The executive director of End Homelessness St. John’s says a lack of income is at the root of systemic issues that affect poverty.
Doug Pawson supports the campaign for $15 dollar an hour minimum wage. He points to low-income earners who still have trouble getting access to safe, affordable housing and food for the table.
He says in the end, the cost to taxpayers is higher than offering a living wage.
The biggest barrier to housing and food is a lack of income says Pawson. The cost of that includes poor health outcomes and higher rates of food and housing insecurity.