What's New in the Coalition
Plus: Partnerships, Reports & Programs
Letter from the Director |
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With Family Day quickly approaching, thoughts of family poverty in
Calgary and across the country are on my mind.
We know that children who live in poverty tend to do poorly in school and experience poor health. We know that families living in poverty face increased stress. We can do better... |
| Note from our Affordable Housing Chair |
We were recently delighted to see that after a year of hard work, the Calgary Committee to End Homelessness has released their 10-Year Plan... |
In the News |
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Low-Income Families in Calgary |
According to the 2006 City of Calgary’s Count of Homeless Persons:
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AISH benefits increased for the second time in less than a year
The Poverty Reduction Coalition was pleased by the recent announcement that Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefits have increased for the second time in a year, and that interested AISH clients now have access to employment supports.
The Coalition has been working with Alberta Education, Immigration and Industry (AEII) to increase AISH benefits to above the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and index those benefits. We see this recent increase as a positive step in that direction. The Poverty Reduction Coalition also facilitated four focus groups with AISH recipients during which the participants made recommendations for improvements to the AISH program, over and above the financial benefits they receive. AEII has expressed an interest in exploring these options in further detail.
In May 2007, the approximately 36,000 Albertans receiving AISH benefits experienced a boost to their maximum monthly living allowance from $1,000 to $1,050. Only eight months later, AISH benefits have increased again from $1,050 to $1,088 per month.
At the same time, the provincial government has partnered with clients, employers and community agencies to develop employment support strategies that will help interested AISH clients gain access to the workforce. These supports are part of successful pilot projects that are helping clients find employment in Alberta’s thriving economy.
Information sessions are held regularly throughout the province with
clients, employers, and agencies to dispel myths associated with the
employment of persons with disabilities.
According to Greg Melchin, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports, “The
feedback from AISH clients has been remarkable. Over 300 clients have either
started working or are working more. Given their success, supports will
continue for other clients who choose to seek employment.”