It’s not surprising that the two groups of people hardest hit by poverty in B.C. are children and seniors. It is also reprehensible.
The cost of housing and the lack of decent housing are forcing more seniors and children into continuing cycles of poverty.
A recent report released by the University of Victoria and Union Gospel Mission found that over the last five years, the number of seniors waiting for subsidized housing in Vancouver has increased by 38 per cent.
Since 2002, more than 1,000 seniors have been added to the waiting list, making the total number of applicants 3,516.
In New Westminster, we suspect seniors face the same challenges – albeit on a smaller scale.
The provincial government’s pledge to build more affordable housing comes too late with too few units. As a campaign pledge, it reeks of cynicism.
The B.C. Senior’s Supplement – a guaranteed income supplement for low-income residents age 65 and older – is $49.30 per month. It hasn’t been raised since 1991.
That is so starkly cold as to make one shake their head.
If you are a working person in B.C., imagine trying to live on the salary you made in 1991 in today’s economic climate. It is impossible.
Now, to be sure, there are other funds poor seniors can access – such as B.C. Housing’s Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents.
But that also hasn’t risen to match the cost of living.
In fact, according to the B.C. Seniors Advocate, rents went up 34 per cent over 10 years, but the supplement cap only went up nine per cent. If you are a senior living on CPP, you can’t possibly afford rent and food on such amounts.
The latest trend is seeing more seniors ending up homeless, or living in vans or old RVs.
Wonder what the van is doing down the street in your suburban neighbourhood? Well, it could just be someone has parked it there because they don’t have space at home. But it could also be someone’s full-time home.
Imagine at the age of 70 not being able to afford a warm, dry place to live. To be ashamed to tell your kids, or be a burden on them. To worry about where your next meal is coming from.
That’s not what we wish for our grandmothers and grandfathers – it’s not what we would wish for anyone.
