The Link Between Housing and Mental Health

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At The Access Centre, we see every day how stable housing changes lives. A safe place to call home isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s about having a foundation for hope, healing, and well-being. 

Albert (name changed for privacy) came to the Access Centre with no connections to friends, family, or community. He had been houseless for over five years in the Okanagan and hadn’t had a place to call his own for more than a decade. Albert shared that most nights were filled with fear, unsure if someone might harm him or take advantage of a senior living on the streets. 

Our Community Law Advocate, Alex assisted with a supportive living application and conducted a vulnerability assessment interview, which was submitted to BC Housing. Albert shared that throughout his life, no one had truly believed him when he said he needed help—but at the Access Centre, we did.

With Alex’s support, Albert now has a home of his own, a doctor, psychiatrist, counselor, case manager, and access to all necessary medications. He continues to focus on his wellness and is excited to reconnect with family and friends, eager to show them the progress he has made.

When Housing Feels Uncertain, Everything Feels Uncertain

It’s important to remember that many people, just like Albert, are just one paycheck away from homelessness. It can take a car breaking down, an unexpected vet bill, or a sudden medical expense to push someone into housing instability. The latest Point in Time report published by BC Housing backs this up, showing that the top reason for housing loss is not having enough income (33% of unhoused respondents in Penticton).

When you’re worried about where you’ll sleep tonight or how you’ll pay rent next month, it’s incredibly hard to focus on recovery, employment, or connection. Housing instability often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Even short-term periods without a home can deeply affect a person’s sense of safety, dignity, and self-worth.

It is very difficult to focus on anything bigger when even basic needs aren’t being met. Psychologist Abraham Maslow described human needs as a hierarchy — from the most basic (food, water, shelter) to higher-level needs like belonging, self-esteem, and personal growth.

When someone doesn’t have safe, stable housing, it’s nearly impossible to focus on anything higher up the pyramid. Without shelter, the mind is in survival mode. With stability, people finally have the space to breathe, recover, connect, and heal.

The Vicious Cycle

Poor mental health can make it harder to maintain stable housing and unstable housing can worsen mental health. Without support, people can become trapped in this cycle. It’s not about personal failure; it’s about the systems and barriers that make it difficult to get ahead once you’ve fallen behind.

Penticton and the South Okanagan, like most communities, simply don’t have enough affordable or supportive housing units. Waitlists can stretch for months or even years. During that time, people’s mental health often declines, making it even harder to stay stable or meet the conditions required for housing.

This is why it’s so important to see housing not just as an economic issue, but as a health issue.

When people have a place to call home, they have the space to breathe, rest, and plan for the future. We’ve seen incredible changes when someone finally secures safe, affordable housing:

  • Their anxiety begins to ease.
  • Their sleep improves.
  • They reconnect with family, community, and care.
  • They can focus on treatment, education, or work.

Simply put: housing heals.

How We Help

At The Access Centre, we walk alongside people through each step: from completing housing applications and connecting to rent subsidies, to advocating for accessibility and fairness. We also work closely with community partners, because housing stability is rarely achieved alone. With this team effort, we help people rebuild a sense of control and dignity.

We also help keep people housed, by connecting them with income supports that they are eligible for, and ensuring people know their rights as tenants.

What You Can Do

Our vision is a community where everyone has access to safe housing, the support they need, and the opportunity to thrive. Stable housing and mental wellness aren’t just individual goals, they’re community responsibilities. Everyone has a role to play in making this vision a reality:

  • Learn about local affordable housing initiatives and share resources with those who need them.
  • Support organizations that provide rent supplements, crisis support, or mental health services. Every contribution makes a difference.
  • Speak up about the need for compassionate, long-term housing solutions in your community and with local leaders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing or mental health challenges, please reach out. You don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you toward options that can make a real difference.

? The Penticton Access Centre
We’re here to help connect you with the support you need from housing and benefits to mental health resources and advocacy.

Visit us at www.accesscentre.org or call 250-493-6822 

Men’s Mental Health Checklist

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Great article from GroupHEALTH on Men’s Mental Health

 

There can often be obstacles for men to address their mental well-being; To navigate this, here’s a checklist crafted to support men in prioritizing their mental well-being:

  1. Find healthy coping mechanisms: Develop constructive ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. Engage in activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time outdoors to alleviate tension and boost mood.
  2. Seek professional help: Be proactive about seeking professional support when needed. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can offer valuable resources and strategies for managing mental health challenges.
  3. Strive for work-life balance: Strive for equilibrium between work responsibilities and personal life. Overworking or neglecting leisure time can contribute to stress and burnout. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
  4. Focus on your physical health: Recognize the connection between physical and mental well-being. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep.
  5. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Mindful activities such as deep breathing exercises or mindful meditation can help center your thoughts and emotions.

Whether you’re using this checklist for yourself or giving it to a family member, remember that taking care of mental well-being is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s work together to promote a culture of openness and support for men’s mental health.

5 Free or Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

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The state of mental health in the country is alarming. According to the CDC, around 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness, while 1 in 25 adults is diagnosed with a serious condition like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Unfortunately, while these conditions are manageable, pursuing treatment for them can be difficult.

Across the board, not only are mental health aids limited, but they’re also costly. A recent report on the accessibility of mental health care explained that therapy alone can cost upwards of $200 per session without insurance. On top of this, there is a lack of specialists in rural or impoverished areas, with over 112 million Americans living in areas where mental health support is scarce. This has forced many people with limited means to make do with their mental illness, no matter how debilitating it may be.

Fortunately, while expert-led mental health treatments are still ideal, there are other accessible ways to help improve your well-being. Here are a few of them:

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness, in a nutshell, is a state of being where you’re fully present and aware. For mental health, this clarity can help prevent you from being too overwhelmed. One of the easiest mindfulness practices is meditation. All you need is a little quiet space to be still for at least a minute and focus on your breath. Alternatively, if you’re the type of person who needs to move, you can also try yoga. Because yoga is just as focused on the mind as it is on the body, a few more reasons to start doing yoga include improved flexibility, strength, and pain management. Nowadays, there are also plenty of yoga variations, like desk or chair yoga, which means there’s an option for everyone. A more active mindfulness practice, yoga classes are available for free in some community centers and video streaming platforms.

Immerse in nature

Humans are meant to be in nature, so it’s no surprise that better mental health is one of the benefits of being in green spaces. For starters, research shows that the tranquility of nature helps the mind recover from the daily hustle and bustle of urban life. This can help with focus, awareness, and memory. At the same time, some evidence suggests that nature’s color palette is naturally soothing to the eye. This is especially true in metropolitan areas, where the greens, blues, and browns can offer reprieve. Finally, being out in nature exposes you to sunlight. Regular sun exposure, so long as you’re wearing sunscreen, can help regulate moods and sleep patterns. In most places, anyone is free to visit local parks or wildlife centers for some peace.

Connect with others

Socialization is a key component of overall wellness. By connecting with others, you can find support and encouragement to motivate you. At the same time, meeting with like-minded people can open you up to their life experiences, which may prove helpful to you, too. This is why bonding with loved ones is recommended, especially when trying to reduce stress during trying seasons. If meeting in person is too hard, you can always use technology with calls, virtual hangouts, or even remote activities like streaming films together or playing online games.

Pick up a new hobby

According to Utah State University, hobbies can greatly improve your mental health. This is because it stimulates the mind and helps moods. After all, when you’re doing something that interests you, your brain is more likely to release mood-regulating hormones like endorphins while also lowering stress hormones like cortisol. At the same time, letting your brain learn new things improves brain plasticity. This refers to the brain’s ability to adapt, which is crucial for cognition and overall wellness. Picking up a new hobby need not be expensive, either. Depending on your lifestyle, it can be as simple as learning to knit or reading a book.

Make time for rest

Finally, don’t forget to rest! Lots of people view resting as laziness, but this is actually an important time for the body to recover. Regarding mental health, sleeping well can help by improving cognitive function and hormonal levels. This means your stress-related hormones are under better control, and you’re less likely to feel overburdened by your thoughts. The best way to get your rest is during bedtime. Aim for at least seven hours a night for the best results. If sleeping well is a challenge, try to make your surroundings more conducive by avoiding bright lights, warm temperatures, and gadgets before heading to bed.

Article written by Renee Jules

Exclusively for The Penticton and Area Access Society

Lean Caregiving: Achieving More With Less in the Caregiving Journey

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Guest blog post done by: Hal Salazar, Elders Today

For caregivers operating within the constraints of limited financial resources, the challenge of providing care can often feel doubly burdensome. This reality, however, does not diminish the possibility of managing caregiving responsibilities with effectiveness and grace. For those navigating the caregiving landscape on a low income, adopting specific, practical strategies can make a significant difference in mitigating stress and avoiding burnout. This guide from The Access Centre is designed to offer actionable insights that empower low-income caregivers to maintain their well-being while delivering compassionate care to their loved ones.

Have a Daily Routine

A well-structured daily routine is a cornerstone of efficient caregiving, especially when resources are tight. It fosters an environment where both caregiver and care recipient know what to expect, reducing anxiety and maximizing the use of limited resources. A consistent schedule helps in prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and ensuring that both the caregiver’s and the recipient’s needs are met. Such predictability can be a source of comfort and control in the often unpredictable journey of caregiving.

Leverage Community and Family Support

The adage that it takes a village to raise a child is equally applicable to the realm of caregiving. For those with limited financial means, tapping into the support of family, friends, and community resources is not just helpful; it’s essential. Support can take many forms, from shared caregiving duties to emotional support or assistance with errands. Local community centers and non-profit organizations often offer services or resources for caregivers. By sharing the load, caregivers can alleviate some of the physical and emotional burdens they carry.

Prioritize Nutrition Within Budget

Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy and health, yet it can be challenging on a tight budget. However, healthy eating does not have to be expensive. Caregivers can prioritize nutrition by choosing affordable, nutrient-rich foods like beans, rice, seasonal fruits, and vegetables. Planning meals and snacks around these staples can help sustain energy levels without straining finances. Moreover, many communities offer food assistance programs that caregivers can access to supplement their dietary needs.

Stick to Achievable Goals

When resources and time are limited, setting realistic and achievable goals becomes vital. This mindset helps in focusing on what is possible, encouraging a sense of accomplishment and progress. It’s important to recognize and celebrate the small victories in caregiving, which can provide motivation and a sense of purpose. This approach can help caregivers maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges, by acknowledging the value of their efforts.

Allocate Time for Self-Care

Even on a limited budget, finding ways to engage in self-care is crucial for preventing caregiver burnout. Self-care need not involve monetary expense; it can be as simple as taking time for a walk, engaging in meditation or prayer, or enjoying a quiet moment of reading. These activities can offer a necessary break and mental health support for caregivers, ensuring they have the resilience to continue in their caregiving role.

Connect With Support Networks

Finding a community of individuals in similar situations can be incredibly empowering for low-income caregivers. Support groups, whether found through local community organizations or online, provide a platform to share experiences, advice, and emotional support. These networks can be a lifeline, offering practical solutions to common challenges and a sense of solidarity and understanding.

Focus on the Rewards

Despite the challenges, caregiving can be deeply rewarding. Focusing on the positive impact made on the lives of loved ones can help caregivers find joy and fulfillment in their role. This perspective helps to balance the inevitable hardships with meaningful moments of connection and care.

Caregiving on a low income presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, it is possible to provide compassionate care without losing sight of one’s own well-being. By embracing a structured routine, seeking support, prioritizing health and achievable goals, dedicating time to self-care, connecting with others, and focusing on the positives, caregivers can navigate their responsibilities with resilience and grace. Remember, the strength you bring to caregiving also lies in taking care of yourself.

Social Service or Survival?

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By Keisha McLean, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE: Disability, Resource, Referral, Vulnerable Adult Outreach & Support

 

 

The Black Panther Party, during the Civil Rights Movement, coined the term “Survival Programs Pending the Revolution.” They recognized that what others may consider social service, are
efforts that would not be needed should government and community systems work to meet the needs of their population. 41 years after the Party dissolved, in a small city in Canada, we are confronted with the same barriers for our community members: food insecurity, housing insecurity, inequitable access to health care, racism and classism, and of course, poverty. As Community Advocates, we recognize that one of our primary objectives is to support people in navigating complex systems, which means we must become incredibly knowledgeable in said systems.

An overwhelming phrase we hear is “These forms and systems are just so confusing, I’m so happy to have someone help me with the process.” To be perfectly clear, these systems we are
supporting people with are publicly accessed programs like Canadian Pension Plan, Persons with Disability, EI, Health Care, Mental Health care, Substance Use supports… etc. Programs
and systems that are supposed to support folks experiencing barriers and vulnerabilities become so complex that we then need to create a new program just in order to access these systems. It begs a simple question… why?

Through my work supporting individuals in the vulnerable adult sector, I see a reoccurring theme… the systems just aren’t set up to support the people they are supposedly built for. This
leaves the burden of systemic flaws on the shoulders of roots-based organizations, underfunded nonprofits, and overworked front line employees. The common theme is this: it’s not
sustainable.

In 2016, 20.6% of Black Canadians reported living in housing below standards, which means their housing costs more than they can afford, and/or is crowded, and/or requires major repairs. 7.7% of White Canadians reported living in housing below standards. Among Black Canadians: 12.9% were living in crowded conditions (compared to 1.1% of White
Canadians)
8.4% were living in homes in need of major repairs (compared to 6.2% of White Canadians)
28.6% were living in unaffordable housing (compared to 16.1% among White Canadians)

Between 2009 and 2012, Black Canadians reported moderate or severe household food insecurity 2.8 times more often than White Canadians. Black Canadian youth aged 12-17
reported moderate or severe household food insecurity 3.0 times more often than White Canadian youth

SOURCE:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health/social-determinants-inequities-black-canadians-snapshot.html

In 2021, over one in six Indigenous people (17.1%) lived in crowded housing that was considered not suitable for the number of people who lived there.
In 2021, 16.4% of Indigenous people lived in a dwelling that was in need of major repairs.

SOURCE:
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021007/98-200-X2021007-eng.cfm

These quick stats provide some context – how do we help people navigate systems that are inherently built to continue the status quo of marginalization? I provide outreach services to
folks experiencing housing insecurity, as well as in supportive housing facilities. Through this work, I support a lot of individuals who engage in substance use. Weekly, I hear a number of
folks expressing severe physical health concerns: open wounds, extreme mobility limitations, broken or sprained limbs, the list goes on. The next logical step is to encourage an ER visit or,
at the very least, an appointment with their GP. While the majority of people in my community don’t have access to primary care, we are left with ER or Urgent Care. And when these
concepts are presented, the people I support immediately coil at the idea of entering a clinical environment that they feel will immediately discriminate against them because of their
substance use.

“In many settings, PWID (People who inject drugs) face barriers to accessing health and social services at multiple levels, with some difficulties attributed to their distinct health conditions.
These include: early HCV treatment guidelines which exclude PWID (Kensington, 1997); clinicians who withhold antiretroviral therapy (ART) from HIV-infected PWID (Westergaard et al.,
2012) or regard substance use or HIV-HCV co-infection as a challenge (Kamarulzaman and Altice, 2015 and Grebely and Tyndall, 2011); addiction treatment which limits access for people
with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders (el-Guebaly, 2004); exposure to correctional facilities which disrupt access to evidence-based care (Milloy et al., 2014); and
social and structural barriers such as stigma and discrimination, lack of housing, and fear of criminalization (Harris and Rhodes, 2013, Krusi et al., 2010, Neale et al., 2008, Treloar
et al., 2013 and Wolfe et al., 2010).”

SOURCE:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5086265/

Simply put: People who use substance experience a great deal of barriers and discrimination navigating healthcare systems simply because they use substance. In my role, I support individuals spanning from straight white men who find paperwork overwhelming, all the way to 2SLGBTQIA+ BIPOC with severe mental illness, physical illness and substance use. What all the people on my caseload find common ground on is that they all experience low income & poverty, and a great deal of suffering at the hands of corrupt systems.

At some point very soon, we need to come to terms with the idea that band-aid services are not the solution… but, as the Panther’s had it in the 60’s-80’s, they are simply survival programs
pending the revolution of new and just services for all people.

Op-ed: Discrimination within the Canada Workers Benefit

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By Alexandria Johnstone, Legal Community Impact Intern & Community Advocate: Resource, Referral, Youth Outreach, Disability & Poverty Law Advocacy

 

While the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) has benefited some Canadians since its implementation, some individuals still qualify but cannot claim it due to its harmful effects. Indirect and direct discrimination against marginalized groups can be seen within this federal program, and it is high time for change.

Program Overview

The CWB is a program that provides a refundable tax credit through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help individuals and families that are both actively working and low-income (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). As defined by this program, low income has a net income of 33k/year for an individual and 43k/year for families (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). One may qualify for two possible CWB payments: the basic amount of $1428 for individuals and $2461 for families and a disability supplement of $737 for individuals and families receiving the same amount (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). However, only those approved for the disability tax credit (DTC) during the prior tax season can receive the CWB disability supplement, regardless of if they were receiving provincial disability payments or federal disability payments (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). According to the CRA, one is low income for those receiving DTC when one makes less than $37932 as an individual or $48124 as a family (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). If both spouses receive the DTC, those with a net family income of less than $53037 will qualify for the basic and supplement payments (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b). However, only one CWB disability supplement can be received, regardless of both spouses qualifying (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b).

Due to their similar goals, the CWB replaced the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) in 2019. The most noticeable difference between the two programs was that WTIB initially aimed to stimulate provincial economic growth while providing continued working incentives. In contrast, CWB aims to tackle this problem nationally (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020). The WTIB was provided to individuals with an income of over $3000 and below $32244 or under $42197 for families (Kubes, 2022). Although the CRA distributed payments, amounts varied for the WTIB payments as provinces calculated amounts given, with a max payment for an individual seen in BC of $1218 and a low of $665 seen in NU (Boat Harbour Investments, 2023). This program also had a disability supplement, which only those on both the DTC and provincial/territorial disability programs qualified for, which distributed $529 to each qualifying individual, except for in NU which only allocated $332 per person (Boat Harbour Investments, 2023). CWB is more efficient as increased amounts are given to all qualifying Canadians (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020). CWB was seen as an incentive for the working class due to decreased numbers in the workforce and increased living costs since WITB’s creation (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020).

Theory of Change

A theory of change assists in the program’s evaluation as it looks to explain how actions produce results that achieve intended impacts of an event, policy, program, or organization (Rogers, 2014). Through inputs (resources used) and outputs (direct or immediate effects on rightsholders), various intended and unintended outcomes, and impacts (positive, negative, primary, and secondary long-term effects) can be achieved (Rogers, 2014). Rightsholders are actors interested in the problem or issue, hold influence in or around it, or are affected via the end policy or program (Varvasovszky & Brugha, 2000). Networks and rightsholders are essential for the government to manage and realize goals, as some rightsholders have resources or capacities outside of what government bodies can offer (Pal et al., 2021). Successful policy implementation entails substantial degrees of private and public cooperation and interaction at every process phase (Pal et al., 2021).

There are two main categories to consider within discussions of rightsholders. The first is primary rightsholders with direct impacts or immediate concerns in the issue or proposed solution (Varvasovszky & Brugha, 2000). For example, in the flowchart, DTC recipients would be considered primary rightsholders as they are highly impacted by the CWB and will experience a direct impact from any changes made to the disability supplement.

The theory of change flowchart visually displays each step of the program’s creation in its attempts towards its goals so that an effective strategy can be created and possible outcomes. Note that the flowchart is not exhaustive, as this program require constant additions, reassessments, and analysis as new data is collected and changes are implemented. However, this analysis aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions to create the best strategy to carry out the CWB and subsequent programs.

Additional impacts can also be seen from the chosen structure, implementation, and tools associated with the CWB. The flowchart displays the input into the program as funding and staffing resources. Strategies of the CWB would be the provision of payments and allocation of money. The direct effects of the CWB are payments received by those that are working and low-income in Canada, that are also up to date on their taxes. However, those that are unable to do their taxes or do not have a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) available do not receive the benefit(s), even if they qualify as the CRA has attached this payment to yearly tax assessments.

Impacts

The CWB program is beneficial as it provides additional income to low-income Canadians. However, this program has multiple barriers and adverse long-term effects for certain low-income groups. One negative aspect of the CWB is that if one is attending post-secondary, they do not qualify, even if they are working and low income (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020; Canada Revenue Agency, 2023b; Boat Harbour Investments, 2023), which does not incentivize post-secondary students to work while going to school, but rather encourages the opposite.

Another aspect of the CWB is that it assumes those that qualify for the payments will be able to do or get their taxes done. This is unreasonable as it does not acknowledge that low-income individuals are generally part of marginalized groups and require assistance (Reutter et al., 2009). If completion of taxes is going to continue to be how eligibility is determined, it would be necessary to increase year-round CVITP programming to remain equitable. CVITP is a CRA program that assists low-income individuals and families in filing their taxes at no cost (Beckett, 2022; Government of Canada, 2023). While the CVITP program currently exists, expanding the program would require additional planning, equipment, funding, and travel expenses (Beckett, 2022; Government of Canada, 2023), as well as additional volunteers able to attend remote and rural areas.

The WTIB’s requirement of being a part of a provincial disability program and the DTC created many barriers to access (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020; TurboTax Canada, 2022; Boat Harbour Investments, 2023). Each province holds different criteria for their respective disability programs, hence why disability designations are not transferable between provinces (Government of British Columbia, 2023). While it is no longer required to be a part of both programs (Canada Revenue Agency, 2020; TurboTax Canada, 2022; Boat Harbour Investments, 2023), if one receives DTC, provincial assistance, and CWB, they face their unique set of challenges.

Those on provincial social assistive programs are often penalized for receiving the CWB. While federal disability looks at one’s ability or inability to work (Government of Canada, 2022), the DTC and provincial programs look at the impacts of mental or physical conditions on one’s daily living ability (Canada Revenue Agency, 2023a; Government of British Columbia, 2023); therefore, they can work part-time if they have the capacity. Using BC as an example, one can only make 15k/year, including employment, EI, GST, or other means while receiving assistive payments (Government of British Columbia, 2023). As federal payments such as GST are not exempt from the earnings legislation under the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR), one could be penalized for going over the 15k allotment by receiving such payments (Government of British Columbia, 2023). Furthermore, once one exceeds the 15k allotment, they no longer receive any disability payments for the following year (Government of British Columbia, 2023), further perpetuating cycles of poverty and houselessness. More work must be done to ensure those on various provincial disability programs would not lose their disability designation due to a benefit incentivizing them to work, such as enforcing exemptions of federal government payments.

Suggestion

While the program met the needs of some low-income individuals, additional barriers made it difficult for all those that qualified to receive payments. An improvement that can be made to this program is applying a gender-based analysis (GBA) during the strategy or implementation phase would assist the CRA in avoiding the unintended negative impacts of the CWB program, as illustrated in the flowchart. In employing an intersectionality lens under GBA+, government entities like MSDPR and CRA, remain responsible for equitably filling gaps seen by low-income working Canadians.

Policymakers and analysts must consider why and how policies will affect diverse populations so that the following policies and communications can remain efficient and productive (Hankivsky et al., 2019). Pal et al. (2021) discuss the impacts of problems and proposed policy among various groups in society; the GBA and gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) will assist in discussions of oppression and marginalization of low-income groups, such as seniors and persons with disabilities. In addition, GBA+ focuses explicitly on policy implications for women, men, nonbinary persons, and other intersecting identities which have historically faced inequity (Pal et al., 2021).

Through using the GBA or GBA+, edits to the CWB program can be made to ensure all people that qualify receive payments without penalty, or movements toward a different program can be made. CWB is rooted in neoliberal idealism as it looks to incentivize Canadians to work, not considering other factors that have led to the decline in the workforce. The neoliberal era has typically placed one’s value on their ability to work and economically provide (Simon, 2001). A program such as universal basic income (UBI) would avoid the negative effects seen through the CWB; it would remain low-barrier and accessible to all Canadians as it would be equally distributed to citizens, regardless of disability status or tax completion. This would also lessen the costs associated with CTIVP expansion, funded by the CRA (Beckett, 2022; Government of Canada, 2023), as it would be necessary to improve the CWB program. One may also argue that a UBI may take away productivity, but no data suggests that the motivation to earn money would be reduced, especially within a capitalist society (Simon, 2001).

A UBI model in Canada would be much more efficient in spurring economic growth by allowing for discretionary income, incentivizing productivity, and assisting individuals in accessing universal needs like food and housing (Simon, 2001). However, neoliberalism perpetuates within current Canadian systems and a citizen’s value is linked to their ability work (Simon, 2001). Regardless of a CWB or UBI program being used going forward, all programs should employ GBA+ throughout the process to avoid additional barriers to recipients, starting in the strategy and implementation phases. The federal government should also ensure disability supplements can be received without risk to one’s provincial or territorial disability designation. Through collaboration between provincial bodies (like MSDPR in BC) and the federal government, benefits like the CWB can be optimized to ensure economic growth, while equitably incentivising all Canadians to work.

 

References

Beckett, B. (2022). Community Volunteer Tax Program: Program overview. Penticton & Area Access Centre.

Boat Harbour Investments. (2023). Line 45300 Canada workers benefit (CWB) refundable tax credit: Formerly working income tax benefit (WITB). Taxtips. https://www.taxtips.ca/filing/canada-workers-benefit.htm.

Canada Revenue Agency. (2023a, Jan. 24). Disability tax credit (DTC).  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit/eligible-dtc.html.

Canada Revenue Agency. (2023b, April 7). Canada workers benefit. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-workers-benefit.html.

Canada Revenue Agency. (2020). Canada workers benefit: Working income tax benefit before. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/programs/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/federal-government-budgets/budget-2018-equality-growth-strong-middle-class/canada-workers-benefit.html.

Government of British Columbia. (2023, March 1). MSDPR BCEA policy & procedure manual. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual.

Government of Canada. (2022). Canada pension plan disability benefits. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html.

Government of Canada. (2023, Feb. 14). Free tax clinics: Through the community volunteer income tax program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program.html.

Hankivsky, O., Grace, D., Hunting, M., Giesbrecht, M., Fridkin, A., Rudrum, S., Ferlatte, O. & Clark, N. (2019). An intersectionality-based policy analysis framework: Critical reflections on a methodology for advancing equity. In Hankivsky, O. & Jordan-Zachary, J. (Eds.), The palgrave handbook of intersectionality in public policy (133-166). Palgrave.

Kubes, D. (2022). What is the working income tax benefit? Wealthsimple. https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/learn/working-income-tax-benefit.

Pal, L., Auld, G., & Mallett, A. (2021). Beyond policy analysis: Public issue management in turbulent times. Nelson.

Reutter, L., Stewart, M., Veenstra, G., Love, R., Raphael, D., & Makwarimba, E. (2009). “Who do they think we are, anyway?”: Perceptions of and responses to poverty stigma. Qualitative health research, 19(3), 297-311. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732308330246.

Rogers, P. (2014). Theory of change (Methodology Brief and Impact Evaluation No. 2). UNICEF Office of Research. https://www.betterevaluation.org/sites/default/files/Theory_of_Change_ENG.pdf.

Simon, H. (2001). UBI and the flat tax. In Widerquist, K., & Wispelaere, J. (Eds.), Basic income: An anthology of contemporary research (240-242). Beacon Press.

TurboTax Canada. (2022, April 1). Tax basics: How taxes work in Canada [Video file]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL491SLBXGhzhdPw5vM-K E8G0FwhEhZag&v=jRfM94XHLwM&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fturbotax.intuit.ca%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

Varvasovszky, Z., & Brugha, R. (2000). A stakeholder analysis. Health policy and planning, 15(3), 338–345. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/15.3.338.

Canada Housing Benefit

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We have had a number of calls about how one can go about applying for the Canada Housing Benefit.

Canadians must meet all the following conditions to be eligible for the new benefit:

  • have filed a 2021 tax return;
  • be at least 15 years of age as of December 1, 2022;
  • be a resident in Canada in 2022 for tax purposes;
  • have an adjusted family net income of $20,000 or less for individuals, or $35,000 or less for families;
  • have paid at least 30% of their 2021 adjusted family net income on rent for their principal residence in the 2022 calendar year; and
  • be able to provide their 2022 address(es) and landlord’s contact information

The last day you can apply is Friday, March 31, 2023

How to Apply for the Canada Housing Benefit

With the online application form: 6 to 11 business days average payment processing timeIf you are unable to sign in to or register for a CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account, you may still be able to apply online: apply through the online application form
By phone: 1-800-282-8079
7 to 12 business days average payment processing time

When to expect your payment

Direct deposit: Direct deposit takes up to 5 business days if you have it set up with the CRA.
By mail: A mailed cheque should arrive in about 10 business days.

For more information about this one time payment go to: How to apply – One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit – Canada.ca

Spoonie Life and Language

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POSTED WITH PERMISSION:

This article was written by Rowan Burdge, and originally appeared in DABC’s Transition magazine on Respecting Disability Language and Identity. (Summer 2022). Read the issue here.

When it comes to talking about bodies, I’ve found that language is challenging and nuanced.

As someone living with a chronic illness, the line between disabled and non-disabled is not always clear. I’ve struggled with how to identify and describe myself, and it’s changed over time.

When I first became disabled, I absolutely did not use disability language because it did not seem appropriate, even though I was on life-sustaining therapy. I assumed “disabled” referred only to specific disabilities, not illness, or any kind of cultural or political identity.

I was worried I wasn’t “disabled enough.”

Trying to navigate jobs, school, friendships and communities as someone who has a chronic illness is not easy. We tend to think of disability as a static, unchanging, binary category, but to me it just isn’t.

My disability, and the way the external world treats it (and me) is dynamic. It’s ever-transforming and in movement on a spectrum of wellness far more subtle than “disabled” vs. “non-disabled.”

A Disabling World

My experiences of ableism, and the stigma around illness and disability, have taught me that trying to express the challenges of chronically ill life is sometimes as complex as the actual medical challenges themselves.

My body is not a problem. The way the world treats and defines me and my disability, and the ridiculously expensive medical bills, are the actively disabling parts of my disease. I experience ableism that disables me which is why I now claim the word “disabled.”

Spoonies

One of the terms I use for myself is “spoonie.” For lots of us spoonies, disability is interwoven into our lives. Spoon theory (coined by Christine Miserandino) is a less binary way of understanding disability.

It’s a shorthand way to say I’m having a bad day or need extra support, without having to medically explain.

If I’m drained, I’m low spoons. I can say, “sorry, out of spoons” or “my spoons are low, so I’ll be leaving early” to help navigate my access needs and quickly explain my wellness/energy levels. I’ve noticed even non-disabled people who have low capacity for other explanations can identify with and easily understand this language.

Are Our Needs “Special”?

I see a lot of people use terms like “special needs” or “special abilities.” In my opinion, these expressions add a layer of confusion.

My pancreas doesn’t work. It means that one of my regular needs is to inject insulin–that’s just a part of my norm. It’s not “special.”

When we frame needs as special, it makes it seem exceptional to require different needs from other bodies, even though all bodies are unique and require different supports.

Disability is a normal part of life, but ableism has undermined that normality.

Finding Your Unique Identity

There is a lot of debate about person-first (person with a disability) vs. identity first (disabled person) language.

One part of the debate is how ableism teaches us to be ashamed of disability. I’ve spent a lot of time unpacking this and unlearning that shame.

For me, person-first language locates the disability in the individual, whereas I see disability as a cultural, shared experience of lives which are valuable, unique, brilliant and a part of diverse human experiences. Disability has also become a part of my political identity and how I move through the world. I’m proud of my disabled experiences and identity.

Now, I use the word disabled to indicate this pride in the collective experience of non-normative ways of being in the world.

Other language I love and am growing into more is “crip.” I see cripping as a verb — a way of cripping things up, unsettling, de-norming and adding that extra flair that only disabled folks can pull off. Crip and mad folks (see the box on this page) that I know are creative and resourceful, and some are downright hilarious.

There is a softness, tenderness, and solidarity in the community care I feel with other spoonies, crips, mad folks, disabled folks and wider disability (justice) spaces.

I’m also growing into the language of cyborg, but I’m still grappling with that. One of my human organs (pancreas) is replaced by a beeping plastic machine (my insulin pump). I find it fascinating to think about the implications of having a mechanical body part. What a wild thing–that a small part of me is robotic.

It’s an Important Conversation

Everyone’s experience is different and individuals have their own creative language for how they describe themselves. For me, it isn’t insulting to be called disabled, it’s just a fact.

My illness is part of my everyday life and my identity. It is always a relief to spend time with other people with non-normative body-minds, be it sick/disabled/spoonie folks, trans and gender non-conforming people, people who live with chronic pain or poor folks who understand there are complicated barriers that people can’t see until you are in a position where you require access.

People deserve to be humanized, respected and cared for, regardless of disabilities. Using the appropriate and chosen language of each person is such a simple way of doing this. If you don’t know, ask what words people prefer!

Disability, illness and impairments are part of human life — and most of us at some point will grapple with them, whether in temporary form, acquired disability, age-related changes or as ongoing integrated parts of our lives.

De-stigmatizing disabled language helps de-stigmatize disability itself and gives us more tools to talk about it.

Mad Folks

The Mad Pride movement began in 1993 in Toronto.

Mad Pride believes and advocates that people with mental illness should be proud of their “mad” identity. “Mad folks” is used by some to self-identify with pride.

Activists want to reclaim this term and others, and use them in a positive, empowering way.

Rowan (she/they) is a white settler on traditional, ancestral and unceded x?m??k?iy??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta?? (Tsleil-Waututh) territories, home of the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples. A queer, chronically ill and disabled advocate and organizer, Rowan is passionate about disability justice, equity, land back and queer liberation. They currently work as the Provincial Director with the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition.

Annual Allowable Rent Increase for 2022

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Information gathered from: Rent Increases – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)


“Annual allowable rent increase for 2022 will be 1.5%

Residential Tenancies: The 2022 maximum increase will be 1.5%

Manufactured Home Parks: For manufactured home park tenancies, the 2022 maximum increase will be 1.5% plus a proportional amount for the change in local government levies and regulated utility fees

Notice of rent increase

When issuing a new notice of rent increase, a landlord must:

  • Use the approved notice of rent increase form
  • Use the maximum amount for 2022: 1.5%
  • Give the tenant no less than three full months before the notice takes effect.
    • For example: If rent is due on the fifteenth of each month, notice must be given before October 14, 2021 and the first increased rent payment will be due January 15, 2022

Landlords can only increase the rent once in a 12 month period by an amount permitted by law or an additional amount approved in advance by an arbitrator – they need to use the right form and give the tenant three full months’ notice of the rent increase.

A rent increase for a tenant with a fixed-term agreement (lease), who is remaining in a rental unit, is limited to the maximum annual allowable amount and can only be increased once every 12 months.  Rent can no longer be increased above that amount between tenancy agreements with the same tenant.

Landlords are no longer able to apply for an additional rent increase on the basis that the rent is significantly lower than other similar rental units in the same geographic area.

Landlords may not retroactively apply a rent increase.  If a landlord did not issue a rent increase in the previous year, or issued a rent increase that was less than the amount allowed by law, they cannot later apply a rent increase to catch up.

Unlawful Rent Increase

A tenant does not have to pay an increase that is higher than the amount allowed by law. Instead, the tenant can give the landlord documents showing the allowable amount or apply for dispute resolution asking for an order that the landlord comply with the law, as long as the increase wasn’t granted through dispute resolution.

The tenant may deduct from future rent any overpayment – only if the tenant has already paid an increase higher than the legal amount. The tenant should attach a note to the rent to explain the reason for not paying the amount that the landlord has asked for.”

 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Poverty Law Advocate at 250-493-6822 or support@accesscentre.org

How to Prepare for Raising a Child with a Disability

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Access Centre is dedicated to serving disadvantaged individuals in the South Okanagan by offering help and access to various government and community services.

 

If you’re expecting a child with a disability, you may be unsure about how to start getting ready to accommodate their needs. Or maybe you’ve recently had a child with a mental or physical disability but you did not have the financial resources to prepare before their birth. No matter what position you’re in now, rest assured that it is never too late to take these steps. Access Centre shares the following guidance on how to take control of your financial situation, redesign your home for accessibility, and find the support your family needs.

 

Manage Your Finances

Whether you have a few months before your child is born, or your child has already arrived, there are certain fiscal tasks you’ll need to check off of your to-do list. Consider working with a financial planner to set up a [disability centered] trust or an RDSP account to begin saving for their future.

This is also a good time to consider taking on a side hustle to earn additional income outside of your full-time job. This will help you cover childcare and household expenses. Perhaps you want to offer consulting services for others in your industry or create a digital product to sell for passive income. You may also want to seek out freelance opportunities through online job boards to secure clients for article writing services, web development, administrative support, accounting, or marketing work. This is a great option if your child has already been born because you can keep an eye on them while you work.

 

Enroll In Additional Insurance

If you’re confused about how to secure additional health insurance coverage for your child, now is the time to ask questions. It is important to reach out to a supplemental health insurance provider as soon as possible to find out which treatments and services a desirable plan will cover for your child.

 

Renovate Your Home

The average home may not be totally suitable for a child with an intellectual or developmental disability. Perhaps you have time to renovate before your child’s due date, or you’re trying to figure out how you can make your home safer for your child as they get older. Depending on your child’s needs, consider widening door frames to allow space for mobility aids, installing an entrance ramp, and using adjustable LED lighting.

Depending on your home, it may be worthwhile to consider a basement renovation, particularly if it will open up a significant amount of space for you and your child to use. A typical basement renovation for an unfinished basement entails electrical work, insulation, framing, and more. Note, even an economy basement reno is still pricey, coming in around $23,000 to $31,000, in which case you may need to look into government grant opportunities to assist with funding. To help you navigate the complexities of finding out about grant or government program eligibility, connect with Access Centre.

 

Join a Support Group

If you’re still expecting, or you’re a new parent, you may benefit from connecting with a support group for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Perhaps you’d like to meet with an emotional support group in person, or get involved with a larger advocacy organization. Either way, finding other parents to lean on can be very helpful.

 

Practice Self-Care

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your own needs, too. Many parents of children with disabilities overextend themselves for their family’s sake, but self-care is crucial. Focus on keeping your home clean, decluttered, and free of negativity. Also, prioritize getting enough sleep, exercising on a regular basis, spending time outdoors, and meeting up with friends when you have free time. And once your baby is here, don’t be afraid to ask for help from other relatives when you need it!

When you find out that you are expecting a child with a disability, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what your child will need and how you can start preparations. And sometimes, you may not have the opportunity to take care of these preparations until after your child is born. But when you have the opportunity to do so, completing these items will allow you to take better care of your child and yourself.

Special thanks to our guest writer: Lydia Chan 

Photo via Pexels