That $1.3 million is for 1200 spaces for any number of days, not just one.
Maybe DCRacer would like to spend a frigid night in a cardboard box.

Racer, please note that the article uses the term “spaces”, which indicates that there is the cost of the bed, the bedding, the cost of having someone remove, wash, and replace the bedding, extra staff to manage the extra bodies (trust me, these extra bodies are not always self-policing), additional resources such as food and washing facilities, heating, electricity, and sometimes the construction of additional physical spaces to put the beds in.
If a grand a bed covers all that for one winter for a number of street-dwellers who might otherwise be forced into the cold and consequently suffer the privations of squallor, the saving to the health system will make up for it many time over.

*** sardonic*** “Maybe DCRacer would like to spend a frigid night in a cardboard box”….I say its time for these people to start being accountable for their actions! I’m sick and tired of paying for these people…they can only blame themselves….. they love the free ride! I’ve worked with them therefore I feel I can speak about this ongoing problem…don’t like he cardboard box, then do something about it….with Welfare in this province no one needs to live this way…it’s their choice.

Saw several able bodied young men in the lineup the other day. Nice new hoodie and playing on his iphone! How do they determine who gets in? I have also witnessed the taking off of the snakeskin boots and huge gold rings prior to entering the welfare office to get a cheque! They use a friend of mines’ parking lot to park their new vehicles in; and yes i am a huge taxpayer that has to get a drug test for my work.

retyred: You are so right. with all the resources that are available to these people, it seems that the more we do to try to ‘save them’, the more we have to do. When people find their experience is too tough, they find a way out. When you keep giving to them, they will only keep taking and asking for more.

checkitout: did you report these ones to the desk? You certainly should have or at least taken down the license numbers of the vehicles and called the RCMP and asked them to look into it.
Its called fraud and we should all do our part to stop it and save us all some money.

..checkitout-…well put. All taxpayers should see what you’ve seen… society is being taken for a very expensive ride! If they knew how much $ goes into welfare and who is getting it and how long they’ve been getting it…they would be furious…or they should be. And folks if you haven’t looked into it you really (sadly) shouldn’t be talking.

Retyred you say you have worked “with them” and it’s all their choice and you are tired of paying for them…really are you retyred or just retarded? I actually did work”with those people” for several years in one of our local shelters and I will tell you from firsthand experience that there are many more reasons for their situation that your narrow little mind fails to take into account. Little things like mental illness, substance abuse, fas,violent home lives, lack of education, diseases such as aids( ever heard of thato) etc. etc. you pay for this do you? Of the total taxes you pay maybe a buck or two is allocated for these programs and shelters. Maybe you should spend a night or two in a cardboard box. As in any government program there are dishonest people that will try to rip off those programs but the majority of our street people don’t and deserve a warm bed at night… Just as i suppose you do.

..boneville…I worked with “them” for about 7 years on the front lines. It does not tak a broad mind to see the flagrant abuse of our tax money, be it a dollar or two or not. All of the issues you have brought up are just excuses, other than “some” mental illnesses..these folks should be institutionalized for their own protection and the protection of the public”. many, many people face these same obstacles and do just fine! I’m not narrw minded, I just speak the truth! Hurts doesnt it? Why arent you still working with these folks at the shelters? Not very rewarding is it! Here’s a thought…take some of these people home to stay at your home when its cold and there’s no room at the Inn…no?? Just as I thought, all talk. I’ll never have to sleep in the streets or beg for handouts because I’ve done my time and enjoy a very nice pension that I totaly deserve becase I was responsible and always held myself accountable for my actions. The only thing you deserve in life is that which you have earned…. so how have they “earned” a warm bed at night? I feel sorry for your sort…you will never get it!!!!!!!!!!!…and watch the name calling..having an opinion different from yours does not make me narrow minded. Just calling it as I see it :)

I’m afraid your ignorance is on display. These issues are just excuses? They are much more than excuses, they are a daily reality for some people, I’m sorry you lack compassion for those less fortunate then yourself. Imagine If we all felt that way. So they should be in an instatution is your idea? Have you never heard of the massive underfunding of mental health? Sure, lots of room at the inn. You speak the truth do you? The truth according to your sort I suppose. Actually, I took a break from my normal occupation to spend a few years doing something that I felt could make a difference in the lives of people with far less then myself and the education I received from the dregs of society has stayed with me. Sure wasnt for the low pay or possible health risks. I’m glad to hear you have a nice pension and a comfortable life, you worked hard and deserve it. I will also retire soon and be just fine, I’ve worked hard as well and earned it. I guess the difference is that your sort would deny a freezing man a warm bed because he hasnt earned it in your opinion

People get so irate at the thought of the disadvantaged getting some help at public expense that they forget that those being helped are being helped with their own money, not taxpayers’ money.

How so? They are citizens of BC, and as such own the resources of this province along with all other citizens. Provincial money does not just come from income taxes, or sales taxes or licenses. It also comes from royalties on lumber, oil and gas, and, I presume, other areas. That being so the ones being helped are being helped with their own money from exploitation of their property (the natural resources).

I have never understood why those who think their small tax contribution pays for everything in the universe, but ignore the royalties that pay the tax contribution of people who need help. Why is your money more important than theirs?

By the way, Retyred, my understanding is that your taxes paid for the BC government adverts promoting all that Liberal propoganda. It is my taxes that help others, so don’t worry about it because I don’t mind.

Retyred,you have a nice pension why?Would that be a government pension or one you paid every single penny into?If it is a government pension,then sounds as tough you may be living off of the taxpayers too hmmm?

@ retyred & BCRacer,have a happy holiday and many happy returns.
@ retyred reads to me like you didn`t get enough pats on the back or atta boys, so here`s a pat on the back and an atta boy…

okay folks…all good but misguided responses…your hearts are in the right place but again the abuse will continue ..my point is for the most part its a waste of tax $. We are entering 3rd generation welfare families! Is this right? It needs to be corrected. In the Gov’t employ there are no attaboys..just a chq that is really earned especilly in a welfare office. Unless you guys have been there you cant believe the abuse that has to be taken from the clients…that’s right you have to take it, because society says so…you wouldnt take it in your jobs, if in fact you work…shouldnt you be doing that now? Don’t be jealous of my pension. those are the rules and everyone I know is the same or trying t get the same. I dont have contol over gov’t adverts but I disagree with that too. Gottago now as I have responsibilities and accountability to take care of….unless you folks want to come and do them for me…that way I can sit around all day smoke, drink and take drugs. There will be time to plan my next crime too LOL- tongue planted firmly in cheek! Now get to work folks or get a job if you dont have one :) Watch for future posts…I’ll be the one who s speaking the truth but not being politically correct- I find political correctness just hides the truth. Regards ALL :)

I don’t have a problem providing Social Services to those that truly need them. I do however, have a problem providing these services to those that are able to work and be self-sufficient, but instead choose to sit on their butts and let the government ie: the taxpayer support them.

Many social services industry advocates demand that government increase welfare rates and other social service benefits. As a taxpayer, I suggest that those that don’t really need the benefits should get a job. This would free up more money for those that truly need the social service programs. Some “welfare” recipients seem to have lots of money for cellphones and cigarettes, but do not have a place to live or food to eat. Perhaps their priorities should be called into question.

The taxpayer only has so much ability to pay. If 50% of those on welfare are actually able to work but are just too lazy to work, then they are consuming 50% of the welfare budget. It these same 50% were to enter the tax-paying workforce, then the funds that they no longer need could be re-directed to those that are truly in need. In this example, we could double the amount of money paid to those that actually need it, without increasing the costs to the taxpayer.

I used 50% as an example as I am not aware of what the actual percentage of people fraudulently using welfare and other social programs actually is. Regardless of the actual number, any reduction in the number of people using welfare could result in an increase in welfare rates to those that truly need it.

Like I said in the beginning, I don’t have a problem providing help to those that truly need it, but those that abuse the system should be “helped” off of the system as quickly as possible, if not immmediately.

okay folks…all good but misguided responses…your hearts are in the right place but again the abuse will continue ..my point is for the most part its a waste of tax $. We are entering 3rd generation welfare families! Is this right? It needs to be corrected. In the Gov’t employ there are no attaboys..just a chq that is really earned especilly in a welfare office. Unless you guys have been there you cant believe the abuse that has to be taken from the clients…that’s right you have to take it, because society says so…you wouldnt take it in your jobs, if in fact you work…shouldnt you be doing that now? Don’t be jealous of my pension. those are the rules and everyone I know is the same or trying t get the same. I dont have contol over gov’t adverts but I disagree with that too. Gottago now as I have responsibilities and accountability to take care of….unless you folks want to come and do them for me…that way I can sit around all day smoke, drink and take drugs. There will be time to plan my next crime too LOL- tongue planted firmly in cheek! Now get to work folks or get a job if you dont have one :) Watch for future posts…I’ll be the one who s speaking the truth but not being politically correct- I find political correctness just hides the truth. Regards ALL :)

Hart Guy…just read your post…very well put…I would estimate your 50% is low and closer to 80-85%…with no malice or exaduration.(sp?) I can say that in about 2-3% of my exeriences with recipients it was the most rewarding job I have ever helped. Being able to help the true “down and outs”. You can tell who they are because as you follow them thru the system you see they are gone in 6 months or less. Ok, seriously…I’m done, Bye….

Hart Guy…just read your post…very well put…I would estimate your 50% is low and closer to 80-85%…with no malice or exaduration.(sp?) I can say that in about 2-3% of my exeriences with recipients it was the most rewarding job I have ever helped. Being able to help the true “down and outs”. You can tell who they are because as you follow them thru the system you see they are gone in 6 months or less. Ok, seriously…I’m done, Bye….

I seem to remember it was not too many years ago that this issue of welfare abuse was investigated and found to be grossly exaggerated. It cost more to investigate and police than was saved in identifying the abusers. Off the top of the head estimates of 50%, or 80-85% are just nonsense. An actual investigation found it was way, way, way lower than that. Yes, when abusers are identified by all means cut them off and prosecute if necessary, but please don’t libel all people on welfare just for not having enough money to live. That could easily be you.

One billion dollars a year in government subsidies to the oil patch – now, that’s welfare fraud!

ammora et all….you cant cut off the cheaters because welfare is the last line of defense against poverty. if they are caught cheating they stay on welfare and have to pay the system back each month with a token amount of perhaps 10 or 20$ depending on their circumstances. They can in fact stay on Welfare as long as they prove (honor system)that they have looked for work each month…great system hey. Amora, I have not heard of this investigation you speak of and in fact the ministry is continuing to expand their fraud teams to try to get Gov’t funds back. Every now and then when found guilty of fraud there may be a jail term imposed, but very rare. There is really so much the average citizen does not know about the abuse out there. By the way my estimation of 80-85% is just an estimate, but I was there….and what Gov’t would be willing to admit they were shovellig milions andmillions of $ into a broken system? The investigation, if there was one, was doomed to failure from the beginning because of political motivation.

I am an employer. I have brought a lot of kids off the street that are in their thirties, still work for me and make almost six figures. They also pay a lot of taxes. I am damn proud of them all. Now on the flip side i have fired a few simply because they like drugs and can always go back and stay on mommies enabling couch and eat for free. I did up a list the other day and over a 20 year period the only failures were the ones from good families and most have also been collecting welfare deep into their thirties! I was kicked out of a broken home , extremely abusive, at 15 yrs old. I raided gardens for food. Got a job, have never even collected an ei cheque. Retyred is right. We need to give it to anyone in school, single moms or someone that is trying to do something!

I am an employer. I have brought a lot of kids off the street that are in their thirties, still work for me and make almost six figures. They also pay a lot of taxes. I am damn proud of them all. Now on the flip side i have fired a few simply because they like drugs and can always go back and stay on mommies enabling couch and eat for free. I did up a list the other day and over a 20 year period the only failures were the ones from good families and most have also been collecting welfare deep into their thirties! I was kicked out of a broken home , extremely abusive, at 15 yrs old. I raided gardens for food. Got a job, have never even collected an ei cheque. Retyred is right. We need to give it to anyone in school, single moms or someone that is trying to do something!

Ammonra, I take offence your comment about my 50% estimate being “nonsense”! If you read my post, you should be abundantly clear on the fact that I only used this figure for illustrative purposes only. Getting 50% of the people on welfare off of welfare would allow for the doubling of the current rate for those that remained on welfare. Illustrative purposes only!

I’m not sure why you seem so defensive! At the same time, you seem very critical of those of us that would like some accountability for the tax dollars that we provide.

I also stated that I have no problem providing welfare and other social services to those that are truly in need. My problem is with those that abuse the system and with those who are too politically correct to raise the issue in the first place!

I certainly don’t consider this to be “nonsense”! We as a society need to have some respect for those that truly are in need, but we also have to have some respect for the taxpayer who must pay the bill. If that means that we need to make an effort to stop abuse in the system, then so be it!

The people in the system, those using the services and those providing the services all too often seem happy with the status quo. Don’t rock the boat seems to be the philosophy. But think about this for a minute, if we reduce the number of people on welfare, then we should be able to reduce a corresponding number of welfare and social service providers. This would be a win/win for the taxpayer!

Obviously Retyred, you chose a profession completely contrary to your nature. Why would a person with contempt for everyone that doesn’t fit into your narrow vision, work on the ‘front lines’ in a welfare office? Clearly, by your own admission, not a person that cares about the needs of others. It seems like maybe you should have chosen something less repugnant to you, than dealing with the “3rd generation welfare families” that you were forced to cope with.
Maybe a slaughterhouse would have been more your speed?

If someone, anyone, can come up with the means to get rid of the freeloaders without hurting the truly needy, I’m all for it. However, until you do come up with such a system, get over it, pay your measly taxes, and quit worrying where your personal contribution comes from. Believe me, there is great waste in other areas that deserves your attention.