E. Fry conference to focus on housing needs

NEWS – The causes of B.C. families living in poverty will be explored at the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society during its 9th annual conference on May 9.

The conference will focus on the housing needs of women and children, especially the lack of affordable housing in Kamloops that organizers say has led many families into the “poverty trap.”

According to the 2013 B.C. Child Poverty Report Card, published by First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, B.C. compared to the rest of the country has the highest child poverty rate (18.6 per cent), highest under-age-six poverty rate (21 per cent), highest two-parent family poverty rate (14 per cent), and highest single-mother family poverty rate (50 per cent).

As a result, one in every two children in single-mother families in B.C. is poor.

The conference will address the increasing demand for programs and services to address the high poverty rate facing B.C. families.

“Through presentations and discussions with local organizations, participants will come to a fuller understanding of the causes of family poverty in B.C. and the challenges and barriers keeping families impoverished, while focusing on local solutions,” says a press release.

Keynote speaker is Adrienne Montani, provincial coordinator of First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, an organization mobilizing British Columbians to work together to ensure our children and youth have the rights, opportunities and resources required to achieve their full potential.

At the conference, the society will announce the recipient of its Women’s Educational Bursary, established to assist women with removing barriers to self sufficiency.

The conference will be held at The Plaza Hotel at 405 Victoria Street from 8:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

To Register, visit www.kamloopsefry.com/annualconference  or phone at: 250-374-2119 ext. 200 or in person: 827 Seymour Street or email: admin@kamloopsefry.com.

For more information contact: Louise Richards louise@kamloopsefry.com or 250-374-2119 ext. 207.