Discussions

So, I just finished reading today's Brandon Sun. An article that particularly had me reading was 'Food Bank Needs Some Hamper Help.' In the article, Marci, the co- ordinator of Samaritan House was quoted as saying "The food budget is getting used to pay the rent, whether you're earning that money, whether you're getting it from disability or whether you're getting it on social assistance, it doesn't matter where you income is coming from . . . You're using your food money to pay the rent . . . "  
 
I think this statement, and the whole issue for that matter really struck a chord with me, because I've been there. I was lucky enough that I have great family support that if it was ever really that bad, and yes it did sometimes get that bad, I could always ask for help. I never had to resort to food banks or anything, but in order to get all or at least most of my bills paid, I had to ask for help with groceries. That was the choice, do we pay the rent or do we eat. (And before anyone says anything, no I didn't have tons of luxuries, we didn't have cable, didn't have a fancy car, or any of that, the only thing you might say that was a luxury was the internet, but I needed that for school)  
 
The whole housing issue in Brandon, really just makes you think. Housing in general in B Town in short, but affordable housing to families is virtually non- existent, never mind affordable housing for low income families.  
 
This makes me wonder why we aren't building more subsidized housing units. YES, I realize that is what they are doing with the Massey Harrison building, but that is only going to be what?!? 25 units, and some will be kept for emergency housing, so a few less, right? And really, who wants to live there? A block from the city center and the 8th St. bridge, which is a home for the homeless? Near no playgrounds or within walking distance of any schools. I know I sure wouldn't, the whole Massey Harrison thing just makes me think "Project", but that's just me.  
 
Perhaps our Provincial government needed to take some further steps when they announced their big spending plan to fix up current MB housing units and playgrounds, to include spending on creation of new units?!? Just a thought.  
 
As I drive around Brandon, I see tons of 4 plexes and 6 plexes and what not going up, but when was the last time you saw a place like Argyle or Hillside built? Places that are primarily meant for families and that are (at least by comparison) affordable?  
 
We've seen plenty of complexes and apartments buildings go up that are 55+, but again, nothing has gone up that is MEANT for families.  
 
And to make matters even more difficult for families, many landlords do not WANT to rent to people with children. Is it legal? No. Is it fair or moral? Not really. But it is understandable. So WHY aren't the local, provincial and federal governments doing more???  
 
But I guess it's kind of like the daycare issue right?? It is a REAL problem, it is a REAL need to Canadians, it is a situation that DOES need attention, but who cares? There are more pressing issues at hand . . I mean it's been how long since we've had an election?!? THAT is waaayyyy more important than things that affect the everyday lives, the RIGHT NOW lives Canadians!!!!