Homelessness in Canada

[danaeris]

So, I've always been confused by homelessness in Canada. It clearly exists, but I've been under the impression that welfare is available to all citizens/residents and can cover rent on a modest apartment. I may be confused on that point, but I just don't know.

Some of the stuff I've read indicates that each of the following groups are well-represented among the homeless:

-People with serious mental health problems which aren't properly treated
-People with addictions they haven't been able to kick
-Aboriginals (I don't know why, but apparently...)
-Young runaways who either face abuse/a string of foster homes upon connecting with the authorities, or who have other reasons for being scared to return home (being queer and having intolerant parents, for instance).

Am I missing any major groups which should be included in this list?

And, is minimum wage enough to live reasonably in Toronto? What is minimum wage, anyway?

Comments

[thespian.livejournal.com]

it'll be $7.45 on Feb 1, 2005.

also in Ontario, you don't go to overtime until you hit 44 hours, not the 40 I was used to in the US. You will actually clear about $5.75ish of that. So about $250 a week.

my one bedroom apartment, which is considered a steal, is $675. Heat included, hydro about $80 a month, but I'm *terrible* about turning off lights and leave the computer on all the time. So I can live on mimimum wage, but it'd be a narrow squeak.

You can find 2-bedroom apts. in the neighbourhood I'm in for $800. That would loosen it up a little, when shared.

[outcastspice.livejournal.com]

you should post this on poorinto, i know a few people on that list who were on the streets at one point or another, and would be able to answer all these questions.

s.