There's one thing I didn't mention because of limited time: that is, proper support for the sector, which is usually the non-profit sector, that is supporting people out of poverty. It seems somewhat ironic that the sector that does most of the front-line work with people who are homeless and living in poverty has in fact, over the years, itself become rather impoverished and marginalized. I think what is required is a proper recognition of the value of the non-profit sector in this country and what it does in civic society and what it does to increase social inclusion and tackle social exclusion, and resourcing that appropriately, because it's very hard for the non-profit organizations to attract and retain the staff it needs to do what is a very challenging job. Some of the most challenging work in this country is done on the front line by non-profit organizations, yet I don't think that's always recognized culturally and I don't think it's always rewarded appropriately.
On December 3rd, 2009. See this statement in context.