A few observations: she wants to rent in a "safe" part of town. Perhaps she needs to consider a rural area outside of the city where rent may be cheaper.
As for what can be done:
Unfortunately, raising the minimum wage hasn't done much to help people because a lot of people find out the true minimum wage is zero - they lose their job because the business can't afford them at a higher wage.
However, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of supporting community services. It would be interesting to know what sort of support system Kathryn has, such as a church she belongs to.
Raising the minimum wage is great, but pointless if the government doesn't restrict utilities, healthcare, and businesses from raising their rates in conjunction with the wage increases.
I live in Ontario, Canada and we don't even have that option. Campgrounds are not allowed to be open during winter months. I'm not sure what prices are like in the US, but campground sites with hookups run over $75/night. I'm not sure how that is cheaper than rent if you factor in gas. I know in BC where the weather is more temperate, many seniors live in their cars and vans. We are starting to see a lot of seniors living in their cars and on the street in Ontario. Our temps went below 0 F last winter. It's disgraceful how US and Canada are treating theor seniors, yet illegals here get $2400/month and thousands in start-up costs. They are taking shelter space which I don't believe is healthy for those with families being housed with the mentally ill and families. We are 65 and 63. We own our own home but taxes and insurance are killing us. My husband has stage 4 cancer. If he passes away, I'll likely sell and buy a smaller house in a beach community nearby. Our 7 kids rarely visit anyway.
A few observations: she wants to rent in a "safe" part of town. Perhaps she needs to consider a rural area outside of the city where rent may be cheaper.
As for what can be done:
Unfortunately, raising the minimum wage hasn't done much to help people because a lot of people find out the true minimum wage is zero - they lose their job because the business can't afford them at a higher wage.
However, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of supporting community services. It would be interesting to know what sort of support system Kathryn has, such as a church she belongs to.
Raising the minimum wage is great, but pointless if the government doesn't restrict utilities, healthcare, and businesses from raising their rates in conjunction with the wage increases.
I agree 100% with you Deacon. The rich keeps getting richer and no one seems to be doing anything about it.
I live in Ontario, Canada and we don't even have that option. Campgrounds are not allowed to be open during winter months. I'm not sure what prices are like in the US, but campground sites with hookups run over $75/night. I'm not sure how that is cheaper than rent if you factor in gas. I know in BC where the weather is more temperate, many seniors live in their cars and vans. We are starting to see a lot of seniors living in their cars and on the street in Ontario. Our temps went below 0 F last winter. It's disgraceful how US and Canada are treating theor seniors, yet illegals here get $2400/month and thousands in start-up costs. They are taking shelter space which I don't believe is healthy for those with families being housed with the mentally ill and families. We are 65 and 63. We own our own home but taxes and insurance are killing us. My husband has stage 4 cancer. If he passes away, I'll likely sell and buy a smaller house in a beach community nearby. Our 7 kids rarely visit anyway.