Poverty Shouldn't be a Life Sentence

A new report out of Canada has found that factors such as employment, income, healthcare and housing continue to adversely affect poor people throughout Canada. The study, based on surveys with hundreds of men in Salvation Army homeless shelters, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to end the cycle of poverty for marginalized populations.

Here are the details from Canada's Salvation Army:

These findings show that nearly 30 percent of homeless men are employed and nearly two-thirds receive money from some source of welfare or a job, yet many still find themselves within the shelter care system. The findings conclude that a national housing strategy, which includes social services, like job training, health care and counseling, must be prioritized by federal officials in order to end the cycle of poverty.

"Our study found that there's an immediate demand for affordable housing," said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda "But, housing by itself, will not solve homelessness. It's only through a strong foundation of social supports that homeless individuals can begin to transition out of poverty and into permanent housing."

While it is difficult to compare the differing causes of homelessness among Canadians and Americans, U.S. policy-makers should look at the recommendations of the report. The most important concluding argument, in my opinion, is that indifference to the plight of those in extreme poverty is the very reason poverty persists. Thus, by directly and comprehensively addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness - housing, access to healthcare, employment, and a livable wage - we can make real strides towards ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness.