I worked fulltime for over  30 years paying taxes, thinking my tax dollars were helping the most vulnerable, the disabled people that can't work and support themselves.

I then had a life changing stroke in my 50's . I wasn't a senior yet so I had to go on B.C. disability supports.

To my horror I found out that the B.C. govt makes disabled people live in DEEP POVERTY. They get 1483.00 a month to survive on, which 500.00 of that 1483.00 is the "Shelter" portion, and the 983.00 left is supposed to pay for everything else. They expect disabled people to find somewhere to rent for 500.00 a month. Only 25 percent of disabled people in B.C. have been lucky enough to find subsidized housing, forcing the other 75 percent to find market rental housing with 500.00 a month, which is impossible. Currently there is at least a 10 year wait for subsidized housing. Just about 50 percent of the homeless in B.C. are disabled people that can't afford a home. It  is unsafe for a disabled person  to live outdoors while waiting for subsidized housing. 

 No one can survive on 1483.00 a month in B.C.. Why should disabled people, who have no option to work, have to ?

We need to push the gov't to do the right thing, which is to RAISE THE DISABILITY SHELTER RATES to equal the current 2025 Market Rental Rates

                                        B.C. LEGISLATURE PETITION

   To the Honourable the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British
Columbia and in Legislature Assembled:

The petition of the undersigned residents of British Columbia
respectfully asks the Legislative Assembly to urge the government to take
immediate action to increase the PWD shelter allowance so that it reflects
current rental market conditions and supports disabled people in living with dignity and quality of life.

Whereas People with disabilities often face barriers to employment
along with higher costs associated with health care and housing.

Whereas the cost of housing across British Columbia continues to rise
significantly, and the current maximum shelter allowance provided to persons with disabilities under the provincial income assistance program has not kept pace with current market rental rates.

Whereas Only 25 percent of pwd recipients have access to low income
housing.
Whereas individuals living with disabilities are disproportionately
affected by housing insecurity and are at greater risk of homelessness and
poverty, which causes them to live in unsafe conditions.

We respectfully request that the Honourable House urge the
government to take immediate action to increase the PWD shelter allowance so that it reflects current rental market conditions. This is a policy change that involves funding, and it's a valid public concern. Such an increase would promote dignity, stability, safety, fairness to be able to access rentals, and improved quality of life for thousands of British Columbians living with disabilities.

Dated 15th day of August 2025