NDP MLA Jagrup Brar accepted a challenge by Raise the Rates, a organization that fights for justice for people living in poverty, to live on the welfare rate of $610 for the month of January. Mr. Brar's first two weeks were spent in Surrey and the second phase of the challenge was spent in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.Mr. Brar learned first hand what it means to live in poverty. With less then $10 in his pocket and still days left before the month was up, he had to line up in meal lines and scrape the little food and money he had left to get through the month. "It is survival out here, you constantly think how you are going to get next meal," Mr. Brar said. From meetings with local residents to standing in meal lines and times of solitude as he sat writing his thoughts in his room The Globe and Mail's freelance photographer Rafal Gerszak captured intimate moments as Mr. Brar continued with his challenge. Discussing with Mr. Brar his journey he mentions how this experience made him a more humble, non-judgmental person.