The Impact of Low Incomes on Households and Communities in Perth and Huron Counties (2019)
Read online as magazine How Much is Enough
Download the full report (PDF) | Download the Summary (PDF)
It’s a sobering statistic; 1 in 2 households in Perth and Huron Counties earn below the Living Wage level of $17.55/hr. Families working hard in minimum wage positions, or juggling 2 or 3 part time jobs, are forced to make hard decisions between paying rent and purchasing healthy food — and paying bills late if they can at all — creating constant stress. Shame, guilt and depression are common and the continuous, daily struggle to make ends meet creates an environment where it is hard to focus on anything other than survival. This can lead to a perpetual cycle of poverty, hurting individuals and deepening divisions within communities.
The How Much is Enough? report builds on previous research conducted in 2015 regarding the Living Wage in Perth-Huron. Focus groups were conducted in order to better understand the experiences of individuals earning below a Living Wage and employers that may want to pay, or do pay, a Living Wage.
