The Provincial Cuts: A Summary, The Impact, and Some Support
First presented at the “Mid-Term Crisis: Exposing the Impacts of Provincial Government Decisions,” 11 March
2003
by
Pamela Moss, Studies in Policy & Practice, University of Victoria
Reducing welfare is not a solution.
Cuts to Income = Cuts to Income = Increased Poverty Increased Poverty
The government’s approach rests on the assumptions that the majority of social assistance recipients are employable people who choose not to work, and that work is available for them. However, BC is currently experiencing a downturn in its economy, due to various factors. … Training programs across government, including some designed for young low-income people, are scheduled for termination. Many “employable” social assistance recipients may not be able to find training or work opportunities, for reasons that are not in their control.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
PovNetPovNet
www.povnet.orgwww.povnet.org
Social Assistance
Current New % Loss
Single parent, 1
child$376.58 $307.22 18.4%
Single person, 55-
59$231.92 $185.00 20.2%
Single person, 60-
64$282.92 $185.00 34.6%
Before applying for income assistance, individuals must
undertake a “three-week self-directed job search”. Applies to
everyone.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Welfare benefits for employable parents cut by $70 a month.
Training programs and welfare-to-Training programs and welfare-to-work initiatives have been eliminated work initiatives have been eliminated
– including: Work Study Programs, – including: Work Study Programs, Skills for Employment, and Job Start. Skills for Employment, and Job Start.
Refugee claimants, who are not currently allowed to work without special authorizations, will no longer be eligible for assistance.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Individuals who leave a job voluntarily will be ineligible for any kind of assistance.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Welfare time-limits: “Employable” people without children will only be allowed to receive welfare for two years during any five year period. After two years they will simply be cut off.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Young adults (19 and over) will have to demonstrate that they have lived independent of their parents for two years before being eligible for welfare.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Welfare only covers 45-65% of daily living depending on family type (SPARC Release, December 6, 2001)
Women are now required to take their maternity leave in consecutive weeks. For example, if a woman had complications in the first or second trimester of her pregnancy and needed to take a portion earlier than she had planned, these rules would not allow her take that leave.
New training wage is below minimum wage!
Employers can now set up 'averaging agreements' with employees, which allows employers to side step overtime, the forty-hour workweek, and the eight-hour day.
Employers are no longer required to post employee rights or scheduled hours in the workplace. Minimum daily hours have been reduced from four hours to two and standards of enforcement have been lowered.
October 3, 2002: Analysis of Changes to Disability Benefits Legislation (BCCPD)
www.bccpd.bc.ca/commalert/newact/analysis2.html
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
www.policyalternatives.ca/bc
Cuts to Housing = Cuts to Housing = HomelessnessHomelessness
Changes to BC Shelter Allowance Rates
Shelter Rates Former Current 1 person $350 $350 2 persons $520 $520 3 persons $610 $555 4 persons $650 $590 5 persons $700 $625 6 persons $750 $660
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources and http://www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2002/shelterrates_july.htm
Average Rents for Areas with a Population of 10,000 Average Rents for Areas with a Population of 10,000 and over, British Columbia, 2001, beginning with and over, British Columbia, 2001, beginning with
letters A to Pletters A to P
CityCity 1 BR1 BR 2 BR2 BR 3 3 BRBR
AbbotsfordAbbotsford 518518 647647 896896
ChilliwackChilliwack 475475 601601 651651
CourtenayCourtenay 451451 531531 631631
DuncanDuncan 459459 550550 659659
KamloopsKamloops 489489 610610 754754
KelownaKelowna 540540 655655 725725
KitimatKitimat 445445 479479 514514
NanaimoNanaimo 473473 574574 665665
Port AlberniPort Alberni 370370 484484 512512
Powell RiverPowell River 409409 476476 558558
Prince GeorgePrince George 479 479 567567 613613
Prince RupertPrince Rupert No DataNo Data 564564 917917
Source: CANSIM (Canadian Socio-Economic Information Management System), Table 270040. CANSIM is Statistics Source: CANSIM (Canadian Socio-Economic Information Management System), Table 270040. CANSIM is Statistics Canada's computerized database of time series covering a wide variety of social and economic aspects of Canadian life.Canada's computerized database of time series covering a wide variety of social and economic aspects of Canadian life.
Average Rents for Areas with a Population of 10,000 Average Rents for Areas with a Population of 10,000 and over, British Columbia, 2001, beginning with and over, British Columbia, 2001, beginning with
letters Q - Wletters Q - W
CityCity 1 BR1 BR 2 BR2 BR 3 3 BRBR
QuesnelQuesnel 350350 405405 478478
Salmon ArmSalmon Arm 500500 607607 No DataNo Data
SquamishSquamish 525525 614614 685685
TerraceTerrace 474474 568568 642642
VancouverVancouver 726726 922922 10811081
VernonVernon 468468 560560 618618
VictoriaVictoria 592592 751751 919919
Williams LakeWilliams Lake 439439 528528 622622
Source: CANSIM (Canadian Socio-Economic Information Management System), Table 270040. CANSIM is Statistics Source: CANSIM (Canadian Socio-Economic Information Management System), Table 270040. CANSIM is Statistics Canada's computerized database of time series covering a wide variety of social and economic aspects of Canadian life.Canada's computerized database of time series covering a wide variety of social and economic aspects of Canadian life.
Financial Cuts = Financial Cuts = Stress in FamiliesStress in Families
Single parents are now considered “employable” after their youngest child reaches 3 years of age (down from 7).
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Low-income children are more at risk for prostitution and violence who are trying to escape violence at home.
$360 million cut over three years to fund the Ministry of Children and Families. This has meant that childcare subsidies, social workers, preventative programs for mothers-at-risk, etc. have been cut. These cuts may result in more child apprehensions.
Comparison of Average Costs of and Comparison of Average Costs of and Subsidies Available for Group Childcare Subsidies Available for Group Childcare
Cost of Cost of Subsidy Subsidy childcare childcare availableavailable
ToddlersToddlers BC averageBC average $662 $662 $528 $528 Vancouver Vancouver $817 $817 $528 $528 3-5 year olds3-5 year olds BC averageBC average $495 $495 $368 $368
Vancouver Vancouver $537 $537 $368$368
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources & BC Childcare Survey Sources: Ministry of Human Resources & BC Childcare Survey www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ChildCar/research.htmwww.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ChildCar/research.htm
“Employable” parents (with children over 3 years old) will only receive full benefits for two out of five years, after which time will have their benefits cut by 25%.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
A woman came in crying. Her daycare A woman came in crying. Her daycare subsidy has been cut back. She subsidy has been cut back. She works part-time and is afraid for her works part-time and is afraid for her job. She needs daycare but has not job. She needs daycare but has not enough money. She is afraid she will enough money. She is afraid she will lose everything and have to go on lose everything and have to go on income assistance. “How can I take income assistance. “How can I take care of my daughter and myself?” care of my daughter and myself?”
Source: “Source: “What Cuts to Shelter Allowance and Childcare Subsidies Mean for Women and Children in BC”, Report Card for What Cuts to Shelter Allowance and Childcare Subsidies Mean for Women and Children in BC”, Report Card for Friends of Women and Children in BC, Volume 1, No. 4, Friends of Women and Children in BC, Volume 1, No. 4, http://www.wmst.ubc.ca/Reports.htmhttp://www.wmst.ubc.ca/Reports.htm
These cuts mean only the poorest of the working poor qualify for full childcare subsidies. For example, a single parent with a four year old child in group care, who works full time, earning $11.09 an hour, with a net income is $18,000, no longer receives full subsidy, but faces a cut of $121/month. A parent with a net income of $21,000 has had her subsidy cut by $187.00, and now receives a subsidy of only $96.20 a month. Any parent who qualifies for less than a $50 subsidy now receives no subsidy at all.
Source: “What Cuts to Shelter Allowance and Childcare Subsidies Mean
for Women and Children in BC”, Report Card for Friends of Women and
Children in BC, Volume 1, No. 4, http://www.wmst.ubc.ca/Reports.htm
Cuts to the childcare subsidy for low-income parents will put childcare out of reach for thousands of BC families. The subsidy cuts amount to $26 million on a $126 million budget. This is being accomplished by lowering the income threshold for the program by $285, so that fewer women qualify.
Coalition of Childcare Advocates in BCCoalition of Childcare Advocates in BC
www.cccabc.bc.ca/res/briefs_articles.htmlwww.cccabc.bc.ca/res/briefs_articles.html
Monthly Eating Costs, Victoria, BC, 2001
Total Monthly
Cost
Family of 3 $ 456.02
Family of 4 $ 625.64
Food costs increased 5% between 2000 and 2001. So the figures for 2003 are more likely to be about $500 to feed a family of 3 (two adults and one teen) and $680 to feed a family of four (two adults, one teen and one school-aged child).
Monthly Cost of Eating for
Children and teens, Victoria, BC, 2001
National Nutritious Food Basket
Calculations are based on the National Nutritious Food Basket from Statistics Canada. Contents of the basket are based on the new Canada’s Food Guide to Health Eating. Because there are relatively few convenience foods, including in the calculations, the cost is kept low. The objective of the food basket it to identify foods that reflect average food purchases. As well, the lowest food price is part of the calculation.
AgeTotal Monthly
Cost in Dollars
Child
1 71.36
2-3 76.21
4-6 101.58
Girl
7-9 117.82
10-12 138.69
13-15 149.04
16-18 142.93
Boy
7-9 123.10
10-12 151.85
13-15 177.49
16-18 207.80
Monthly Cost of Eating for
Children and teens, Victoria, BC, 2001Proportions of each
food group in the food basket are: – vegetables and fruit
31%– milk products 19%– Meat and alternatives
26%– Grain products 15%– Other foods 4%– Miscellaneous (e.g.
salt, oil) 5%
Age
Total Monthly cost in dollars
Woman
19-24 146.22
25-49 138.99
50-74 136.22
75 + 132.19
Man
19-24 197.92
25-49 191.34
50-74 172.90
75 + 156.23
Children receiving inadequate nutrition during the early years score much lower on tests of vocabulary, reading, comprehension, arithmetic and general knowledge.
Meals on Wheels funding eliminated by 2004.
Elimination of Women's Elimination of Women's Rights = Violence Rights = Violence
Against Women and Against Women and ChildrenChildren
Women’s Health Bureau and Office for Seniors has been eliminated.
The Minister’s Advisory Council on Women’s Health (MAC) was eliminated.
The Ministry of Women’s Equality was eliminated.
Women economically dependent on men who are abusive will become even more vulnerable because of the cuts.
Rape crisis counselling has been severely cut and many auxiliary victim services workers who help rape and domestic violence victims have been laid off.
Women’s Centres eliminated by 2004.Women’s Centres eliminated by 2004.
BC Coalition of Women’s CentresBC Coalition of Women’s Centres
www3.telus.net/bcwomen/bcwomenwww3.telus.net/bcwomen/bcwomen
Senior Citizens Senior Citizens Counsellors Program Counsellors Program eliminated.eliminated.
Subsidized transit passes
for seniors eliminated.
Majority of seniors now pay up to $25 per prescription to a maximum of $275 per year (up from $7 per prescription).
Changes to disability benefits have Changes to disability benefits have tightened the criteria required for tightened the criteria required for disability status. There is no longer a disability status. There is no longer a permanent disability classification, so permanent disability classification, so women are subject to reviews as the women are subject to reviews as the state sees fit. state sees fit.
The Disability Benefits Program Act will be repealed. People with disabilities will now be included within the general welfare system, forcing a readjustment of the definition of “employable”.
From Submission to the United Nations www3.telus.net/bcwomen/archives/ICESCR_Feb_02.html
Only those people with disabilities receiving “continuous” assistance will be eligible to apply for seniors housing through BC Housing.
Suggestions in response to the Suggestions in response to the Changes in the Disability ActChanges in the Disability Act
File a Human Rights Complaint against Ministry of Human File a Human Rights Complaint against Ministry of Human Resources. Resources.
Note: there no longer is a Human Rights Commission in Note: there no longer is a Human Rights Commission in BC, and no free legal representation for Human Rights BC, and no free legal representation for Human Rights request. request.
Undertake research on the how the cuts to disability are Undertake research on the how the cuts to disability are going against National and International human Rights going against National and International human Rights Laws and Treaties. Laws and Treaties.
Create a new Disability Act based on the Ontario Disability Create a new Disability Act based on the Ontario Disability Act. Act.
Link the reassessment process with privacy rights. Link the reassessment process with privacy rights.
Selected notes from Disability Forum Panelist Presentation Notes, Vancouver Status of Women, Selected notes from Disability Forum Panelist Presentation Notes, Vancouver Status of Women, http://http://www.vsw.ca/women&welfare.htmlwww.vsw.ca/women&welfare.html
BC Coalition of People with DisabilitiesBC Coalition of People with Disabilities
www.bccpd.bc.cawww.bccpd.bc.ca
Cuts to Health = Cuts to Health = Increased RisksIncreased Risks
MSP coverage podiatrist, massage MSP coverage podiatrist, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic services, and naturopathy eliminated.services, and naturopathy eliminated.
MSP Premiums have increased from $36 per month to $54 for singles and $72 per month to $108 for families.
Home support/care for the frail, elderly and disabled facing a 30% cut in
2002.
Elimination of Justice = Elimination of Justice = Violation of Human RightsViolation of Human Rights
Legal aid cut by almost 40%.
Security deposits must be paid back at a rate of $20 per month.
Due to cuts to legal aid and the Human Rights Commission, there will no longer be free legal representation for people lodging complaints at a hearing under the BC Human Rights Code.
Access JusticeAccess Justice
www.accessjustice.cawww.accessjustice.ca
Tuition deregulation – ended the tuition freeze and increased tuition by 22% to 300%.
Graduate Education Tuition Rates Increasing
Graduate Student Tuition (M.Sc.)
2001 2001
1 966 9662 966 9663 966 9664 966 9665 483 4836 0 07 307 3078 307 3079 307 307
— —
4,347 5,651 30.0% 8,665 53.3% 4,347 5,651 30.0% 9,795 73.3%
5,268 6,848 30.0% 10,300 50.4% 5,268 6,848 30.0% 11,745 71.5%
Theoretical Increase 49.5% Theoretical Increase 69.0%
Cumulative Increase (2 yr.) 99.3% Cumulative Increase (2 yr.) 125.3%Cumulative Increase (3 yr.) 95.5% Cumulative Increase (3 yr.) 123.0%
Average Increase 97.4% Average Increase 124.1%
3 year M.Sc.:
Stated Increase:
1,444
650
2 year M.Sc.:
International Tuition2002 2003
Domestic Tuition2002 2003
30% 30%
399 650399 650
1,6330399
1,633628 1,633
1,256
1,6331,256 1,6331,2561,256 1,633
1,444
15%
545
6281,2561,2561,256
545545
1,4441,4441,4441,444
399
30%
1,256
399399
0
3
Year Term
1
2
Resistance Strategies
Use non-violent civil disobedience tactics, including occupations.
Use street theater to dramatize impacts.
Take to the streets with actions and rallies to educate and mobilize.
Taken from selected notes from Disability Forum Panelist Presentation Notes, Vancouver Status of Women, http://www.vsw.ca/women&welfare.html
Enhancing Networking
• Make public impact statements on real people’s lives.
• Use the web to spread information and share strategies.
• Make informal connections work.
• Talk about the impact these cuts have.
• Compile and make available information about your specific issue.
• Speak out!
Organizing across DividesOrganizing across Divides
Create and Strengthen your own Create and Strengthen your own communitycommunity
Build alliances. Build alliances. Fight isolation. Fight isolation. Establish connections with neighbors, talk Establish connections with neighbors, talk
to them, leave posters, use email. to them, leave posters, use email. Be innovative. Do something different.Be innovative. Do something different.
Drawn from selected notes from Disability Forum Panelist Presentation Notes, Vancouver Status Drawn from selected notes from Disability Forum Panelist Presentation Notes, Vancouver Status of Women, of Women, http://http://www.vsw.ca/women&welfare.htmlwww.vsw.ca/women&welfare.html
Creative ResistanceCreative Resistance
www.creativeresistance.ca/index.htmlwww.creativeresistance.ca/index.html
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture
4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend Economic Sovereignty
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture
4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend Economic Sovereignty
5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade Agreements
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture
4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend Economic Sovereignty
5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade Agreements
6. Promote Sustainable Development - Not Consumption - as the Key to Progress
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation
2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility
3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture
4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend Economic Sovereignty
5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade Agreements
6. Promote Sustainable Development - Not Consumption - as the Key to Progress
7. Integrate Women’s Needs in All Economic Restructuring
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend
Economic Sovereignty5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade
Agreements6. Promote Sustainable Development - Not Consumption - as the
Key to Progress7. Integrate Women’s Needs in All Economic Restructuring8. Build Free and Strong Labor Unions Internationally and
Domestically
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend
Economic Sovereignty5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade
Agreements6. Promote Sustainable Development - Not Consumption - as the
Key to Progress7. Integrate Women’s Needs in All Economic Restructuring8. Build Free and Strong Labor Unions Internationally and
Domestically9. Develop Community Control Over Capital; Promote Socially
Responsible Investment
10 Ways to Democratize the Global Economy
1. No Globalization without Representation2. Mandate Corporate Responsibility3. Restructure the Global Financial Architecture4. Cancel all Debt, End Structural Adjustment and Defend
Economic Sovereignty5. Prioritize Human Rights - Including Economic Rights - in Trade
Agreements6. Promote Sustainable Development - Not Consumption - as the
Key to Progress7. Integrate Women’s Needs in All Economic Restructuring8. Build Free and Strong Labor Unions Internationally and
Domestically9. Develop Community Control Over Capital; Promote Socially
Responsible Investment10. Promote Fair Trade Not Free Trade
Services in Services in VictoriaVictoria
www.city.victoria.bc.ca/cityhall/www.city.victoria.bc.ca/cityhall/currentprojects_currentprojects_
homelessness_gapmatrix.shtmlhomelessness_gapmatrix.shtml
VariousVarious
YM/YWCA DowntownYM/YWCA Downtown
386-7511386-7511
880 Courtney St.880 Courtney St.
Residence, rooms, shared bath and kitchen, Residence, rooms, shared bath and kitchen, coin operated laundry, pay phonecoin operated laundry, pay phone
$325/month when available$325/month when available
No children; Not long termNo children; Not long term
James Bay Community ProjectJames Bay Community Project
388-7844388-7844
547 Michigan St. 547 Michigan St.
Victoria Native Friendship Victoria Native Friendship CentreCentre
384-3211384-3211
610 Johnson St. 610 Johnson St.
Intercultural Association of Intercultural Association of Greater VictoriaGreater Victoria
388-4728388-4728
930 Balmoral Road930 Balmoral Road
Open Door Inner City MinistryOpen Door Inner City Ministry
385-2454385-2454
502 Pembroke St502 Pembroke St
Salvation Army Family and Salvation Army Family and Community ServicesCommunity Services
386-8521386-8521
1911 Quadra St. 1911 Quadra St.
Social Concern OfficeSocial Concern Office
382-0712382-0712
(St. Vincent de Paul Society)(St. Vincent de Paul Society)
840 A. View St. 840 A. View St.
NEED Crisis and Information NEED Crisis and Information Line of Greater VictoriaLine of Greater Victoria
Call: (250) 386-6323 Call: (250) 386-6323
www.needcrisis.bc.cawww.needcrisis.bc.ca
HousingHousing
Casa Maria Housing SocietyCasa Maria Housing Society
361-4613 c/o 21-1241 Balmoral Rd.
2 emergency family housing unitsFully furnished 2 fully furnished units
Occupancy guaranteed for 3 months, monthly after that; No storage; No pets
M’akola Housing SocietyM’akola Housing Society
384-1423
2009 Fernwood
Women's Supportive Housing NetworkWomen's Supportive Housing Network
727-9604
4345 Ridgewood Cres.
Sandy Merriman HouseSandy Merriman House
480-1408 809 Burdett Ave
Hours: Shelter-7:00pm-11:00am, Drop-In-11:30am-7:00pm Target: Homeless, "At Risk" Women.
Service: Emergency Shelter & Drop-In Program which provides work shops and support groups; Drugs & Alcohol, Skill Development. To provide a safe supportive & non-judgemental environment for 'women at risk'.
Streetlink Emergency Shelter Streetlink Emergency Shelter (Victoria Cool Aid Society)(Victoria Cool Aid Society)
383-1951 [email protected]
www.coolaid.org 1634 Store St, Victoria
Target: Homeless people without funds. Must be sober when coming in. No children taken. Must be 19 years and over.
Services: 1) Beds: 44 men's and 11 women's in segregated quarters. Check-
in at 3:30-8:00pm; must be in by 11:30pm shut down time. 2) For residents only: Breakfast at 7am, Lunch at 12pm, and Dinner
at 5pm. 3) For non-residents: Dinner is on a first come, first serve basis.
Pick up tickets at 3:45pm. Dinner served at 4pm. 4) Alcohol, drug and mental health counselling; advocacy for
treatment and transition support.
Violence Against Violence Against WomenWomen
Transition HouseTransition House
385-6611385-6611
Hill House Transition Hill House Transition HouseHouse
479 3963479 3963
(Cridge Centre for the Family)(Cridge Centre for the Family)
Margaret Laurence HouseMargaret Laurence House
995-0058995-0058
Women's Supportive Housing Women's Supportive Housing NetworkNetwork
727-9604 727-9604
4345 Ridgewood Cres. 4345 Ridgewood Cres.
Bridges for Women Bridges for Women SocietySociety
385-7410 385-7410 Box 5732 Station BBox 5732 Station B
Provides employment preparation and work Provides employment preparation and work experience program for women with history of experience program for women with history of abuse wishing to re-enter the workplace & who abuse wishing to re-enter the workplace & who are on income assistance or on/eligible for are on income assistance or on/eligible for employment insuranceemployment insurance
BC Institute Against Family BC Institute Against Family ViolenceViolence
1-877-755-70551-877-755-7055
YouthYouth
Out of the Rain CoalitionOut of the Rain Coalition
386-7511 386-7511 880 Courtney St. 880 Courtney St.
oror384-9133 384-9133
1240 Yates Street1240 Yates Street
Temporary Seasonal Night Shelter, that rotates location Temporary Seasonal Night Shelter, that rotates location each night of the week, runs from Nov. 1 – April 30, hours each night of the week, runs from Nov. 1 – April 30, hours are 11p.m. to 8a.m. are 11p.m. to 8a.m.
Ages 15-25Ages 15-25Is only a place to sleep; No bedding provided; No privacyIs only a place to sleep; No bedding provided; No privacy
YOOTS - Youth OutreachYOOTS - Youth Outreach
383-3514383-3514
(Victoria Youth Empowerment Society)(Victoria Youth Empowerment Society)
533 Yates St. 533 Yates St.
Boys and Girls Club Services of Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater VictoriaGreater Victoria
394-9133394-9133
1240 Yates St. 1240 Yates St.
Youth Line!Youth Line!
386-TALK (8255)386-TALK (8255)
6-10pm daily6-10pm daily
Youth supporting youth Youth supporting youth
Mental HealthMental Health
Capital Mental Health Association
389-1211125 Skinner Street
CHR Mental Health Services
952-4410Eric Martin Pavilion
2334 Trent St.
AboriginalAboriginal
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
384-3211
610 Johnson St.
Metis Community Services
480-0006
412 – 645 Fort St.
Women of Our People Society
652-2788
(Saanich Peninsula Service)
#3 – 7855 East Saanich Road
United Native Nations
(604) 688-1821 OR (604) 219-7190
Founded in 1969, UNN Represents the interests of 90,000 status and non-status, on and off-reserve Aboriginal people in the Province of British Columbia. It has a membership base of 28,000, and provides advocacy, education and training to promote the interests of Aboriginal people.
FoodFood
Goldstream Foodbank Society
474-4443
#4-697 Goldstream Ave.
Hours: Tues and Wed 10:00am-3:00pm *closed the week Assistance cheque issued
Target: Residents of Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal
Services: Food hampers, clothing and toys.
Meals On Wheels385-5919
4 Centennial Sq.
Target: Residents of greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula who: become of age, have a disability or illness and are unable to prepare an adequate meal for themselves, have inadequate cooking facilities, have no one to prepare meals for them, or have health and social needs that are defined by local doctors, hospitals or health and social services agencies, concerned friends, or personal requests.
Service: Meals On Wheels provides nourishing home-delivered meals to persons not able to care for their own nutritional requirements. Current cost of meals is $4.60. In addition to the nutritional benefits, provisions are made for social contacts for seniors and handicapped people living alone. Participants get the security of knowing that a friendly volunteer will check on their well-being on delivery days, and will respond quickly if an emergency arises. It is a means for seniors and people with disabilities to retain independence in their own homes, short term convalescent help, and ongoing assistance for the chronically ill.
James Bay Community School
384-7184 [email protected]
140 Oswego St
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Saturday & Holidays 10am-4pm, closed Sundays
Target: James Bay residents
Services: Seniors & guests: Tue and Thur evenings 5-7, substantial dinner for $5.25 Community dinner: mid-month, adults $4.00 children $2.00 (5.30pm). Also lots
of specialty dinners School cafeteria open to public 11:45am-1pm. School rush 12 to 12:30pm. Hot
feature, homemade soup, deli, nutritious food. Adults $2.25 + cost of drink. Children $2.25
Recreation Programs: for children-seniors. Involved in Leisure Access subsidy program
Upper Room Society
388-7112919 Pandora Ave
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00pm-4:00pm; meal times 12noon-1:00pm and 4:00pm-5:30pm
Service: Meal pass costs $26 a month, or $1 at the door. Free clothing table. Rooms available for single men on a monthly rental basis.
Western Western CommunitiesCommunities
Sooke Crisis and Referral CentreSooke Crisis and Referral Centre
642-0215 6596 Sooke Rd, Sooke
Food Bank642-7666
Target: Persons requiring emotional support and referral.
Service: General information and referrals. Food bank liaison
Goldstream Foodbank SocietyGoldstream Foodbank Society
474-4443
#4-697 Goldstream Ave.
Hours: Tues and Wed 10:00am-3:00pm *closed the week Assistance cheque issued
Target: Residents of Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal
Services: Food hampers, clothing and toys.
Anti-PovertyAnti-Poverty
Together Against Poverty Society (T.A.P.S.)Together Against Poverty Society (T.A.P.S.)
361-3521 361-3521 [email protected] [email protected] 415-620 View St415-620 View St
Target: Persons on low income experiencing problems with income assistance Target: Persons on low income experiencing problems with income assistance
(Welfare), UI, or Landlords. (Welfare), UI, or Landlords. Services: Services: 1) Individual advocacy services to persons on low income in the above 1) Individual advocacy services to persons on low income in the above
listed areas. This covers providing information on rights, and listed areas. This covers providing information on rights, and representation to the MSS and landlords, andrepresentation to the MSS and landlords, and
at appeal hearings. at appeal hearings. 2) Upon request, presentations of individual's rights under income 2) Upon request, presentations of individual's rights under income
assistance, EI, Tenancy law, and training in advocacy skills. assistance, EI, Tenancy law, and training in advocacy skills. 3) Community organizing and education on anti-poverty issues, including 3) Community organizing and education on anti-poverty issues, including
facilitating the Poverty Game.facilitating the Poverty Game.
Working Group on PovertyWorking Group on Poverty
(604) 254-9626(604) 254-9626
A multi-sectoral umbrella group of 90 A multi-sectoral umbrella group of 90 immigrant and refugee-serving organizations immigrant and refugee-serving organizations that advocate for the elimination of poverty by that advocate for the elimination of poverty by working with federal, provincial, and local working with federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as business and labour. governments, as well as business and labour.
ParentingParenting
Single Parent Resource Single Parent Resource CentreCentre
385-1114385-1114
602 Gorge Road East602 Gorge Road East
Young Parents Support Young Parents Support NetworkNetwork
384-0552384-0552
(formerly C.O.P.E. with Connections (formerly C.O.P.E. with Connections to PEER Advocacy services for to PEER Advocacy services for
young parents)young parents)
404-620 View St. 404-620 View St.
DisabilityDisability
Action Committee for Persons with Disabilities
383-4105
926 View St.