Advertisement

How I'm Dealing With Poverty In The Pandemic As A Single Parent

As a single mother of three who’s fallen through Canada’s safety net before, I spend a lot of time counting. Counting the money in my bank account, how much income I can expect — and how many days it will all last my family during this pandemic. I know it’s only a matter of time before what comes in doesn’t match what goes out.

I lost a chunk of my income when the pandemic was declared.
I lost a chunk of my income when the pandemic was declared.

Five years ago, I had the fortune of a huge job promotion, followed by the misfortune of getting a serious health diagnosis leading to five oncology surgeries. I lost my income overnight, and my new employer’s health-care provider refused to pay disability.

When my emergency fund ran out, we were plunged into poverty. Public assistance rates were too low to feed a family and afford the mortgage for our small semi-detached, so rather than resting to recover, I worked odd jobs non-stop to pay the bills.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m afraid this will be the experience for millions of Canadians — the poor yet again most likely to suffer.

‘Everyone is worried about money’

Terrified of once again finding myself standing in the food bank line or being unable to afford essential supports for my child with complex special needs, I had secured multiple income streams. I took in international students, had a part-time professional job with flexibility to care for my child, provided childcare after school and taught music lessons.

I also cleaned condos, but was able to give it up recently when I could finally afford some breathing room. (Much to my doctor’s relief.)

Within days of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, about 40 per cent of my income disappeared, just like that. A student moved out, childcare stopped, and some pupils cancelled music lessons (despite my offering them remotely).

My family has $140 to get us through two weeks of isolation.

I understand. Everyone is worried about money.

I pulled the small amount I’d been able to save in my emergency fund. If we need it, my family has $140 to...

Continue reading on HuffPost