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Explore findings on homelessness in Calgary and Edmonton, causes of homelessness, minimum wage rates, social assistance changes, and the impact on families. Learn about the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank's mission, facts, and primary income sources for clients.
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Some Highlights of Surveys of Homelessness in Calgary Date: May 15, 2002 Definition & Methodology Findings: Year:1996 199820002002 Tot. Count: 615 988 1296 1737 Street Count: 15 38 168 117 In 2002: (Note – increased shelter capacity of 288) • 42 families, incl. 59 children under age 13 & 56 teens age 13 to 17 60% of families were in women’s shelters • 38 seniors age 65 & over • 84% men • Over-rep’n of aboriginals (@ 15%), esp. in street count (over 1/3) • Under-rep’n of VisMins (@ 11%) but growing • Large increase in number of families.
Homelessness in Edmonton • Survey date: Sept. 14, 2000 • Total Homeless: 1160 persons (up from 836 in March 1999) incl.: 64 families (with 146 children under age 15) Males: 69% Aboriginals: 40%
Causes of Homelessness • Shrinking Supply of Affordable Housing • De-institutionalization of Mental Patients • Parent Child Conflict & Abuse: Runaways • Low Minimum Wage (see next slide)
Current and PlannedMinimum Wage Ratesin Canadian Provinces • Province Wage Effective Date Rank • Nfld. $6.00 Nov. 1, 2002 9 • N.B. $6.00 Aug. 1, 2002 9 • Nova Scotia $6.00 Oct. 1, 2002 9 • P.E.I. $6.25 Jan. 1, 2003 7 • P.E.I. $6.50 Jan. 1, 2004 -- • P.E.I. $6.80 Jan. 1, 2005 -- • Quebec $7.30 Feb. 1, 2003 2 • Ontario $6.85 Jan. 1, 1995 4 • Manitoba $6.75 April 1, 2003 5 • Sask. $6.65 Nov. 1, 2002 6 • Alberta $5.90 Oct. 1, 1999 11 • Yukon $7.20 Oct. 1, 1998 3 • B.C. $8.00 1
Causes of Homelessness • Shrinking Supply of Affordable Housing • De-institutionalization of Mental Patients • Parent Child Conflict & Abuse: Runaways • Low Minimum Wage (see previous slide) • Inadequate Income Supports for the Working Poor • Social Assistance Cuts (See next slide)
Welfare Income as a Percentage of the Poverty Line, By Family Type, Alberta, 2001 Category Welfare Welfare as Benefits % of Poverty Line Single Employable $5,030 27% Person With a Disability $7,596 40% Single Parent, One Child $11,619 49% Couple with 2 Children $18,395 52% Source: Canadian Council on Social Development. www.ccsd.ca/factsheets/fs_ncwp101.htm
The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank Organizational Philosophy • All people seeking our help should be treated with compassion, dignity, and understanding. • Our clients deserve the highest quality foods that are possible for us to provide. • The best way to meet hunger needs is in collaboration with others who share our common purpose. • The spirit of volunteerism is our strength and our primary resource. • We are accountable to our community for the programs and services we deliver.
Some Facts About The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank • One of 615 food banks in Canada • Goal: to provide a nutritionally balanced hamper to feed a family for one week. • Availability: - screening for need - max. of 6 hampers per year - max. of 1 hamper per month • Volume in 2000: - $10 million in food - $2.5 million in funds - 44,000 hampers for 127,000 people • Staff - 65,000 hours of volunteers’ time - 35 full-time staff • Quote: You are all just 1-2 paycheques away from being a Food Bank client
Primary Sources of Income for Clients of Calgary Interfaith Food Bank • 39% Wage (Working Poor) • 25% Social Assistance • 12% None • 8% AISH • 6% Other • 4% EI • 3% Pension • 2% Student Finance • 1% WCB
