By Staff
May 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlingtonians don’t like to talk about poverty or personal debt. It doesn’t fit with the way the city sees itself.
We don’t see poverty on the streets – I was stunned when a fellow going through a tough time asked if I could give him bus money – he assured me he wasn’t a drinker.
I was stunned for a moment and admit to fumbling through my pockets for some money. It was close to the last thing I expected to experience on a Burlington street.
In Burlington? Definitely.
I do see a number of people who make the rounds on garbage days looking for beer bottles and aluminum cans that they redeem.
There are other levels of poverty that we don’t see on the streets – personal debt hounds more people than we are prepared to admit and the collection agencies are merciless. While they are regulated – that doesn’t stop the more rapacious debt collectors.
Banks don’t work out debt problems with their clients – they send the debt along to collection agencies and you work it out with them.
Those $300 for $20 pay day Loan companies that are located throughout the city are close to usurious with their interest rates. But they are often a last resort for some people.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is now accepting clients who live in Burlington. CA:P is part of a national charity that works with a household to work out a five step debt reduction plan for people who are in way over their heads.
5 Step Plan to be DEBT FREE
1. Home Visits
After you make the call CAP, a Debt Coach and Support Worker from the local CAP Debt Centre will visit you in your own home.
2. An effective budget
Our trained Debt Coaches then work out a realistic budget for you, negotiating affordable payments with each creditor.
3. CAP Plan
You will get a FREE CAP Plan. You make regular payments into it and CAP will then distribute this on your behalf.
4. Severe Debt
If you are in severe debt then we can support you through insolvency options.
5. Debt free.
You use your CAP Plan to pay your bills and debt repayments and you will be supported by CAP until you are debt free.
You can call the organization at their toll free number – 1-855-214-9191. Their service is confidential and it is free.
They are not going to pay your bills for you but they will help you work out something with your creditors and teach you how to better manage the money you have.
