Poverty in Kindersley

During the last in-camera meeting of Council we heard a presentation from a group of people representing social agencies concerned with poverty in Kindersley. Three people represented three groups: Salvation Army, SPOKES, and the Kindersley Food Bank. My thanks go to Capt. Len Millar and Debra Walker of the Salvation Army and Ruth Griffiths of Spokes, Barb Dunn of the Food Bank contributed to the presentation but was unable to attend.

In Kindersley the Salvation Army provides a number of goods and services to the poor and working poor:

·         Emergency food assistance;

·         Accommodation;

·         Transportation;

·         Furniture;

·         Clothing;

·         Sally’s Snacks; and

·         Community Kitchen.

The demand for the Salvation Army’s good and services has increased in the past year:

·         Food 6%

·         Shelter 11%

·         Household/Furniture 4%

What is the poverty line in Saskatchewan? Well in Saskatchewan it is generally understood that one is poor according to government standards which is low income. The low income in Saskatchewan is $29,996 or $2,500 gross/month. Saskatchewan has the highest rate of poverty in Canada. Why does Saskatchewan have a high rate of poverty? Generally it is related to high housing and rent costs.

It is important that as we plan for the future and grow that we remember the poor and those who are strangers to Kindersley. One of my concerns is for newcomers. Newcomers don’t have the support networks in our community to help them through stressful situations. Making a move to a new community is stressful and family and friends are not in Kindersley to listen and give a helping hand.

For more information check out the following links:

Salvation Army

SPOKES

Kindersley and District Food Bank