Dear Editor,
Re: “Rates show our own disability,” Voices, Sept. 9.
I am writing in support of the editorial in Friday’s Richmond News about our “disability” as a society and community in the way we support (or do not support) our most vulnerable citizens.
Richmond is a very tough city to live in for low income residents. Agencies that try to help low-income people need to come out and tell the harrowing stories of the local residents they try and often fail to help, especially those with accommodation or income issues.
Maybe our politicians, municipal and provincial, will be embarrassed into action, but I would not bet on it!
Many of those living in poverty are long-time residents of Richmond whose income has dropped dramatically due to a range of causes, including aging, unemployment, illness (physical or mental) or disability. Some are new immigrants, but many of them are soon forced to move out of Richmond due to the ever-increasing dearth of affordable rental units.
There needs to be a tsunami of protest and advocacy from all of us to jump-start real change and creative ways of addressing the glaring problems caused by inadequate income for the basic requirements of life, such as adequate nutritious food and safe, affordable housing.
Mary Phillips
Richmond
