members (including students, faculty and staff), the MCPI focuses on research, advocacy, education and community action related to poverty reduction – often with partners in the greater Hamilton area.

Newcomers are welcome to attend Thursday’s event, and Wingard encourages those with an interest in local poverty reduction to “take some risks” and get involved. Signs of Hope will take place on Feb. 14 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Burke Science Building (Room B136). No RSVP is necessary.

In conjunction with Thursday’s event, The MCPI will also be launching a re-vamped resource list for faculty and students, outlining reports and resources dealing with homelessness, health, community well-being and urban planning. The Poverty and Related Community Resources List is available now online.

For more information on Signs of Hope or to get involved in future events, please email macpovertyinitiative@gmail.com.