THE CYCLE OF POVERTY

The Public Policy Dialogue & Development committee (PPDD) of the Ontario region, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul shall address the cycle poverty in 2024. Just as charity and justice are inseparable components of the Society, we cannot talk about homelessness without taking about the cycle of poverty which in its extreme condition, can lead to homelessness. Poverty is a result of the failure of governments, social services and indeed our own personal thinking to listen to our neighbours in need and advocate to change systems that tend to react to the symptoms of poverty and homelessness rather than the root causes. Systemic change is a requirement in these systems and our personal thinking if we are to achieve any substantial improvement in the plight of those living in poverty. Poverty is a human condition that no human being should have to endure in our society. Homelessness is the extreme result of poverty and one that we should not accept as fellow human beings. I would like to list ten causes of poverty and homelessness in Canada:

1. Lack of Education or Skills (mentorship, funding for, access to)
2. Employment (under employment or lack of)
3. Health (Dental, Mental and/or Physical plus drug abuse)
4. Lack of adequate and/or affordable housing
5. Food insecurity
6. Social services (Lack of/or availability/inadequate rates)
7. Environment (geography, rural , transportation, )
8. Criminal justice (release/parole programs)
9. Newcomers (refugees, migrant workers)
10. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. (DEI)

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