These Statistics Tell A Sad Story
The median income for Canadians in 2009 was $27,400.00 That means 50% of the population earned more than that and 50% earned less. This number is based on the 27 million who filed a tax return. It doesn't count the people who didn't file an income tax return.
Almost 39% of Canadians earned less than $20,000.00
19.6% earned less than $10,000.00
1.6% earned more than $150,000.00
17.6% earned more than $60,000.00
58.6% of Canadians were living below the poverty line of about $23,000.00 in 2009
From the Toronto Star, Wednesday December 14,2011.
That is why North House is starting our campaign to create affordable housing in our communities.
WHAT IS THE $20.00 CHALLENGE AND WHY ARE WE DOING IT?
One of the biggest barriers to long term sucess that participants in North House's program face is the lack of affordable housing in North Durham. There is a severe shortage of housing that they can afford to rent, especially bachelor and one bedroom apartments. Since neither the Federal or Provincial governments have managed to create enough affordable housing, North House is determined to pick up that challenge.
North House calculates that there are about 50,000 residents in Brock, Uxbridge, and Scugog townships. If 30,000 of those residents donated $20.00 to North House, we would have $600,000.00 and could start to buy up and renovate houses that could supply bachelor and one bedroom apartments for our families, friends and neighbours. With help from the community, we could reduce the costs of renovations through sweat equity. The apartments do not have to be palatial mansions with marble floors. They DO have to be safe, clean and accessible. Above all, they need to be affordable.
WHO NEEDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING ANYWAY?
Young single people just starting their first jobs. Singles of all ages working full time in low paying and part time work because that is all the work they can find. Students studying in one of the many post-secondary institutions like Durham College and UOIT. Older folk who do not qualify for seniors housing.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We are ready to contribute to the less fortunate in far-away contries. Let's think about contributing to the less fortunate in our own communities. Please help North House make affordable housing a reality in north Durham. Each $20.00 contribution will receive a tax receipt and a big THANK YOU for all of us who care about our friends and neighbours.