Montreal Organization Highlights Alarming National Homelessness Study
Montreal mission calls attention to national study on homelessness
Ctv News
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A Montreal organization is raising awareness about a national study revealing that over 4.5 million Canadians, or 11%, live below the poverty line. This figure has seen little change since 2023, raising concerns among community leaders about the growing number of struggling families amidst rising living costs.
- 0111% of Canadians live below the poverty line, amounting to 4.5 million people.
- 02The poverty rate has remained stable since 2023 but increased from 7% in 2020.
- 03West Island Mission reported its busiest month in April 2024, indicating rising demand for assistance.
- 04Many new visitors are working families unable to cope with increasing living expenses.
- 05Community leaders see this as a chance to develop sustainable solutions with government support.
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A Montreal organization, West Island Mission, is drawing attention to a national study from Statistics Canada indicating that 11% of Canadians, or 4.5 million people, are living below the poverty line as of 2024. This figure has seen minimal change from 11.1% in 2023 and is a significant increase from 7% in 2020. Executive director Suzanne Scarrow expressed concern over the rising number of working families seeking assistance, particularly as the organization experienced its busiest month ever in April 2024. Scarrow noted that many first-time visitors are struggling to keep up with soaring living costs, exemplified by gas prices fluctuating between $1.85 and $2.03 per liter. While the statistics are alarming, she views this as an opportunity for the community to collaborate on finding lasting solutions with government assistance.
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The rising poverty rates indicate a growing need for community support services, which could lead to increased demand for assistance from organizations like West Island Mission.
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