To the editor:
Re: “Better solutions for ending homelessness,” Aug. 6.
Gee, I wish I was as powerful as Michael Geller suggests: “It is worth noting that [the welfare shelter allowance] was fixed at $325 in part because Downtown Eastside activist Jean Swanson ‘did not want to put more money in landlords’ pockets.’”
I actually worked for many years to get welfare rates raised, both the shelter and support portions which total a mere $610 a month today.
I am still working to get them raised. If I were the government, I wouldn’t set up welfare shelter rates as they are set up now, with people getting a maximum of $375 per month and less than that if their rent is less, because then tenants have no incentive to look for a place that is less than $375 and slumlords charge couples $375 each for one lousy room with the tenants having no reason to object because the only way they can get the $375 is if they give it to their landlord.
However, since the $375 has been frozen for seven years, virtually no places exist for $375.
This amount needs to be increases substantially if people are to be able to eat, pay rent, look for work and buy necessities.
Jean Swanson,
Vancouver
