CAPRA presents Poverty Perspectives Research results to local stakeholders

“It opened my mind and opened my heart to what a lot of these people are going through,” says Merrill. “It just made me open my eyes to the fact that anyone could be in poverty and I wanted to advocate for that.”

Merrill says her research shows poverty is a complex issue with those experiencing it having unique circumstances to overcome.

“They’re not all drug addicts or alcoholics and that was one of the biggest messages that was shared from them, that they wanted people in the community to know was that ‘We’re no different than you guys,’” she explains.

“Seeing all the frustrations and obstacles that a lot of these individuals face, I feel like it could really be addressed with just simply someone in the community just making them feel like they’re human, still important, still people.”

Merrill says this restricts people – homeless or otherwise – from seeking help because they fear judgment.

“They’re still making their payments, but unfortunately, if let’s say their car breaks-down, they might not be able to make that payment, so I’m sure there are a lot of people who can sympathize with that. They’re afraid to get help because they’re afraid they’re going to be judged and not treated very nicely.”

Merrill acknowledges though some gains are being made, such as the increase to minimum wage, rent and the cost of living also continues to go up.

The biggest priority now, she says, is to educate the community to not be afraid of people living in poverty, and rather be willing to help them in any way possible.

“Just give them a smile and give them that encouragement that they can get themselves out of that, and then they in turn will get some help,” she says. “If someone is starting to struggle, be kind.”

Risk factors identified in the report include loss of employment, single parent families, recent immigrants, Aboriginal descent, lack of education, disabilities, and separation or divorce.

Local service providers who took part in the survey identified collaboration between service providers, funding, reducing stigma, affordable resources, affordable housing and mental health and addiction resources as the biggest areas of need in addressing poverty in Red Deer.

LeeAnne Shinski, CAPRA operations chair, says the ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy for Red Deer.

“It will have to be a community-led strategy,” declares Shinski. “Everyone has to be involved, so education is a large portion of that. Reducing that stigma through education is an important part, so just letting the community know that poverty is complex and that it’s not a personal failing.”

Shinski says next steps include a presentation from CAPRA’s consultants at the Golden Circle on May 22 (1:30 and 7 p.m.) where members of the public are invited to see and provide feedback on. Both afternoon and evening sessions will be offered.

According to statistics from Canada Without Poverty, one in seven Canadians currently live in poverty.

In addition, 2005 figures from CAPRA indicate 400,000 Albertans live in poverty, with 143,000 of those being children.

Results from the study will be considered along with the Poverty in Red Deer: A Needs and Opportunities report in creating prevention and reduction strategies for poverty in Red Deer.

by Sheldon Spackman

CAPRA presents Poverty Perspectives Research results to local stakeholders

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