Chalmers Cards: a way to navigate homelessness in Toronto / What’s going on? blog #1
by Luciano on Sep.19, 2024, under Projects
Over the next few months, we will be posting about the myriad of projects that people get up to at HackLab. Make sure to check back regularly for updates!
It can be hard to get information about social services in Toronto for people who are experiencing homelessness. They may not have regular access to the internet and pamphlets are notoriously easy to lose. Zach Donsky, a long-time member of HackLab, thought that there was a better way.
In 2018, Zach created Chalmers Cards, a set of wooden squares that have an abundance of important information laser-cut into them. They are tied together by an elastic hair tie that also makes it easy to attach to pants or a backpack and can be distributed by workers within the social services system. The cards can be easily and cheaply produced in maker spaces across the city and print files can be found on the project’s GitHub. It takes around three hours to make eight sets of cards and the materials cost around $1.
“Access to social services is not as easy as I think it should be,” said Zach.
Information is available online but is not often in the simplest terms. Most of the resources recorded on the Chalmers Cards are accessible through 24-hour toll free phone numbers. You can find contact numbers for TeleHealth, shelter referral, legal aid and more. Many people experiencing homelessness do not have regular access to computers or the internet, so phone numbers are often their best option for accessing services.
“A lot of social services documentation is available on the internet,” according to the Chalmers Card website. “But getting on the internet is a real chore when you don’t own a computer.”
The cards also contain brief guides on getting government identification and financial aid – no access to a computer required.
More than 1000 cards have been produced and distributed since the project was started.
Junk Independence Day
by Maniac Inventor on Sep.02, 2024, under Events
- Sunday September 22
- 2PM – 6PM
Got some old electronics hiding away at home? Looking for a source of spare parts for a project? Junk Independence Day is where people bring in and swap old electronics and e-waste.
Typical / past items included:
- iPods / Mp3 Players / camcorders
- Computers, laptops and parts
- Printers / Scanners
- Stereo amps, speakers
- Traffic walk/don’t walk streetlights!
- Hobby Electronics parts + kits
Not to be forgotten, there are always lots of little chips and bytes for random hacking too. Anything left at the end will be picked up on Monday and responsibly recycled!
House Rules: Items brought in for the Junk Day are not to be disassembled on site. If you want only part of an item, take it home, and bring the rest back next junk day.
Open Houses Resumed (Aug, 13)
by Scott Sullivan on Aug.13, 2024, under Uncategorized
After our hiatus last week, we have resumed normal weekly Open Houses.
We look forward to hosting and engaging your curiosity!
Hacklab open house is cancelled today! 2024-08-06
by Zach Donsky on Aug.06, 2024, under Uncategorized
Sorry everyone! Open house should be back to normal by next week!
Contact info@hacklab.to for details!
Hacklab Digest – July
by Evelyn on Jul.22, 2024, under Digest
A look back on some of the great events that we’ve had at the lab in earlier this year.
IWD 2024, Weekend Open houses, Doors Open, Junk Independence Day.
Upcoming events:
In addition to our usual weekly open house on Tuesdays, we’re also excited to announce a series of introductory workshops showcasing the various domains and tools we have available at the lab. This presents an opportunity for anyone to learn, experiment and explore new skills and tools for future project plans.
Our first workshop will focus on Beginner 3D printing workshop – 2pm July 28th, 2024 (Sun)
It will cover basics on how to create your own 3D models and print them using a Prusa printer.
Also plans are being made to celebrate Hacklab’s 16th Anniversary in Aug details TBD.
Doors Open 2024
by Zach Donsky on May.24, 2024, under Uncategorized
HackLab.TO is happy to be among the 150 sites for this years Doors Open Toronto!
Come visit our uniquely adorned space filled with members’ projects ranging from art to electronic exhibits and design projects.
Saturday May 25th, 10am – 5pm
Sunday May 26th, 10am – 5pm
Junk Independence Day
by Maniac Inventor on Apr.01, 2024, under Uncategorized
- Sunday April 14
- 2PM – 7PM
Got some old electronics hiding away at home? Looking for a source of spare parts for a project? Junk Independence Days where people bring in and swap old electronics and e-waste.
Typical / past items included:
- iPods / Mp3 Players / camcorders
- Computers, laptops and parts
- Printers / Scanners
- Stereo amps, speakers
- Traffic walk/don’t walk streetlights!
- Hobby Electronics parts + kits
Not to be forgotten, there are always lots of little chips and bytes for random hacking too. Anything left at the end will be picked up on Monday and responsibly recycled!
House Rules: Items brought in for the Junk Day are not to be disassembled on site. If you want only part of an item, take it home, and bring the rest back next junk day.
HackLab Open House Celebrating International Women’s Day
by Kristy on Feb.24, 2024, under Announcements, Events
Friday, March 8, 6pm-11pm
Open House days are opportunities for the public to come meet, get to know, and join our community. This is an International Women’s Day focused open house, and is open to all. A PWYC share of dinner will be available. Come out and show us your newest project, get help or advice from our friendly members, or just get a tour of the place. We can’t wait to see you!
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
by Scott Sullivan on Jan.06, 2024, under Events
Hacklab.to presents Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Artemis is a local co-op multiplayer game where as a group you crew the bridge of a Starship. Work together to explore local space, upgrade your ship, and defend space stations from attacking ships and creatures.
Equipment and Instruction on how to play will be provided.
- Friday Jan 26th, 7pm – 10pm
- Saturday Feb 17th, 2pm – 6pm
- Friday Feb 23rd, 7pm – 10pm
Donate to Attend at Eventbrite
Learn more about the game at artemisspaceshipbridge.com.
Hacky Halloween: Mad Science Experiment!
by Ahron Train on Oct.27, 2023, under Uncategorized
Come show off your best costume! It’s time to bring out the LEDs and electronic masterpieces, or maybe just your best mad scientist hair. What better way to party than with whatever imaginative science and tech ideas we can create.
October 28, 2023, 6pm-11pm
Hangout and food 6pm-8pm, BYOB. Music 8pm-11pm.
No tickets, $10 PWYC (pay what you can) donation to support Hacklab.
1677 St Clair Ave West (nearest transit stop is St Clair West at Laughton Ave).
See you there!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hacky-halloween-mad-science-experiment-tickets-735173161717