Powell River’s poverty reduction committee has released results of its community well-being survey, providing statistical analysis for trends within the region.
As part of a vision to make qathet a region where everyone thrives, City of Powell River, qathet Regional District (qRD), and Tla’amin Nation, with assistance from Lift Community Services and First Credit Union, are working with local organizations and citizens to develop a strategy to end poverty in the region, according to a media release from the committee.
From March 15 to April 15, residents were invited to fill out the survey. Feedback from the 567 respondents will help inform the qathet poverty reduction strategy. To read the full report or an infographic with a highlight of the results go to participatepr.ca/povertyreduction.
According to the release, 37.7 per cent of respondents are facing challenges meeting their needs or their family’s needs each month. Of those surveyed, 29 per cent of respondents never or rarely have enough money to cover one-time unexpected costs without feeling it would impact their ability to pay their other monthly expenses. Further, 54 per cent of all respondents living alone identified facing challenges.
In terms of food, 48 per cent of respondents spend more than a quarter but less than half of their income on food, the release stated. Last year, 14 per cent had to often or always choose between buying healthy foods or paying for other household costs.
According to the release, 65 per cent of renters indicated facing challenges meeting their needs, compared to 26 per cent of homeowners. The release offered a quote from a survey respondent that stated: “If I sell my house, I’ll be trapped in the awful rental market, paying way more for rent than my mortgage. So, I’m forced to go into debt every year to cover my property tax, but every year, they just go up more and more.”
The release stated that on a scale of one to 10, where one is barely surviving and 10 is fully thriving, respondents rated themselves on average a 6.7.
The top five most important things respondents identified that would support all people in the qathet region to thrive were: affordable and suitable housing (67 per cent of the respondents); affordable, healthy food (29 per cent); better wages (22 per cent); access to services (21 per cent); community connections (17 per cent)
The greatest assets that support people to thrive include: access to affordable and healthy food; friends and family; access to affordable, safe and appropriate housing. Additionally, 53 per cent of respondents for whom child care was applicable indicated not having access to affordable child care.
The top five barriers that hinder people to thrive include: cost of living; lack of income; disability related issues (e.g.) mental health, addictions, et cetera; lack of social connections; access to employment.
The top three services respondents list as unable to access include: health and dental care; reliable transportation; and mental health services.
Living poverty-free is a human right, according to the release. Article 25 of the universal declaration of human rights states that everyone has a right to food, health care, suitable housing, education, social services and security.
“The goal is to eliminate poverty, not alleviate it, and innovative ideas and bold actions are needed to bring about comprehensive, lasting change,” the release stated. “By addressing poverty at its roots, creating opportunities, and growing people’s independence over time, it is possible to end poverty.”
People wanting to learn more about this project and be part of the movement to eliminate poverty, can sign up for a newsletter at eepurl.com/hsUR7v.
