Who is really helped when the poor must compete with the poor on the basis of need?

There is a simple answer to your question Joe. Help those who get help themselves and then that group can help the next group who can then help the next group, etc. etc. Of course this is too simple a solution for the leftists at city hall and the social in-activists. Get Rob Ford to donate the money that he doesn't use from his office budget and if each councillor and the mayor gave up $2000 from their office budget Canrise would have their $150K.

Who is really helped when the poor must compete with the poor on the basis of need?
January 24, 2007
Joe Fiorito

There is no lack of help around here. But some days, in spite of all the help – or perhaps because there is such need for it – there seems to be no lack of hindrance.

Canrise is a low-income apartment building in the west end. It is run on a private, not-for-profit, geared-to-income basis. I am fond of the place in part because of Pam Ramdeyall, the manager. The last time I stopped by, she insisted on sharing her lunch of curried noodles.

An intimate thing, someone else's lunch. The noodles were superb.

I have not written about Canrise before now because, frankly, there was nothing much to say. The place is well run: no drugs or guns in dark corners; good maintenance and security; better still, the tenants get along with each other, and with management.

Canrise began some years ago as a residence for women who had been in prison. That mandate changed over time, and while the focus is still primarily on women, there are now several men in residence; the common denominator is need.

Canrise used to get a small grant from the city for a couple of on-site social workers; the money came from the Supports to Daily Living fund.

How effective were the social workers? Several tenants, over time and with care, have recovered their stability, returned to school, found work and in some cases have bought homes.
Pony up councillors