By Kendall Worth!
I write on my blog, about the needs of people who live in poverty, especially illustrating the needs of people who have no choice but to depend on the Employment Support and Income Assistance Program (ESIA) here in Nova Scotia. $950.00 a month is the living allowance offered through this program, but a large number of income assistance recipients receive less. For example, those who are deemed “employable” receive $609.00, and for those who are homeless, living in tents, shelters or couch surfing, only receive $380.00 a month. One thing I repeatedly advocate for and raise awareness about are how the system itself encourages people to live socially isolated lives.
The very first article I wrote about social isolation is from 2017 but is still very relevant today. People still have no money for recreation or socializing, as this artcile points out, listing specific social activities that are denied welfare recipients. I should point out that when this article was published the income assistance rate then was only $810.00 a month for persons with disabilities, and from $810 - $950 over . So from $810.00 to the Current $950.00 = Not a Huge jump over 7 years! This same January 25th 2017 article also points out specif social activities that welfare recipients cannot afford to do today.
My Idea is … I would like to start a series of posts about things that people living in poverty can do in order to have affordable community connection -- suggesting ways to get out and socialize. I have suggested solutions, while reporting on Social Prescriptions and Social Prescribing and I also addressed the suggested creation of a sober bar in Halifax as a possible solution.
But a real solution that I have recently reported about, is Halifax Circus and how they work with Low Income Individuals who are interested. This is addition to
reporting on All Together Link whose whole purpose is social connection for people with low incomes. (Note – A BLOG post is coming soon advertising our new spring events, but in the meantime you can check out events here. ).
Sometime after February 26th, 2024 there will be a blog post about discounted passes at the YMCA of greater Halifax/Dartmouth. I made contact with the general manager recently, and she is interested, but on vacation and returning around then.
Anyway, my idea is:
I want to create a series of posts that promote other programs that are free and accessible. Things that do not involve (things I and others have had suggested as appropriate) :
Attending church on Sunday even though you are not christian.
Attending AA Meetings even though you are not an alcoholic or addict.
Showing up at the QE#2 emerge only because you need human contact at the time.
As this post points out, the things mentioned in the list above, is what many living in poverty in Halifax; resort to for simply getting out and socializing especially when soup kitchens are closed.
I have recently been in-touch with sources who brought other possibilities to my attention, including:
A Sunday supper at Saint Andrews United Church which is an opportunity for low income people to get out, eat and socialize after potentially spending Friday evening through Sunday socially isolated.
Neptune theatre has “pay what you can” performances
Polaris Choir (Part of Choirs for Social Change) for those interested in choral singing.
Everyone Everyday which I wrote about in 2022 offers free maker space, tools and materials. They offer drop in times and workshops.
Things like this, I plan to investigate further and maybe report on in Fut-her BLOG posts.
In the meantime if anyone seeing this post knows of any opportunity that can get low income people out socializing for low cost or free please let me know. After all, less isolation, and more social connection is good for everyone's mental health.
I hope to get responses to this one!
Note: Please use the contact form to the right (if on a computer/laptop) and below (if on a phone). Would love to hear your suggestions.
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