Letter from Marilyn Van Imschoot Re: Income assistance for rent

To John Horgan, Carole James, Andrew Weaver, Adam Olsen, Shane Simpson, Selina Robinson, Andrew Wilkinson, Lisa Helps, John Ranns, Ryan Windsor, David Screech, Kevin Murdoch, Stewart Young, Dorothy Hartshorne, Fred Haynes

Re: Income assistance for rent

I have been closely following the announcements with the new rental and supportive housing. These are wonderful and I feel grateful for those lucky enough to secure one of these units. However, what disturbs me is that there are thousands of others who are not able to obtain this housing. The provincial income assistance rate for rent has not increased enough for these people to benefit. I have been told that the current government has increased the rate by $100 per month. The previous rate was in effect since April 1, 2007. When one looks at the BC income assistance rate table effective October 1, 2017, one is shocked to see how pathetic the amounts are. I checked on the Internet for available studio/bachelor suites for rent and there is nothing available for a single person under $800 unless one shares a suite with others.

What can you do to help these people who are on social assistance or who receive no assistance obtain a larger rent supplement?

I have not noticed that Greater Victoria city councils have put forward any sites for short term housing for the homeless. How can we change this? Please advise.

Regards,

Marilyn Van Imschoot cc. Times Colonist, Saanich News

December 27, 2018

RECEIVED JAN 02 2019 TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL