Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: Reduce poverty in all its forms.
Income is perhaps the most important social determinant of health. Level of income shapes overall living conditions, affects psychological functioning and influences health-related behaviours such as quality of diet, extent of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol use. (Social Determinants of Health)
Common indicators to measure less poverty in communities include: income/poverty rate, ability to gain employment, access to quality education, access to affordable housing, access to affordable childcare, and access to affordable transportation.
Empowerment and capacity-building initiatives in Prince Edward County are vital to help vulnerable people achieve their full economic potential.
Living on low income
As the Government of Canada continues to phase out emergency supports, populations made most marginal will face renewed precarity amid rising inflation, the high cost of living and long-term impacts of the pandemic—such as long COVID and increased rates of disability, mental health problems, and delays in the education and development of children and youth.
National Advisory Council on Poverty 2022
Poverty Reduction
PEC Poverty Roundtable
PEC Poverty Roundtable
Income tax clinics & benefits screening
Income tax clinics & benefits screening
Municipal Financial Relief Grant
Starting with a pilot program in 2022, the Municipal Financial Relief Grant provides property tax or water/wastewater credits to low-income residents. eligible applications received in 2023. Learn more about this grant.
Systems Navigation
Systems Navigation
Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) provides volunteers with additional training in resource navigation, which allows them to identify programs and benefits that clients may be eligible for, such as assistance with energy costs. It’s also an opportunity to offer life stabilization supports, depending on individual needs, or help with bills that are past due.
Tax filing & benefits screening
Completing and understanding forms
Life stabilization supports
Financial literacy
Housing
Assistance with past due/account bills
Accessing health and dental programs
Application assistance (OSAP, EI etc)
What PELC observed in 2021
Many people faced food and housing insecurity, as well as high arrears on natural gas, hydro and water bills.
Youth Support Navigation Service through ROC and the Prince Edward County Youth Centre assists PEC youth to identify, access and navigate community services relevant to their needs and goals.
Skills upgrading
Skills upgrading
Prince Edward Learning Centre is dedicated to helping adult learners acquire the skills needed to achieve their personal learning and employment goals.
Support is provided to:
- Upgrade Literacy & Essential Skills
- Finish High School
- Prepare to write the GED
- Prepare for Work or a Career
- Prepare for College
- Prepare for Apprenticeship & Training
- Develop Skills for Personal Independence.
Employment
Employment
Career Edge provides a variety of FREE Employment Ontario services for youth and adults. They strive to eliminate barriers to employment by connecting employers to job seekers through a paid internship model.
Through the Career Edge Youthab program, free mental health supports are provided for youth aged 16 – 24, as well as housing services.
Legal Advocacy
Legal Advocacy
Community Advocacy and Legal Centre is a non-profit legal clinic that offers FREE legal help to people living on a low income in Prince Edward and surrounding communities.
Service areas include: Abuse & family violence, Consumer & debt, Criminal law, Employment & work, Environment, French language rights, Family, Health & disability, Housing, Human rights, Immigration & refugee, Income assistance, Indigenous rights, Schools & education, Seniors’ issues, Sexual harassment at work, Victims of crime, Wills & Powers of Attorney.
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