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Saturday , December 30 1899

Comments (total comments:32)

Chris :

welcome to the real world people. My buddy if you can't live off 2200 a month income plus another 700 or more in baby bonus plus possible ei not accounting any over time hears a thought there are at least 15 to 20 places hiring part time workers for evening work. Don't be too proud do what u got to do to survive but stop looking for the gov to help you out cause u make alot more then alot of people aND THEY CAN MAKE IT!!!!!!

Posted: 8/21/2012 7:33:04 PM

SheldonTwo :

my heart goes out to the family. This must be such a hard time for them. I hope a place becomes available soon!

Posted: 8/21/2012 4:45:36 PM

CheerBear :

Blame it on landlords who payed over-inflated prices for their crumby houses and are passing those inflated costs down to their renters. I can't wait for the bubble to burst and these slumlords to get what's coming to them.

Posted: 8/21/2012 4:35:14 PM

Annie :

I need to make a correction to my earlier comment. I said I make 20 dollars and take home 1000 a month. I meant 1000 every two weeks. Sorry.

Posted: 8/21/2012 4:18:55 PM

Do The Math :

$20 an hour, 40 hours a week, 4 weeks a month = $3200 gross. I don't understand how some people are saying he will only end up with $1000/month! That is a lot more then others are making...

Posted: 8/21/2012 3:37:15 PM

Karl H :

Just like the NDP , it`s easy for them to get on their soap box and complain but , when have you heard anything from these socialists about solutions . They don`t have any that`s why . So,if you don`t have a solution then you must be part of the problem . Or find a solution without raising taxes

Posted: 8/21/2012 2:42:00 PM

Putting in perspective :

To "with a little planning"..... You obviously don't have infant twins......

Posted: 8/21/2012 1:42:54 PM

Annie :

I don't know how you can get 3200 a month out of 20 bucks an hour. I make 20 bucks an hour and only take home 1000 a month. Someone needs to do their math !

I do hope this couple can find a decent place to live for the sake of their young children.

Posted: 8/21/2012 1:42:32 PM

Astonished :

I am astonished at what working young people face today, trying to get a place to live in this city. I. Am so lucky that I bought my first home 16 years ago before things went nuts. I sold that home and moved last winter. It over tripled in value, which was no better because the home we moved into cost proportionately more. That does not matter though, because we were so fortunate to be able to qualify for financing and invest in our future. If my wife and I had to start today with even only 1 child, I don't know how we could. do it.

Posted: 8/21/2012 1:39:49 PM

With a little planning? :

My question, is the mother working. If the man is working during the day why doesn't she work at night to help out with costs. The father then can look after the child at night while she works for a few hours to help with the household expenses. That way you wouldn't need child care. I know also that something needs to be done with a ceiling on rent people are greedy and that's why the cost for housing is so high, if they had to pay themselves the shoe would be on the other foot. Government should set a limit on things like this that's what we vote them into office for to help the general public after all.

Posted: 8/21/2012 1:21:59 PM

Marshmellow :

While I certainly understand that it must be tough for a family, especially one with such young kids, to be homeless, I just do not understand why someone would move to another city without researching the cost of an apretment or finding somewhere to live.
I also do not understand, if people are finding it so difficult to live in NL with the high cost of living, why they do not start looking elsewhere for employment. There are other places in Canada (and I'm not talking Fort McMurray) that have employment and will pay a lot more then companies in NL does. I get that some people want to be close to family, but when it comes down to it, is it better to be close to family, or is it better to be somewhere that you can earn more money (making it easier to make ends meet) and give your children better opportunities?

Posted: 8/21/2012 12:38:38 PM

Good Ol NL :

Well it's simple, clearly based on the prices of housing and rent we ALL must work in the oil industry the way it is in this provience. Pricing in the last 5 yrs for everything is crazy, if you are a new family starting out you are screwed, It's either have rent or eat, and don't think you're getting a car unless it's a 1984 k car or something, affordable housing somewhere somehow in this city is needed, sadly however it falls on deaf ears you don't think the gover. is awear of this? come on of course they are, they just don't care really as long as they are making money. I think in the last 5yrs hosuing costs have gone up in only 4 places, BC, AB, ONT and here, how the hell does 500k people match up to millions..... oh NFLD stay classy!!

Posted: 8/21/2012 11:52:33 AM

Trisha :

my Husband and I have moved to NFLD in Jan. From another province he is doing schooling and I am in the medical field. We had a place but that place stripped us of our savings it cost us 1500 a month plus hydro and oil, nevermind the gas for our car and food for us and our kids. We are now living with relitives trying to save for a down payment for a place or even rent a place, Iam personally appauled how high rent is here, when people are only making min wage and working 4 jobs to keep afloat and making ends meet. The cost of living shouldn't be this high in any province. Most of us are the working poor, plus supporting families. When places should only be based on what you make. Soon alot of people will be living in thier cars and showering at a truck stop to go to work, as affordable housing isn't out there. Nevermind the cost of food either. How can this person help one family when there is many more in the same vote?

Posted: 8/21/2012 11:12:17 AM

Hmmm??? :

I think that they did have a place to live. They didn't move to St. John's to live on someone else's couch.

Perhaps the apprentice thought that he was going to get paid more. Maybe the cost associtated with having the babies were higher than expected.

I am a mother of two. My husband was also a electrical apprentice and with two incomes it was hard to keep things from sinking.

If they went to the MHA, it was to solely bring the matter at hand to her attention.

It is impossible for young families to get started here in the province, I know because I am one of them!

You have to look at all the factors here.
My infant went through a $30 can of infant formula in a week. This family has to pay double. In two weeks, we went through nearly $40 in diapers, the family has to pay double. The amount of clothes they need to wash and dry is insane. The cost of transportation is rising.

If someone can raise a family of 4 in this economy with TWO INFANTS while paying someone else's mortgage, I'd like to see it.

Posted: 8/21/2012 11:11:29 AM

Jane :

First of all, why didn't these people secure housing BEFORE they came to St.John's. Second, not all apartments cost $1000/month. There are many, many apartments which cost significantly less than that particularly just outside St.John's. Perhaps these people are tyring to live BEYOND their means. Placing blame on landlords is ridiculous. Given the high costs of houses/taxes/maintenance, most landlords aren't even making profits rather simply breaking even or less. It is time for people to grow up and take responsibility for their own circumstances and not rely on government!!!!!

Posted: 8/21/2012 11:07:55 AM

? ? ? :

Some of these comments amaze me.
These people came to St. John's for the higher paying job. It was not a planned pregnancy and to make matters worse they have twins. For a third year he should be getting more but companies in St. John's are still getting away with paying lower than recommended. This family ended up in a bad situation due to a number of reasons both in and out of their control.

However, the issue isn't the family but lack affordable housing in our city. What better way to show the negative effects than telling this family’s story? Apparently, people are too jaded for this to work.
I feel the crunch of high rent and low wages. Actions need to be taken to solve this problem. Gerry Rogery steps into the light only to be critized instead of supported. shame

Posted: 8/21/2012 11:01:05 AM

Carley :

I know there are a lot of people in this situation but I feel the real issue is in lack of family and financial planning. People need to take responsibility for their own lives. There are programs to help but, ultimately, the help is needed much earlier in life than this. Anyone who is living on their own, getting into a relationship, having children, etc. needs basic life skills such as financial planning, job hunting, budgeting, saving, etc.

I have a child and am paying a mortgage, car payment & saving...and my pay is very similar to the income in this story. I cut back, use coupons, trade clothes/shop second hand, etc. I cannot afford child care so find alternatives because I have to...it's my responsibility as an adult and parent to look after my life. Will this MHA help us all who are barely making ends meet?

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:57:23 AM

Priority :

It is a difficult situation, however, they did not plan things very well. The real priority is for Jason to get his journeyman's ticket so he can make more money to support his family. That being said , he needs to board in St. John's while Lisa and the kids move back with her family until he finishes. It is a necessary sacrifice and lots of other families do it ...
Rent is so expensive because the price of housing is so high. I really don't think homeowners are gouging renters, it's just that most have no choice but to charge high rent.

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:54:32 AM

NL Housing :

We'd have more land for social housing if only we'd stop giving it away to the rich for cheap. How many acres gone to XXXXX these past few years for golf courses and subdivisions, while the province's working poor seek shelter in our capital city.

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:51:36 AM

Landlord :

Not all landlords are bad. We own several terrific properties and all of our tenants, families with kids, would agree we charge them fair rents and are more than flexible if people struggle on occasion. Don't lump all landlords into the same bag. For two bedroom apts we charge 750 pou and for three bedroom main floor houses we charge 950. That covers the cost of the mortgage plus regular maintenance, insurance and property fees. Have we been burned? Twice by people with kids who made a huge mess and didn't pay their last rents? Do I understand why people get really picky about who they rent to? Yes. Sadly a few bad apples ruin it for everyone. Not saying we are saints but houses are expensive today and the bank or the city (when there is a mess) doesn't give me a break or leeway. It's tough people and never as simple as it seems.

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:49:43 AM

I want in too!! :

I cannot believe this is happening. I have a home and vehicle with a family to support on less money then this man makes. We may not be able to afford luxury items right now but we make ends meet and keep the wolves from the door.

In response to Tara: I have a newborn and I completed all government forms as soon as I left the hospital and I had my money from Child tax within 4 weeks. There's also the $1000 that the NL government gives along with $100 each month for a year which I had as well in less then 4 weeks.

I have friends that make ends meet with their children on just minimum wage but it takes some looking around. I feel for the children but the parents should have done their research before hand. Affordable living is out there and many avenues to help out with the kids.

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:36:20 AM

JJ :

I really don't understand all of the negative reports on finding a place to live in the twin cities. I had an appartment for rent for two months in Mt. Pearl. It was a beautiful two bedroom (1 master)on the first floor of my home, even had it's own laundry; and storage in the basement. Yes, I screen tenants; but I can count on one hand the amount of working people looked. And it was $650. monthly, else where $800.+, so Yes Ms. Rogers there are afforadable rentals for working people, just maybe not in the prefered neighbourhood!

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:29:56 AM

Uptownceaser :

bring on the rent control and do something about the slum lords.

Posted: 8/21/2012 10:19:56 AM

Jack :

That's what happens when the City of St. John's as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador Government don't take the housing shortage issue seriously.

This problem is not just limited to St. John's, but its also happening in Corner Brook and Labrador City as well.

In light of the housing crisis in Newfoundland and Labrador, the government has to start making a more diligent effort to bring high housing costs under control including tax incentives for developers building affordable housing units, tighter rent controls restricting annual rent increases to 2% similar to Ontario, build more affordable housing units themselves, and increase the minimum wage and requiring employers to match the percentage increases.

Posted: 8/21/2012 9:41:05 AM

Look at me!!! :

"Gerry Rogers, says she's been working with a young family who could be considered the face of the capital city's affordable housing crunch."
way to go Gerry one by one you well make a difference. anything for the camera well done

Posted: 8/21/2012 9:11:13 AM

Tara :

The cost of rent is ridiculous. All these landlords are out to get everything that they can. No one wants to help out anyone anymore. When you have no place to go, why not turn to the government?

He's trying. And she probably isn't working because people cannot afford day care! Besides that, there are approximately 4 daycares in St. John's who take children under the age of 2, each of them have a wait list of approximately 1 year.

Trying buying the diapers and formula for a baby, it's extremely expensive and they have to do it for two!

And for Chris, who spoke of baby bonuses when was the last time you had a child? It takes a hell of a lot longer than 6 weeks to process payments.

I feel for this family. The cost of living here is becoming outrageous!

Posted: 8/21/2012 9:05:59 AM

Dan :

We have to be realistic here! It would be no good for me to go to Fort McMurray now without having a place to stay before i went there. Same thing applies here! Why would a couple with young children come to St John's without having living quarters secured.

Posted: 8/21/2012 8:56:23 AM

Missing the point :

I think the real issues here are, one, why these people didn't secure a place to live, or at least check into the cost of living, before moving to St John's (especially with a family on the way). Two, why are you having children when you can't even afford to pay your rent? Not to be cruel but these peoples choices are putting a drain on our system. I put my significant other through school for three years on my salary alone, and I can promise you I wasn't making $20 an hour. I never ran up a credit card, had my own car and NEVER missed a rent or bill payment. People need to make smarter choices in life. I feel bad that they are having a hard time, but with a little bit of planning this could have been avoided.

Posted: 8/21/2012 8:29:50 AM

Bill :

My god do we expect the government to pay for everything these days?
So some young guy can't afford a car, do we as tax payers buy him one.
This is getting ridiculous!!

Posted: 8/21/2012 8:28:31 AM

Go West :

20 bucks an hour is not 3200 a month. On 40 hours he brings home about 1100 every two weeks. The banks should step in here and help them out. Its a family starting their life together. the guy works and even if he did lose his job for some reason the welfare would pay as much as the mortgage would be. He's an electrician. If they have the faith that this Muskrat Falls is going to be successful,he should'have much trouble finding a job in the future. I dont know what his situation is but for 3rd year your getting ripped off.

Posted: 8/21/2012 7:56:13 AM

Paula :

I think the Housing should be building Apartments for the people whos children are grown, once your children reach the age of 21 the parents should then be moved so that would free up the houses for new families. Chris, I am making a little more than 15.00 hour, I am just making ends, I do not have a credit card, have been lucky enough to stay out of my line of credit, I have my own home, paying out a little more than 800 plus monthly exp, if i have to replace anything i am going be in big trouble. the cost of living is just to high.

Posted: 8/21/2012 7:46:08 AM

Chris :

20 bucks on hour is 3200 a month plus what ever she makes and baby bonuses makin a hell of alot more then I am and I paying off a house and car can I get some help as well !!!!!!!!!

Posted: 8/21/2012 7:28:37 AM

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