Stopped by the grocery store recently? Filled up your car? You’ve probably noticed that everyday essentials are getting more and more expensive. It’s not just food and fuel, either. From December 2021 to January 2022 rent in BC increased by 4.3 percent. Due to increased demand, fewer available spaces, and corporate property owners that maximize profits, this rate will continue to climb.
According to Statistics Canada, inflation is rising faster than it has in over 30 years, passing the 5 percent threshold for the first time since 1991.
For someone leaving prison on a fixed income, finding affordable, stable housing is next to impossible. Take Neil (not his real name), for example. He has been in the community for over a year, yet he is still living in less-than-ideal conditions, sharing a house with four others.
“I can’t find an apartment,” Neil said. “Those that are affordable have two- or three-year waiting lists. It’s outta my reach.”
A recent report by CMHC shows that Neil isn’t alone. The report describes “an acute scarcity” of affordable rental options across Canada. In the Vancouver area, which influences the rental market in the Fraser Valley, only 1 in 1,000 rental units is affordable for renters who earn the lowest one-fifth of incomes.
Neil said that a better housing situation would add stability to his life and provide a foundation from which to grow. “I want to make gains, but I feel like I’m in limbo.”
30-Year Gap on a Resume
Trying to keep up with skyrocketing rental costs, Neil is looking for part-time work to supplement his fixed income. Like his apartment search, his job search has obstacles.
Neil participates in No One Leaves Alone (NOLA), an initiative that helps people reintegrate into the community after incarceration. Through NOLA, Neil can access as-needed support and one-on-one mentorship. Since his release last January, he’s been meeting regularly with Elder Pascal Adam, who has been mentoring Neil for nine years.
“When you’re inside a prison for over 30 years,” Elder Pascal said, “what do you have to say on your resume? But Neil has a lot of skills. Both Glenn and I are helping him look for work, and I’d go right along with him to interviews and such, to let them know we’re here to support him.”
Elder Pascal and Glenn Burchart, Program Director at M2/W2, introduced Neil to a resume writer through Connective.
As he recovers from shoulder surgery, Neil can’t commit to a job that’s overly physical. He said he would like to become a security guard, and Elder Pascal and Glenn are working with him to access the necessary training.
Elder Pascal said, “Neil’s no slouch. If he gets a job, he’ll prove himself in two or three days.”
Neil is open to a variety of jobs, too. “Don’t matter what kind of work it is. Work is work,” Neil said. He knows that finding a part-time job is a key part of improving his housing situation, and his life. “If you’re working, people see you working, and then you have possibilities.”
Beyond the Basics
During Neil’s first year out of prison, Elder Pascal walked with him as he learned to use technology, found a doctor, etc.
“I got the basics done,” Neil said, “but the two things with barriers are the apartment and the job. It’s outta my reach. No one wants to give you a chance. They want you to come out and be better in society, but they don’t want to take a chance on you.”
Elder Pascal tries to encourage Neil by reminding him of the ways he’s helped others since his release.
One snowy morning in February, Neil witnessed a collision on the icy hill outside his house. He went out and helped the driver. He directed her to a safe spot to park while she waited for her husband.
“We believe in Neil,” Glenn said. “We want to see him flourish in the community. NOLA is designed to help people find success in the areas they identify. For Neil, that’s housing and employment, and we will continue to walk alongside him as he builds his life outside of prison.”
If you know of available accommodation or a part-time position that might be a fit for Neil, please contact Glenn at glenn@m2w2.com or 604-859-3215.
This story appears in our Spring 2022 newsletter.
When I was released after 15 years, the first thing my p.o. stated “He will re- offend again!” I was very fortunate to have not one, but two M2’s sitting in the room… I’ve been outside the fence 6 years. They still remain my guardian angels.
God bless you