Urban Core Support Network

The Urban Core Support Network (UCSN) has been in existence in Saint John, since 1994. We are a partnership of individuals and organizations working to reduce poverty in our community. We focus on public awareness and actions to remove barriers experienced by people living in poverty. Our local organization has 37 members who represent community agencies, individuals living in poverty, churches, business and government departments.

We meet on a monthly basis to explore ways to address poverty in our community, to develop action strategies and to provide support. We have just recently produced a guidebook to assist individuals working through the ‘maze of income assistance’.

Since 1997, we have been fortunate to receive funding from Status of Women - Canada and the Sisters of Charity for the Women In Poverty Initiative. This funding has enabled us to focus our efforts on how public policy impacts women living in poverty in our community. In the first phase of the initiative, we produced a discussion paper entitled Responding to the Voices of Poverty, which describes the experiences of women living in poverty and defines key systemic barriers, including specific government policies. (See Policies). We continue to explore ways to change these policies which were identified as barriers to women moving forward in their lives. In keeping with our goal to raise public awareness of the realities faced by people living in poverty, we published a book entitled Stormy Seas, which is a collection of poems, stories and drawings by people who are living in poverty and which describe their experiences. This creative book begins with a preface by Senator Erminie Cohen and continues to describe powerful images and stories of what life is like for many in our community.

"Poverty is having to say no when your child asks for more supper. Poverty is having to deprive your child of a choice of extra-curricular activities because of costs. Poverty is not necessarily a lack of skills or education but a product of social indifference." From early on in our history, our philosophy has been that people living in poverty must be full participants in identifying the issues and developing and implementing strategies to bring about change. The diversity in our membership has led to significant learning and an appreciation of what each member has to offer. This process has been particularly meaningful to members who are living in poverty. For some, it has been a rare time in their lives where they have felt understood, included, equal and valued.

The Urban Core Support Network can offer you opportunities to become accurately informed on the issues of poverty in Saint John. We can provide:

• Copies of our ground-breaking report, "Responding to the Voices of Poverty", researched and produced right here in Saint John.
• Copies of our Stormy Seas book, a poignant and realistic look at poverty through the eyes of people who have experienced poverty.
• A 20-30 minute presentation - on the impact of poverty - for meetings, conferences, discussion groups, etc.
• A dynamic 90 minute interactive workshop based on the real experiences of people living in poverty in New Brunswick.
• Copies of "Solving the Puzzle" - a guide to income assistance.

Did you know that Saint John has a 27% poverty rate?

Test your knowledge of poverty in New Brunswick:

1. Which city in New Brunswick has the highest percentage of poor people (as defined by Statistics Canada’s low income cut-off)?

• a. Saint John
• b. Miramichi
• c. Moncton
• d. Campbellton

2. In the Greater Saint John area, what amount of income for a family of three is considered below the poverty line by Statistics Canada?

• a. $15,700
• b. $19,400
• c. $22,150
• d. $25,200

3. What is the basic annual income assistance for a family of three in New Brunswick?

• a. $9,300
• b. $15,100
• c. $19,400
• d. $22,500

4. What is the basic monthly rate of income assistance for an employable single person in New Brunswick?

• a. $264.00 ($3,168/year)
• b. $850.00 ($10,200/year)
• c. $1,033.00 ($12,400/yr)
• d. $1,050.00 ($12,600/yr)

5. In New Brunswick, 14.2% households are led by single parents. What is the percentage in Saint John?

• a. 12.3%
• b. 16.5%
• c. 22.0%
• d. 24.2%

6. The national average number of children (0-14) who live in poverty in Canada is 23%. What percentage of children are living in poverty in Saint John?

• a. 20.5%
• b. 24.8%
• c. 28.7%
• d. 36.4%

ANSWERS: 1. a 2. c 3. a 4. a 5. c 6. d

Publications

Voices Heard

For more information, please contact:

Brenda Murphy, Coordinator
116 Coburg Street
Saint John, N. B.
E2L 3K1
Email: ucsnsj@nbnet.nb.ca
Tel. 506 642-9033
Fax: 506 632-5539