United Way of Bruce Grey and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force want to put a spotlight on poverty in our community.
In an August 15 United Way media release, basic needs are increasingly out of reach for people living on low-income, and people with insufficient income face impossible choices every single day. For people living with disabilities, further barriers related to employment, social exclusion and higher cost of living make it even more difficult to thrive without comprehensive supports.
After the 1.5% rate increase in October 2018, a single person receiving Ontario Works will still be 65% below the poverty line receiving only $ 732 per month.
On average, 1,949 households per month have accessed Ontario Works in Grey and Bruce counties in 2018.
Of the July 2018 case load, 1,148 clients (62%) were single, 595 clients (31%) were sole supporting parents with the remainder being dual parent families or couples with no children.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) has a caseload of 6,855 households in Grey Bruce. A single person on ODSP is 55% below the poverty line receiving $929.
Ontario’s low income cut off puts the poverty line at $2,080 for a single person.
Any increases to Ontario Works case loads are attributed to positive changes in regulations around income supports such as child support no longer being considered income, increase asset limits which allow people to keep more of their earned income and savings as well as the eligibility requirements for youth 16 and 17 living on their own.
Transitioning people out of poverty and to a life of sustainability requires many supports. Access to transportation, child care that is not only affordable but also fits the schedule of the jobs available.
It is also necessary to ensure that the right supports are in place for the right demographic of people needing supports. With 62% of recipients being singles, we need to ensure there are supports beyond those just focused on children and families.
The United Way of Bruce Grey and the Poverty Task Force look forward to working with the new Provincial government on addressing rural poverty needs.
Below, Income Security Solutions for Strong Communities from the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force.
