SILVER LININGS NEWSLETTER
MAY 2025

Hi Everyone,

I'm spending time today moving my winter clothes into storage and getting my summer clothes back into my closet. I actually like doing this. It's fun to pull out a summer dress that I had forgotten about and realize that it's still a favourite dress (and it still fits!) 

There is something grounding about doing these ordinary things that are entirely within our control. 

This morning, I spent about an hour reading local and national news about things that I have no control over.  And as usual, it left me confused and somewhat disheartened, but I'm still hopeful. 

Quite rightly, the news is currently full of information about the threats to the Canadian economy and sovereignty but I was heartened to read how our Federal and Provincial governments are working hard to fight against these threats.

But I was saddened to learn that the new Ontario budget basically ignores affordable housing!  So, yet again, we have to take care of our housing needs ourselves.  

As we are likely facing an economic recession or worse, there is no better time than right now, for senior women to find an affordable and secure place to live. A home where you can weather the coming financial storms AND have the supports needed to age-in-place.  

Now is the right time to join SWLT.  Don't wait until the storms are overwhelming us.  Do it NOW!!

Our service is entirely free and you get to choose who you will live with, where you will live and what kind of housing you will live in. 

**Spoiler - a new success story for 4 SWLT women who will be living together in London soon - watch for news about this in the next few months.**

It's true that there are things we have control over and things that we can't control.  So, take control of your housing needs now.

~Pat Dunn~ 

GETTING STARTED WITH SWLT

FOR OUR WEBSITE SUBSCRIBERS

           SWLT provides the platform, guidance and support.
                                    YOU do the work!!

You need to be ready to take advantage of the housing possibilities that come through SWLT....

We are constantly seeking affordable housing opportunities for you, through relationships with private landlords, real estate investors and non-profit housing providers.

But all too frequently, these opportunities disappear because a homemate group is not ready to take advantage of them.

We want to change this and we need you to work with us. Please check for an email describing possible changes and then get involved.

Joining Zulip (our chat program) is a MUST!  
So, if you haven't joined Zulip, get that done right now! At least twice a week, we hear from subscribers who have read a profile and want to start a conversation with the woman, but she hasn't joined Zulip, so the subscriber is left in limbo. Respond to this email if you need the link to join Zulip.

Do you need help to navigate/use our website and Zulip?
- Open the Technical Support channel in Zulip to ask a question. Read the answers that are already there, and find out when Kathryn is holding a meeting to show you how to do things.
- Go to this page to watch some video tutorials. Check back often as we will be adding more videos over time.
https://swlt.ca/how-to/using-swlt-website

Are you wishing there was more activity and meet-ups happening in your area?
Offer to be the moderator for your area channel in Zulip.  Moderators help get things going and help arrange meet-ups. Plus moderators get to know everyone, so they have an advantage when seeking homemates. If you would like to be a moderator, send an email to our volunteer coordinator: volunteercoordinator@swlt.ca

                          Happy Homemate Hunting!!

Well, that's all for May 2025 

 P.S. Share this link with your friends and help get the word out about who we are and what
         we do:  Welcome to the new SWLT website | Senior Women Living Together
    
You can also help us expand our service by sharing this link with everyone you know:
   https://swlt.ca/donate