Article content“Social assistance isn’t a charitable thing. It’s an entitlement, and the law, ” Calderhead said.Article contentWhile the ruling does not mean that everyone living in a tent automatically qualifies for the enhanced rate, it does mean that if an applicant qualifies based on disability, age or other criteria, they won’t be turned away for living in a tent.Article contentCalderhead emphasized that anyone who owns and lives in a tent should get in contact with their caseworkers to get reassessed under the new precedent set by the ruling.Article contentThe cost of homelessnessArticle contentThe Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia took part in the appeal as an intervener, wanting to emphasize the impact the rules can have beyond Lowe’s case through the perspective of women and gender-diverse people.Article contentExecutive Director Emma Halpern said that some women who came through the organization, upon losing their housing and being given tents, would be considered unhoused and have their supports cut.Article contentThe lower payments end up putting people into even harder positions where saving the funds to get out of homelessness is nearly impossible.Article contentArticle content“You have to live somewhere, and there’s nowhere that’s cheap to live,” she said.Article contentHalpern added that being homeless is quite expensive. For example, those in tents lack access to a kitchen or food storage, meaning they must rely on more prepared food, coming with a higher price tag.Article contentThat pressure is worsened as employment can be difficult to come by without consistent access to laundry and showers.Article content“It’s very difficult to go and apply for a job when you haven’t had a shower, when you haven’t eaten a healthy meal, when you haven’t had the ability to wash your clothes, ” she said. “It actually economically sets people back in multiple areas.”Article contentWhen Wednesday’s decision was released, Halpern said she was “pleasantly surprised” and even shed a few tears of joy upon reading it.Article content“It speaks to the humanity of people in my community that I care about, who have frequently been just seen as sort of thrown away humans.”Article contentArticle contentBradley’s legacyArticle contentAccording to Calderhead, when Lowe started the battle, it was never just about himself and his circumstances. He was focused on the broader injustices facing Nova Scotia’s homeless community.Article contentHe explained that he had been in the Victoria Park encampment across from his South Park Street office when Lowe first approached him.Article content“He came forward and said, ‘Look, we’re treated terribly in terms of the amount of money we’re receiving from government,’” he said. ” He was very clear in saying, in terms of social justice, that he wanted to participate in this human rights claim.”Article contentThe determination continued after his passing. When some people would close the case, Lowe’s mother Jackie wanted to continue, said Calderhead.Article contentFor her, it was important to continue what her son had started.Article content“I am so pleased with the outcome, and my hope is that the decision will help others in the future,” she said.Article content“Bradley was a father, son and brother. He was loved and is missed every day.”Article contentNova Scotia’s Department of Opportunities and Social Development did not respond to the Chronicle Herald’s request for comment.Article content
Nova Scotia court rules that tents count as accommodation for enhanced income assistance
