Trying to get off welfare is as hard as trying to get on

The author of this story lives in the West Central area of Winnipeg.

She says:

I am a single mother of six receiving $400 every two weeks, and allowed $387 for rent, $400 at the most, not including utilities.

Two and a half months ago, I applied at a training facility for computers and was denied because I was pregnant. I was told to come back after I had my baby. I went back to this training facility after I had the baby and got accepted but was told I needed my welfare worker's approval. Denied. I couldn't take the program.

I was denied by my worker because I have children under the age of 6 and was told I needed to stay home with them. I had child care arrangements worked out for the training program, and also for a job, if it happened.

I wanted to take a computer program so I could find a job to support my family better.

I was told welfare gives money for special needs or extra special needs and money for a bus pass. Not true. I can't get help for furniture or a washer and dryer or clothing. I can't get a bus pass unless I'm in school, working or for medical purposes only. I was told by my worker that my Family Allowance is to be used for these needs.

So, recently I went and bought a dryer and winter gear for four of my children, and you know how expensive that is. Well, I informed my worker what I used the Child Tax Benefit for and he got on my case. He told me that there are places I could've gone for free winter stuff. But you know how kids are - they want new clothing. They don't want to look poor or feel ashamed and embarrassed by wearing used clothing.

The bus passes I could really use, because it's hard travelling from place to place, especially with little ones. I go shopping to find the best deals and it's hard when you're restricted to certain shops that are within walking distance.

My daughters were also denied bus passes for school. The reason is that they don't live in the right area or should be going to school somewhere else. So my daughters have to walk over 10 blocks to get to school.

By the time I'm able to go out and get training and work I'll be in my 40s. The older I get, the harder it's going to be to get into the workforce.

I get put down because I'm on welfare and made to feel trapped and worthless because I can't get off welfare. It's a heartache and tears don't help. Help!

What can I do when I'm trapped between a rock and a hard place?

Reprinted with permission from West Central Streets community newspaper. Nov/Dec 2001.