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Norris Generaux has spent more years than he can count on social assistance, often struggling to scrape together enough money to cover the cost of rent, food and the occasional cup of coffee.

The 48-year-old, who also collects a medical disability allowance from the provincial government, said social assistance was never enough to allow him to live on his own.

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“It’s very hard on your own. You run out, like, within seven to 10 days. That was difficult,” said Generaux, who stayed with roommates when he could find them or a friend’s couch when he couldn’t.

“It was a struggle, every month,” he said.

Generaux is set to move into a $750-per-month affordable housing unit this week. The total cost is not quite covered by the rental allowance and supplement he collects from the government.

While Generaux considers himself fortunate to have found the single-bedroom apartment, his situation is far from uncommon — thousands of people across the province collect similar benefits.