Rallies call for changes to income assistance, say program putting more at risk of homelessness
Global News
Rallies were held in Regina and Saskatoon, calling for changes to the new program, claiming it's putting more people at risk of being evicted.
Organizations working with vulnerable people in Saskatchewan are calling for changes to the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program, claiming it is putting more people at risk of ending up on the street.
Rallies were held in Regina and Saskatoon, calling for changes to the program.
SIS replaced the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP) and the Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA). Both programs closed out Aug. 31.
SIS has made things far more challenging for those needing that financial support, according to Quint, a development corporation that helps people get housing.
Quint owns around 100 affordable rental-housing units in Saskatoon.
“In September we found we had to issue 11 notices of evictions,” said executive director Len Usiskin. “That’s unprecedented for us.”
The main issue: SIS deposits money into the tenant’s bank account, where previously then money was sent directly to landlords and utility companies.
The new system means those receiving SIS are responsible for paying their bills themselves.