Re: “AISH improvements announced,” by Adrian Morrow, News, July 24-30, 2008; “AISH changes questioned,” by Jillian MacPherson, Letters, Aug 7-13, 2008.

Colleen Huston is right on point when she states that the base rate for AISH needs to be raised to keep pace with the cost of living. Also on point is Jillian MacPherson, who correctly states that people living on AISH are not the only ones living below the poverty line and that many Calgarians working full time also fall into this category and deserve assistance. Both are right; this is not an either/or situation. The bottom line is that neither group should be living in poverty.

Community groups like Poverty Talks, United Way’s Poverty Reduction Coalition and Vibrant Communities Calgary work at solutions to poverty for diverse groups of affected Calgarians. For those, like Ms. MacPherson, who are especially interested in improving conditions for low wage earners who live in poverty, Vibrant Communities Calgary Living Wage Action Team is working to ensure that employed Calgarians earn a living wage. The Action Team and its large network of dedicated partners are advocating for improvements in the incomes of working Calgarians and invite the participation of members interested in using a collaborative approach to reduce poverty in our community. For more information call 403-283-2197.

Ensuring the economic well being of all members of our community requires a commitment from its members — get involved!

Nicole Neve,

project co-ordinator, Vibrant Communities Calgary