Social assistance provides little relief

Jeanne is grateful for her older brother.

The Saint-Henri resident, who uses a wheelchair, says she relies on him for most things, from getting to appointments to grocery shopping.

“He really helps me a lot,” she said. “He’s the one who does everything for me.”

But he works, and doesn’t live nearby, so he isn’t always available to lend hand, she said. Because of limited mobility and the pain she endures as a result of arthritis, she said she can’t get out on her own. As a result, she rarely leaves her house without her brother.

With the exception of daily visits from a nurse from the CLSC, she is by herself. Being alone so much is hard, she said. She has developed anxiety, she said, making her even more dependent on her brother’s phone calls and visits.

“I can’t see him as often as I’d like,” she said.

Her physical condition and other mental health issues prevent her from working. Welfare is her only income.

With the little money she receives from the government, she said there is often nothing left by the end of the month, particularly after paying for much needed dental work.

Jeanne plans to use the $125 cheque that she will receive from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund to buy food. Every winter, the Christmas Fund helps thousands of people in need through the season.

That money, she said, will make a big difference.

“I’m so happy.”