To the Editor,
Hi, my name is Sandra Paquette, I am from Hawkesbury. I have been on OW (Ontario Works) for several of years. I am receiving $819.00 per month. I pay $768.75 for rent and have $50.25 remaining for food per month. Even so, I go to food bank once a month, it does cover my monthly food supply and all my needs. I am a diabetic and suppose to have fruits and vegetables and never receive any. Although my prescription is paid, all other supplements, for example, my B12 and D3 are not covered. It’s a daily struggle.
The cost of inflation has not even raised on OW as long has I have been on it. But if something should come up if they were to sell where I am at or what should come up, I would be homeless on the streets.
I have a lot of health issues. I suffer with diabetes, stress, and depression, and I have a sacroiliac brace around my waist because of my joint issue. I have valgus knees and ankles and a leg length discrepancy of one centimetre. I have problems with my sleeping because of all my issues and pain. I have had a few people that have reached out to me in the community with kindness and generosity and have help me with food and I am thankful for their help.
Sometimes, I feel that I am degraded, and I don’t feel like a human and do not have enough support in different ways in my life. I lost a lot of people that wanted to be with me but when they saw I had nothing. They left my side and made me feel worthless. I do not live like others, no TV, no internet, no food, no nothing. I feel isolated, like being in a prison having nothing. I even called 211 with no satisfaction. I even called Ombudsman Ontario with no satisfaction, and even sent an email to MPP Stéphane Sarrazin with no satisfaction. So, what am I supposed to do to get help?
Yours Truly,
Sandra Paquette
