Understanding Poverty in Canada
This percentage of British Columbians are currently living in poverty
11.6%
This local resource provides food assistance.
Kamloops Food Bank; Mount Paul Community Food Centre; Salvation Army; Kamloops United Church; Kamloops Food Policy Council; etc...
This aspect of nonverbal communication can help calm a stressed client and show genuine interest.
What is open body language? (or relaxed posture? use gentle, steady eye contact? adopt a calm, empathetic facial expression? Orient your body towards them? )
Empathy, respect, and authenticity are key pillars of this essential legal competency.
What is professionalism?
A client who doesn’t list an address on their intake form might be experiencing this issue.
What is unstable or unsafe housing?
Clients dealing with poverty-related stress may be more prone to these emotional reactions.
What are anger, resentment, hopelessness.
This organization provides support services like housing and healthcare outreach.
What is ASK Wellness?
This phrase, when said sincerely, can help a client feel heard and supported during a difficult conversation.
What is “It sounds like you’ve been through a lot”? (Or a variation of this)
True or False: Crisis response to suicide comments begins when the client mentions a plan.
False. In the event that a client is making comments that have you concerned, there are small, printed cards with 24/7 mental health and crisis response phone numbers available to give to clients when they leave the clinic. These resources should be provided as a separate (and additional) stream of support to ensure clients have access to immediate care while waiting for long term support.
These examples can be non-verbal signs of mental stress or agitation.
What are nervous habits like foot tapping, nail biting, and hair twirling; physical changes such as crossed arms, a closed posture, and fidgeting; self-soothing behaviors like rubbing hands or a hunched back; changes in physical appearance like neglecting personal care; and shifts in eye contact?
This demographic group leads the highest percentage of households living in poverty in Canada, at 36.5%.
Who are female-led single-parent households?
This list is updated each semester to provide a modern snapshot of available resources and services.
What is the TRU CLC Resource Guide.
This respectful phrase introduces the idea of non-legal support options to clients.
What is “Would you like to learn more about this?”
If unsure about next steps in a complex case, students should review options with this person.
Who is the supervising lawyer?
True or False: Legal advocates should ignore non-legal concerns unless asked directly by a client.
False. Acting as a clients advocate can include the introduction of outreach services as part of or in addition to legal services. General resources can be shared with client, included in letters, or the outreach worker can connect with the client directly.
This term describes when a household’s housing is unaffordable, unsuitable, or in disrepair.
What is core housing need?
True or False: Clients experiencing poverty face the same challenges.
False: People living in poverty often face compounding challenges due to structural barriers that are out of their control (i.e.: discrimination, lack of access to social support, economic inequality). The capacity to navigate poverty and a persons eligibility for supports and services varies.
Instead of asking “Why didn’t you pay your rent?”, a non-judgmental approach would sound more like this.
What is “Can you walk me through what happened with your rent this month?”
This number is available to call 24/7 to individuals seeking mental health crisis support
What is
Mental Health Crisis Line 310-6789 or Suicide Crisis Line 9-8-8
This statement reminds clients that many people use outreach services. This helps reduce stigma while respecting client autonomy.
What is "If you're open to it, I can share this with the clinic's outreach worker and we can work on getting you connected to additional supports. Many of our clients find this service helpful"?