It’s not surprising that housing, employment and the gap between the rich and poor received poor grades (D+) in this year’s “Vital Signs” report in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
But we didn’t expect them to be that low.
Housing is a difficult challenge in this region with low vacancy rates, high housing prices and very few affordable housing units.
There is also a critical shortage of emergency shelters for youth under 18. More than 1,000 women stayed in emergency housing in Penticton last year, along with 186 children. There were 71 bed stays for women and children in Oliver and Osoyoos.
The report states that average home prices in Penticton have increased 25 per cent in two years – from $349,653 in 2013 to $437,042 in 2015.
There are 13 affordable housing units per thousand people in Oliver.
Things you can do: Volunteer to help build low income housing or create an affordable rental suite in your basement (if legally permitted).
The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, with increased poverty rates, single parent families and food bank usage.
The report states that communities suffer when the gap grows because the connection among citizens declines. The fact is struggling families have difficulty participating in the community in meaningful ways.
Three things you can do to help: Offer food hampers to the poor or homeless in town; help lobby governments to legislate a living wage; and hand out warm mittens, socks and blankets to the homeless during the winter.
To help improve employment in our region, people are encouraged to hire someone from their local work centre, or offer internships at their companies. Be a mentor and share your experience with someone.
The good news in the Vital Signs report is that “learning” received an A- despite students exhibiting signs of stress and anxiety.
The report indicates that 86 per cent of students in School District 53 plan to continue their education after high school.
Seventy-five per cent of students in this district agree that their teachers care about them. This compares to 90 per cent of students in School District 67.
Twenty-two per cent of students in School District 53 seriously considered suicide in 2013 – a very sad statistic.
Things you can do to help: Volunteer at your children’s school or take a course at Okanagan College.
Under health and wellness (B+), every community in the region reported higher incidences of anxiety, depression and diabetes in 2011. In Oliver and Osoyoos, the percentage was 29 in 2011 and 31 in 2013.
Feeling stressed? Share your feelings with family and friends.
The report states that crime rates in the region are lower than the national average and have been “declining for years.” However, some people may disagree with this.
What you can do to help: Organize a regular “stroll patrol” with neighbours to increase positive activity in your area.
