Rent hikes will hit hard, charities say

Organizations that help the poor on P.E.I. are concerned about a major rent increase approved by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission for 2009.

The commission announced Tuesday that landlords will be allowed to raise rents by up to nine per cent on heated premises in January and three per cent on unheated premises.

The news came as a shock to Major Carletta Thornhill of Salvation Army Family services in Charlottetown. "I almost felt like I needed to pull off on the side of the road because I felt a sick feeling coming into my stomach, recognizing the fact that most of the folk that we minister to would be affected by this high cost," said Thornhill.

"In all probability [they will] have to take from what little they do have left over for food allowance to keep a roof over their head."

Mike MacDonald, manager of the Upper Room Food Bank in Charlottetown, said people using that service are already barely getting by.

"It is certainly going to have quite a big impact on many people out there," said MacDonald. "It's almost hard to comprehend."

Both organizations expect the number of people who use their services will increase.

One group of people requiring financial help, the 168 clients of the provincial family housing program, will not be affected by the rent hike.