We wish to address some of the information that has been put forward in the way of fundraising for Bridges Community Living.
First, tenants under Bridges Community Living apply to live here with full medical, references and financial profile.
We sign a lease governed under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Alberta Housing Act, which is reviewed and renewed annually. If we miss a payment, within three or four days, we would receive an eviction notice.
Just so the public knows: we are not a charity group of people. We do not need a hygiene program just because we are living in subsidized housing.
We pay 30 per cent of gross annual income. This was first established under the Lodge Act incorporated in 1959 after the oil and gas boom. This is now the Housing Act. All seniors should have a clean, safe and affordable place to live.
Fundraising should be done to accommodate the people who have come under hard times and seem to have been labelled homeless. They and their families are in need, and they need homes or a place to call home.
Bridges Community Living is fundraising to build or create homes or housing for the homeless. We can appreciate a fundraiser for housing and helping the less fortunate, and would likely even contribute.
Please be specific about the fundraising goals.
It is an insult to the tenants to have people ask us if we are in this predicament or in need. We will be honest: some people do run into hard times, but it is usually due to medical implications or just careless spending.
Please, Bridges Community Living, get your professional fundraiser to get the story correct.
Bridges Community Living, formerly Piper Creek Foundation, was build for seniors.
Please, people of Red Deer area, we seniors are asking to be treated with some respect. We have run businesses, raised families and helped build this country.
Just because we turn 65 does not mean we forget all our lessons, education and life experiences.
Mary Witherspoon and Caroly Langevin, Red Deer
The letter writers are tenants living within Bridges Community Living.