Community-based supports for vulnerable and low-income people throughout B.C. are being boosted through a series of local government poverty reduction initiatives. With grants from the Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program, 54 local governments throughout the province, through 29 projects, will …
Poverty Reduction Plan
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Minimum wage increase takes effect
To support B.C.’s lowest paid workers, the general hourly minimum wage is increasing to $14.60, and the minimum wage rates for liquor servers, resident caretakers and live-in camp leaders are also increasing, effective Monday, June 1, 2020. In 2018, to …
Downtown Eastside supported through skills training, employment
Downtown Eastside (DTES) residents will use their knowledge of the community, while gaining valuable skills and paid work experience to support their fellow residents, though $200,000 from the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. Known as “peers”, these resident trainees will benefit …
Smartphones to better connect vulnerable
Vulnerable people, including people experiencing homelessness, will have better access to services through smartphones distributed by the social service organizations that support them. “The need for internet connectivity has never been as important as it is right now. For people …
Province secures safe shelter, supports for people living in major encampments
The Province is working with the cities of Vancouver and Victoria to transition people living in encampments in Oppenheimer Park, Topaz Park and on Pandora Avenue into safe, temporary accommodations with wraparound supports to protect their health and safety in …
Project breaks barriers, creates access to affordable menstrual products
People will soon have easier, more affordable access to menstrual products with the launch of the United Way Period Promise research project. Through a $95,000 B.C. government grant, the project will distribute menstrual products to 12 non-profit agencies that serve …
Renters facing eviction get support through rent bank funding to Vancity
Renters facing short-term financial difficulties will soon get more help and avoid evictions with new funding for community rent banks. Rent banks provide emergency low-cost or no-cost loans to help renters facing eviction. As part of Budget 2019, the Province …
Increasing access to education for former youth in care
Former youth in care attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver can now access additional funding for living expenses so they can better focus on their academic careers. Buying books, groceries and paying bills for expenses, such as rent …
Minimum wage increases June 1
B.C.’s general hourly minimum wage will increase to $13.85 from $12.65, and the minimum wage rates for liquor servers, resident caretakers and live-in camp leaders will all also increase, effective June 1, 2019. Regular increases to minimum wages are one way …
More than 20,000 new homes underway for people throughout B.C.
Partnerships with organizations like the Union Gospel Mission, which is breaking ground on new housing for women and children, are behind the success of the more than 20,000 new homes complete or underway in nearly 80 communities throughout the province. …