If you think about the concept of poverty, a particular image may come to mind regarding how a person looks and the circumstances in which they live. You might also assume that there isn’t a significant poverty issue in Prince Edward County. Yet about 10 to 13.5 per cent of County residents live with low income. That means an after-tax income of less than $36,400 annually. This means up to 3,500 people in our community, as indicated in the Vital Signs report.

The rising costs of living and inflation are affecting many individuals and families, forcing them to make difficult decisions, such as choosing between insurance payments or food.

One program that has provided some relief is the Municipal Financial Relief Grant for property taxes and water bills. We completed the second year of this program in September —and hope it is renewed in 2024.

The relief grant has assisted 509 households this year by providing a $750 credit toward property tax bills or a $350 credit for water accounts. For many in our community, that grant means the difference between choosing to pay for electricity, insurance, or food.

I have spoken with many of the people applying for the credit. One person, I will call her Mary, told me how beneficial this credit has been for her well-being. Mary lives alone in Prince Edward, has no remaining family members nearby, and lacks a working vehicle.

“With this credit, I feel like we are being seen and heard. Often, we feel forgotten by our community and are left to pick up the pieces by ourselves. Our bills keep rising, but my income does not,” she said.

As highlighted in the latest Vital Signs report, 27 per cent of PEC residents live alone, In some cases, living alone can lead to feelings of isolation and other challenges, in part due to our extensive geography. This program connected Mary with other support services within the County.

Living in poverty can be daunting, with all one’s energy focused on simply staying afloat. Thankfully, there are local organizations that offer assistance, such as benefits screening, income tax preparation, and systems navigation. Community Care for Seniors is one such organization, dedicated to supporting seniors living at home, while The Prince Edward Learning Centre promotes lifelong learning.

There are ways to help. Volunteering to support organizations with income tax preparation or food services, as well as donating to organizations that focus on poverty reduction, including skills training and benefits, makes a meaningful difference. Most importantly, we can all contribute by reducing the stigma associated with poverty through empathy, self-education, and advocating for the support of those who need it most.

For more information:

Vital Signs reports: pecdata.ca

Community Care for Seniors https://www.communitycareforseniors.org/  or 613-475-1555

Prince Edward Learning Centre http://www.princeedwardlearningcentre.com/ 613-476-1811