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Vast Majority of Surveyed Canadians Optimistic Homelessness in Canada Can Be Reduced |
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Written by Wire Services
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Tuesday, 22 November 2005 |
Eighty-one percent of those particpating in a national Pollara survey believe the number of homeless people in Canada can be reduced, while 63% of those polled feel homelessness has increased over the past three years.
According to the survey conducted in the lead up to Tuesday's National Housing Day, over half of Canadians polled feel that the high cost of housing is contributing to more people being homeless. The study was sponsored by Direct Energy and Raising the Roof which is officially kicking off its ninth annual Raising The Roof Toque Campaign.
Roughly three quarters of lower income working Canadians surveyed, those with household incomes between $25,000 and $50,000, stated that the high cost of housing is contributing to an increase in homelessness. "It is not surprising that lower income Canadians who struggle to pay the rent or the mortgage would themselves see the high cost of housing as contributing to an increase in homelessness," said Raising the Roof President Sean Goetz-Gadon.
"The funding raised by Raising the Roof and the work of hundreds of agencies across the country is needed more than ever to help homeless families and individuals find and keep their homes."
Between now and the end of February, Canadians will be able to purchase their Raising the Roof toque at 128 Home Depot stores across Canada or on-line at www.raisingtheroof.org. The minimum $10 donation goes toward support programs and initiatives which help make a difference in the lives of thousands of Canadians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The campaign culminates on February 7th, 2006, Toque Tuesday where all are encouraged to wear their toques in support of their commitment to preventing and eliminating homelessness in Canada. |
