Poverty in Central Alberta

Poverty looks different from one community to the next. The challenges that residents face in Bowden, where there is no grocery store and the closest food bank is a 20 minute drive on the highway are different than Delburne that has the highest rate of single parent families (18.4%) in the region. Although Red Deer has more services than smaller communities, such as public transportation, 5,900 (13%) of families were identified as low income. In every community there are barriers and challenges for those living in poverty.

CAPRA-faces-of-poverty1

Who is vulnerable?

Anyone can become vulnerable in a recession economy. If a family relies on two incomes to meet its expenses and one person is laid off, it often doesn’t take more than a few months to feel the pinch. With skyrocketing inflation, many central Albertans are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Life events that might lead to poverty

Lost your job?
Living with a disability?
Student with limited resources?
Getting separated or divorced?

You can find resources at these sites:

Government of Alberta information and resources
Government of Canada information and resources
Call, text or chat 211 Alberta to find resources near you.