So every third Wednesday of the month welfare cheques are distributed and east vancouver becomes a hustling and bustling world. Esther (another girl that works at VUM) and I ventured down to the area around main and hastings to see what things were like on the day. It was really interesting. There were TONS of people out. and man was the money flying! There were a bunch of people setting out their belongings to sell on the street. People were paying other people back for who knows what... Esther and I discovered the famous ovaltine cafe.. but they wern't serving food so we found a coffee shop a block off of main and hastings to sit in. It was surprising to see how many people from the street chose to spend the money they are given on coffee. I guess its a day where they feel more like the rest of Vancouver and are able to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Since being in Vancouver I have learned a lot about the welfare system. What i have learned is that its super complicated and I don't know if i'll ever understand all the ins and outs... but it is a huge part of the life for the people I am getting to know in East Van. I have all the exact numbers and allowances depending on if they are single or have kids, but that would talk a long time write down. THe basic lesson i have learned about welfare is that it does provide and make life possible for many in east vancouver, but it is a flawed system. Once a person is on welfare they are given an amount of money, if they chose to work they deduct the amount of money you make from your welfare cheque, so they get the same amount of money if they are not working, so i can see how people can end up on it and stay on it. The system is supposed to be used as a stepping stone for people to get on their feet while they look for a job. I had a lot of misconceptions of people that relied on income assistance... not all of them abuse the system, but actually have no other option.
It is sad to see a portion of the people on welfare splurge on their guilty pleasures... cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. But then you get the other end... the single mom who takes her daughter to buy a new pair of shoes... Things that i thought were black and white issues become a lot more grey.
Today I went to a meeting of VEMA. VEMA stands for Vancouver East Ministerial Association. VEMA is complied of a number of different churches and para church organizations that are likeminded in wanting to bridge the gap between themselves, share resources, and reach their community. This is the second meeting i have been to, and its been really encouraging both times. Its awesome to see churches coming along side of each other, overlooking differences, in order to spread the gospel and reach the community. It is a process, but the these people have a heart to see east van know Jesus. Many people see the church and see denominations and don't understand why there are so many different forms of church. I myself sometimes am confused by it. Its really encouraging to see them coming together. Its going to be so good to share resources. For example.. VUM is in need of tutors for the after-school program , and there is a church who mentioned that they had a bunch of teachers laid off and wanting to use their teaching skills for ministry. So we connected! and the wheels start moving... some times its disheartening because things seem to take forever to come together... but things are starting to work gain momentum! its exciting to be here and get a little glimpse of how God is moving and uniting the church.
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