There are a variety of ways to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Many service agencies are working hard to collaborate and support one another as well as the residents of the community. Below are details on how to help some agencies in Oceanside.
Society of Organized Services (SOS)
www.sosd69.com
The most needed donations are:
– cash donations to the EAAP (emergency assistance) can be made online
– wool socks
– men’s underwear (large and extra-large)
– women’s underwear (small and medium)
Please drop off donations at: 245 West Hirst Ave., Parksville, BC V9P 2G9 or call the Task Force coordinator at 250-248-2093 ext. 248.
Manna Homeless Society
www.mannahomelesssociety.com
Manna provides survival packs to help the homeless live outside more safely. On Saturday mornings they provide food packages to help both the homeless and those spending most of their income on housing. (*currently postponed due to COVID-19)
All donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the address below. They have limited storage, please call or text 250-248-0845 before donating items.
North Island Wildlife Recovery
240 Leffler Road, Errington, B.C.
V0R 1V0
Or at the Manna Van: Saturday Mornings 9 – 10:30 a.m. behind Arbutus Grove Church on Hirst Avenue in Parksville.
(*currently postponed due to COVID-19)
List of Needed Supplies – single serving and travel sized toiletries are best if possible, receipts can be given for cash donations.
The Salvation Army provides lunch out of their church kitchen on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for those residents in need of a meal.
They also host the region’s Food Bank, in French Creek. Through donations, the Salvation Army provides a large selection of canned and dry goods in their warehouse, set up like a grocery store. To support the dignity of the clients, the food bank allows clients to pick items according to their preference and needs monthly with a volunteer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, client shopping has been replaced with hampers, to ensure the safety of everyone visiting the food bank). The food bank helps 500 clients per month. If there is excess bread, canned food and donated fruit and vegetables, clients can take these daily.
The Salvation Army also helps individuals to secure identification, which can often be a barrier to accessing other services and employment.
The most needed donations are:
– Cash donations for the Community Service Programs.
– Food or cash donations to the food bank.
– Excess fruit or vegetables from your garden for the food bank.
Donations can be sent or dropped off at 886 Wembley Road, French Creek, B.C., V9P 1E6 or call 250-248-8793.
The Kiwanis Village
https://www.qualicumaffordablehousing.com/8-kiwanis
Qualicum Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society redeveloped 20 seniors’ only units at 250 First Avenue West, Qualicum Beach into 35 mixed units in 2015. The original units were built 40 years ago on land donated by the Town of Qualicum Beach. As with all affordable housing projects, the town contributed the development cost charges (DCCs) and municipal fees and the construction costs were covered by the Society. They are looking for donations from the community to help with the cost of these new units.
Donations can be made to:
Kiwanis Housing Society. P.O. box 138
Qualicum Beach, B.C., V9K 1S7
Oceanside Homelessness Task Force - District 69, Parksville, BC 