Category Archives: Homeless Resources British Columbia

30-bed emergency shelter for older adults planned in Abbotsford

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Facility would run out of Central Heights Church

Written by: Vikki Hopes
Feb 25, 2025 10:22 AM

central-heights-church
Central Heights Church in Abbotsford is planning a 30-bed emergency shelter for older adults. Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News file

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A 30-bed emergency shelter for older adults is being planned at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford.

The plan came before city council on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 25), when a temporary-use permit and housing agreement were approved.

A staff report to council states that 30 individual “sleeping units” will be provided in an existing building on the church property at 1661 McCallum Rd.

That area at the north end of the building has been operating by Sparrow Community Services Society as a severe weather shelter for older adults.

A letter to the city from BC Housing in September 2024 states that in order to accommodate the emergency shelter, the building will be renovated to include sufficient washroom and shower facilities, accessible entry and operator spaces.

The space is expected to be completed this winter.

The Central Heights Church Shelter will continue to be run by Sparrow – which serves older adults (50+) who are at risk of homelessness – under an agreement with BC Housing.

Support services will be provided 24/7 under the Homelessness Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) and Homelessness Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) programs.

The staff report to council says a temporary-use permit was required to accommodate the proposed use as it abuts an existing residential use.

The permit will be valid for three years, with the opportunity to request one three-year extension.

The housing agreement includes that the operators must form a good neighbour committee with monthly meetings for the first four months and then on an as-needed basis.

The operators must also provide support services – directly or through referrals – such as life-skills training, counselling and substance-use services.

They must also at least have two staff on site 24/7, and ensure that guests “do not disturb the peace, quiet and enjoyment of the neighbourhood.”

The project has drawn support from Fraser Health and the Abbotsford Police Department, which states that the current services offered at the site have required fewer police resources than comparable facilities.

The city says there are currently 40 encampments and more than 400 unhoused individuals across Abbotsford.

Originally published online at The Abbotsford News

What Is A Slumlord?

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A slumlord is a derogatory term used to describe a landlord who knowingly maintains rental properties in poor or unsafe conditions, often while charging high rents. Slumlords typically neglect necessary repairs, ignore health and safety codes, and exploit tenants, often those in low-income or vulnerable situations who have limited housing options.

Characteristics of a Slumlord:

  1. Poor Property Maintenance: Failing to address issues like leaky roofs, broken heating systems, mold, pest infestations, or structural problems.
  2. Health and Safety Violations: Ignoring building codes, fire safety regulations, or sanitation standards.
  3. Exploitation of Tenants: Charging high rents for substandard housing, often targeting tenants who lack the resources or knowledge to advocate for themselves.
  4. Lack of Responsiveness: Ignoring tenant complaints or requests for repairs.
  5. Illegal Practices: Engaging in unethical or illegal activities, such as wrongful evictions, rent gouging, or refusing to return security deposits.
The Shifting Sands of the Hourglass of World States, is there a Fourth World?

Legal Context in Canada and the US:

Both Canada and the US have laws and regulations to protect tenants from slumlords, but enforcement varies by region.

  • Canada: Provincial and territorial laws govern rental housing. Tenants can file complaints with local housing authorities or tenant boards if landlords fail to meet their obligations. For example, in Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act outlines landlord responsibilities, and tenants can seek recourse through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
  • US: Housing regulations are enforced at the state and local levels. Tenants can report violations to local housing authorities or take legal action. Many cities have tenant rights organizations that assist renters in dealing with slumlords.

Tenant Rights:

Tenants in both countries have the right to:

  • Live in a safe and habitable environment.
  • Request necessary repairs.
  • Withhold rent or take legal action if the landlord fails to address serious issues.
  • Be free from retaliation for reporting violations.

Addressing Slumlord Practices:

  • Document Issues: Tenants should keep records of complaints, repairs, and communication with the landlord.
  • Report Violations: Contact local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups.
  • Legal Action: In severe cases, tenants may sue for damages or force the landlord to make repairs.

Slumlords contribute to the broader issue of housing inequality and the lack of affordable, safe housing in many urban areas. Combating their practices requires stronger enforcement of housing laws and increased support for tenants.

What Can I Do About A Slumlord?

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Dealing with a slumlord can be incredibly frustrating and stressful, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights and improve your living situation. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the situation:

1. Know Your Rights

  • Familiarize yourself with local tenant laws and housing codes. These vary by location but generally guarantee your right to a safe and habitable living environment.
  • Common landlord responsibilities include providing:
    • Working utilities (heat, water, electricity).
    • Proper sanitation and waste disposal.
    • Structural integrity (no leaks, mold, or pest infestations).
    • Safe and secure locks on doors and windows.
  • If your landlord is failing to meet these standards, they may be violating the law.

2. Document Everything

  • Keep a detailed record of all issues, including:
    • Photos and videos of unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
    • Written notes about when problems started and how they’ve been ignored.
    • Copies of all communication with your landlord (emails, texts, letters, etc.).
  • This documentation will be critical if you need to take legal action or report the landlord.

3. Communicate with Your Landlord

  • Notify your landlord in writing about the issues and request repairs. Be specific, polite, and keep a copy of the letter or email.
  • If they don’t respond or refuse to make repairs, send a follow-up notice and mention your legal rights.

4. Report Code Violations

  • Contact your local housing authority, health department, or building code enforcement agency to report unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
  • An inspector may visit your property and issue a violation notice to the landlord, forcing them to make repairs.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA – Some abandoned townhouses standing in Uptown district

5. Withhold Rent or Repair and Deduct

  • In some areas, tenants are allowed to withhold rent or pay for repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent. However, this can be risky, so:
    • Check your local laws to ensure this is allowed.
    • Notify your landlord in writing before taking action.
    • Keep receipts and documentation for all repairs.

6. Join or Organize with Other Tenants

  • If other tenants are experiencing similar issues, consider organizing as a group. Landlords are more likely to respond to collective action.
  • You can also reach out to local tenant unions or advocacy groups for support.

7. Seek Legal Help

  • If your landlord continues to neglect their responsibilities, consult a tenant attorney or legal aid organization.
  • You may be able to:
    • Sue for damages or compensation.
    • Break your lease without penalty.
    • Force the landlord to make repairs through a court order.

8. Consider Moving

  • If the situation doesn’t improve and your health or safety is at risk, it may be best to find a new place to live.
  • Before moving, ensure you’re not violating your lease and that you’ve followed proper legal procedures to protect yourself from retaliation or eviction.

9. Report to Local Media

  • If the situation is severe and widespread, contacting local news outlets can bring attention to the issue and pressure the landlord to act.

10. Stay Safe

  • If you feel threatened or unsafe due to your landlord’s actions, contact local law enforcement or a tenant advocacy group immediately.

Resources to Help You:

  • Local Housing Authority: For reporting code violations or unsafe conditions.
  • Legal Aid Organizations: For free or low-cost legal advice.
  • Tenant Unions: For advocacy and support in organizing with other tenants.
  • State or Local Tenant Rights Websites: For information on your specific rights.

By taking these steps, you can hold your landlord accountable and work toward a safer, healthier living environment.

Arguments for Slumlords as a Source of Affordable Housing

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  1. Market Necessity: In areas with severe housing shortages, slumlords may provide the only available option for low-income individuals, preventing homelessness.
  2. Economic Realities: Some landlords claim they cannot improve properties without raising rents, which could displace tenants. Low-income tenants might prioritize cost over quality due to limited options.

Criticisms of Slumlords as a Blight:

  1. Exploitative Practices: Charging high rents for substandard housing capitalizes on tenants’ desperation, often violating health/safety codes.
  2. Health and Safety Risks: Poor conditions (e.g., mold, pests, structural issues) harm physical and mental health, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
  3. Moral Concerns: Profiting from inadequate housing perpetuates inequality and dehumanizes tenants, prioritizing profit over human dignity.
  4. Community Impact: Neglected properties contribute to neighborhood blight, reducing investment and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Systemic Context:

  • Root Causes: Slumlords thrive in systems with inadequate affordable housing, weak regulation, and income inequality. They are a symptom of broader failures in housing policy.
  • Regulatory Gaps: Weak enforcement of housing standards allows slumlords to operate, while insufficient subsidies or public housing leave tenants with few alternatives.

Conclusion:

Slumlords are primarily a blight, exacerbating poverty and inequality through exploitation and neglect. While they may fill a temporary gap in housing supply, their practices harm individuals and communities. Addressing the issue requires systemic solutions:

  • Policy Interventions: Strengthen tenant protections, enforce housing codes, and expand affordable housing initiatives.
  • Ethical Alternatives: Promote public housing, rent control, and community land trusts to provide dignified, sustainable housing.

Ultimately, the existence of slumlords underscores the need for structural reforms rather than tolerating exploitative stopgaps.

slumlords provide affordable housing. In many cities, there’s a shortage of affordable housing, so even if the housing is substandard, it might be the only option for low-income individuals or families. Without these slumlords, maybe there would be even fewer options, leading to homelessness. But then, the counterargument is that the conditions in these properties are terrible, possibly violating health and safety codes. So even if it’s affordable, is it acceptable for people to live in such conditions?

You’ve highlighted a critical tension in the debate about slumlords and affordable housing: the trade-off between availability and quality. Let’s break this down further:

The Argument That Slumlords Provide Affordable Housing:

  1. Housing Shortages: In many cities, affordable housing is scarce due to rising costs, gentrification, and insufficient public housing. Slumlords fill a gap by offering low-cost options, even if the conditions are poor.
  2. Preventing Homelessness: For some low-income individuals or families, substandard housing may be the only alternative to living on the streets or in shelters, which can be even more precarious.
  3. Market Realities: Slumlords often operate in neighborhoods where property values are low, and the cost of maintaining or improving housing exceeds what tenants can pay. Without them, these properties might remain vacant or be redeveloped into unaffordable housing.

The Counterargument: Unacceptable Living Conditions:

  1. Health and Safety Risks: Substandard housing often violates health and safety codes, exposing tenants to hazards like mold, lead paint, pests, faulty wiring, and structural instability. These conditions can lead to serious health problems, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
  2. Exploitation: Slumlords often charge rents that are disproportionately high relative to the quality of the housing, exploiting tenants who have no other options.
  3. Moral and Ethical Concerns: Allowing people to live in such conditions raises ethical questions about dignity and human rights. Affordable housing should not come at the cost of basic safety and well-being.
  4. Long-Term Costs: Poor housing conditions can perpetuate cycles of poverty by affecting tenants’ health, education, and employment opportunities, ultimately costing society more in healthcare, social services, and lost productivity.

The Broader Systemic Issue:

The existence of slumlords is a symptom of deeper systemic failures:

  • Lack of Affordable Housing: Governments and private developers have not built enough affordable housing to meet demand, leaving low-income individuals with few options.
  • Weak Regulation and Enforcement: In many places, housing codes are not strictly enforced, allowing slumlords to operate with impunity.
  • Economic Inequality: Rising income inequality and stagnant wages make it difficult for many people to afford decent housing, forcing them into substandard options.

Is It Acceptable?

While slumlords may provide a temporary solution to housing shortages, the conditions they offer are fundamentally unacceptable. Affordable housing should not come at the cost of health, safety, or dignity. The solution lies in addressing the root causes of the problem:

  • Policy Solutions: Governments should invest in affordable housing, enforce stricter housing codes, and provide subsidies or incentives for landlords to improve properties.
  • Community Initiatives: Nonprofits and community land trusts can develop and maintain affordable, high-quality housing for low-income residents.
  • Tenant Protections: Stronger tenant rights and rent control measures can prevent exploitation and ensure that housing remains affordable and habitable.

In conclusion, while slumlords may fill a gap in the short term, their existence is a symptom of systemic failures that need to be addressed. Affordable housing should not mean substandard housing, and society must strive to provide safe, dignified living conditions for all.

Why Criminalizing Homelessness Fails Society: A Call for Compassionate Solutions

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Introduction
In cities worldwide, the visibility of homelessness often prompts punitive measures, including arrests for offenses like sleeping in public or loitering. However, jailing homeless individuals is a counterproductive approach that exacerbates systemic issues rather than resolving them. This article explores why criminalizing homelessness is ineffective, inhumane, and costly, while advocating for evidence-based alternatives.

1. The Ethical Failure of Punishing Poverty
Homelessness is rarely a choice. Systemic factors such as unaffordable housing, wage stagnation, mental illness, and lack of healthcare drive individuals into homelessness. Criminalizing these circumstances is inherently unjust, punishing people for conditions beyond their control. As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Housing noted, laws targeting homelessness often violate human rights by discriminating against the poor. Jailing vulnerable populations ignores the root causes of homelessness, perpetuating cycles of marginalization.

implicating the Co-Ordinating The Use of Space Should Involve Inhabitants of Our Streets

2. Financial Costs: Jails vs. Solutions
Incarceration is expensive. The average annual cost to incarcerate one person in the U.S. exceeds 35,000,whereas providing permanent supportive housing—a proven solution—costs roughly 20,000–$25,000 per person annually. Cities like Houston and Salt Lake City have reduced chronic homelessness by up to 90% through Housing First initiatives, which prioritize housing without preconditions. Taxpayer dollars spent on jails could instead fund housing, mental health services, and job training, generating long-term societal savings.

3. Overburdening the Legal System
Arresting homeless individuals for minor offenses clogs courts and jails, diverting resources from serious crimes. In Los Angeles, for example, homeless individuals are disproportionately cited for low-level violations, straining law enforcement and judicial systems. A 2019 study found that 11% of LA County Jail inmates were homeless, highlighting how incarceration becomes a revolving door for those without stable housing.

4. Public Health and Safety Concerns
Jails are ill-equipped to address the complex needs of homeless populations, particularly those with mental health or substance use disorders. Incarceration often worsens these conditions, leading to higher relapse rates and vulnerability upon release. Conversely, access to healthcare, counseling, and harm reduction programs has proven more effective in improving outcomes. A 2020 study in Health Affairs found that supportive housing reduced emergency room visits by 40% among chronically homeless individuals.

For Many on the streets, the failure of other systems of family and faith lead to the desire for answers - often to solve problems in the economics of identity.

5. The Cycle of Criminalization
A criminal record creates barriers to employment, housing, and benefits, trapping individuals in homelessness. For example, a 2018 report by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty revealed that 70% of U.S. cities ban camping in public, pushing homeless populations into further isolation and legal jeopardy. This punitive approach undermines trust in institutions, discouraging people from seeking help.

6. Alternatives That Work
Successful models emphasize dignity and support:

  • Housing First: Provides immediate housing with wraparound services, showing a 99% retention rate in Denver.
  • Mental Health Courts: Divert individuals to treatment instead of jail, reducing recidivism by 58% (Council of State Governments).
  • Outreach Programs: Cities like San Diego employ teams to connect homeless individuals with services, reducing street homelessness by 14% in two years.

Conclusion
Jailing homeless people is a costly, short-sighted strategy that deepens societal inequities. Compassionate policies addressing root causes—affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic support—offer a sustainable path forward. As a society, we must choose investment over punishment, recognizing that homelessness is not a crime but a systemic failure demanding urgent, humane solutions.

References:

  • United Nations Human Rights Council, “Report on Adequate Housing” (2016)
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness, Cost Studies (2021)
  • Journal of the American Medical Association, “Health Outcomes and Housing First” (2020)
  • U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Housing First Evidence (2023)

Food Banks in British Columbia.

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100 Mile House Food Bank

5693 Horse Lake Rd. 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E1

T: 250-397-2571   F:  250-397-2579

Email:    bobhicks@bcinternet.net

 

Abbotsford Food Bank

2420 Montrose St. Abbotsford, BC V2S 3S9 T:  604-859-5749   F:  604-859-2717 Dave Murray Email:    afb@telus.net or   christmasbureau@telus.net

Website:  www.abbotsfordcommunityservices.com

 

Agassiz-Harrison Food Bank

P.O. Box 564 #5 – 7086 Cheam Ave Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 T:  604-796-2585   F:  604-796-2517 Laurie Sallis Email:    ahcs@shawlink.ca or   greimer@shawlink.ca  Website:  www.agassiz-harrison.org

 

Okanagan Boys & Girls Club

P.O. Box 332 3459 PLEASANT VALLEY RD Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 T:  250-546-3465   F:  250-546-3468 Andrea Schnell Email:   cfedick@boysandgirlsclubs.ca  Website:  www.boysandgirlsclubs.ca

 

Ashcroft & Area Food Bank

PO Box 603  601 Bancroft St Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0 T:  (250) 453-9656   F:  (250) 453-2034 Denise Fiddick Email:    scelizfry@telus.net

 

Barriere & District Food Bank Society

P.O. Box 465 Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 T:  (250) 672-0029 Kim Keating

 

Bella Coola Valley Food Bank

P.O. Box 22 Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0 T:  250-799-5588   F:  250-799-5791 Clare Harris Email:    charris@belco.bc.ca

 

Campbell River & District Food Bank

1393 Marwalk Crescent Campbell River, BC  V9W 5V9     250-286-3226    250-286-3296     Ann & George Minosky email:    ann_minosky@telus.net OR    ann_minosky@telus.net

 

Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services

Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services  PO Box 100  Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0  T:  (250) 265-3674          F:  (250) 265-3378

Anne Miskulin 

Email:    amiskulin@aslcs.com

 

Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services

 PO Box 100

 Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0

 T:  (250) 265-3674   F:  (250) 265-3378

 Anne Miskulin

 Email:  amiskulin@aslcs.com

 

Boundary Community Food Bank Society

Mailing Address:

   7149 2nd Street Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0

   Clients: 215 Central Ave., Grand Forks

   7419 – 2nd St, Grand Forks  T:  250-442-2800  F: 250-442-2800      

 

Larry Dickerson

 Email:  boundaryfoodbank@gmail.com or auroraws@yahoo.ca

 

Bulkley Valley Food Bank Smithers/Houston

P.O. Box 4293 1065 MAIN ST Smithers, BC V0J 1Z0 T:  250-847-1501    F: 250-845-7048 Rick Apperson Email:    rick_apperson@can.salvationarmy.org

 

Cawston/Keremeos Food Bank

c/o Cawston/Keremeos SDA Church 2334 Newton Road Cawston, BC  V0X 1C1 Ingrid Percival Phone:  250-499-0297 Email:    kere@telus.net

 

Chase Hamper Society

P.O. Box 137  Chase, BC V0E 1M0   T:  (250) 679-2399        Email:    cjwyld@cablelan.net   Chuck  Wyld

 

Chilliwack Community Food Bank – Salvation Army

45746 Yale Rd W Chilliwack, BC V2P 2N4 T:  (604) 792-0001   F:  (604) 792-5367 Don Armstrong Email:    careandshareda@shaw.ca Website:  www.salvationarmychilliwack.ca

 

Chemainus Harvest House

P.O. Box 188 9814 Willow St. (BSMT) Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 T:  250-246-4816

   Sylvia Massey Email:   sylviamassey@shaw.ca

 

Clearwater and District Food Bank

741 Clearwater Village Road Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1 T:  250-674-3402   F:  250-674-3402 Patrick Stanley Email:    pandhlc@telus.net

 

CMS Food Bank Society

2740 Lashburn Road  Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P1  T:  250-743-5242          F:  250-743-5268  Email:    cmsfbank@telus.net

 

Community Connections Food Bank

PO Box 2880 Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0 T:  250-837-2920   F:  250-837-2909 Patti Larson Email:  plarson@community-connections.ca

Website:  www.community-connections.ca

 

Columbia Valley Food Bank

201 – 7 Ave  PO Box 2141  Invermere, BC V0A 1K0  T:  250-342-0850

Doug Leibel

 

Comox Valley Food Bank

PO Box 3028  1755B 13th Street Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3 T:  (250) 338-0615  Jeff Hampton Email:   comoxvfb@shaw.ca

 

Cranbrook Food Bank Society

104-8th Ave South  Cranbrook, BC V1C  2K5  T:  250-426-7664          F:  250-426-7610 Jackie Jensen Email:    jackiejensen44@shaw.ca

 

Creston Valley Food Bank

807 Canyon St Creston, BC V0B 1G3 T:  (250) 428-4166 F:  1-866-460-881 

Doreen Lowe Email:    cvgleaners@telus.net

 

 

 

Food Bank on the Edge

160 Sea Plane Base Rd PO Box 1146 Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0

T: (250) 726-6909   F:  (250) 726-7543

U: Lorene (Lorry) Foster Email:    fost@telus.net

 

Fernie – Salvation Army Family Services

PO Box 2259 741 – 2ND AVE Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

T: (250) 423-4661   F:  (250) 423-4668

U: Email:   kyla_mckenzie@can.salvationarmy.org   Kyla McKenzie

 

Friends in Need Food Bank

#8-22726 Dewdney Trunk Road  Maple  Ridge, BC V2X 8K9  T:  604-466-3663          F:  604-463-1736 Joanne Olson  Email:    director@friendsneedfood.com 

Website:  www.friendsneedfood.com

 

Fort St.John – Salvation Army Family Services

10116 100 Ave Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y6 T:  (250) 785-0500   F:  (250) 785-0517 Isobel Lippers Email:    isobel_lippers@can.salvationarmy.org

 

Golden Food Bank

PO Box 1047 #102 1115 9TH STREET S Golden, BC V0A 1H0 T:  250-344-5608  

F:  250-344-2113 Barb Davies Email:    goldenfoodbank@uniserve.ca

 

People for a Healthy Community Food Bank

PO Box 325, 675 North Road Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0 T:  (250) 247-7311  

F: 250-247-7311 Kathryn Molloy Email:    info@phc-gabriola.org  OR    food@phc-gabriola.org     Website:  www.phc-gabriola.org

 

Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society

1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BC V6A 3T2 T:  604-876-3601   F:  604-876-7323 Garth Pinton Website:  www.foodbank.bc.ca

 

Goldstream Food Bank

Canwest P.O. Box 28122  Victoria, BC V9B 6K8  T:  250-474-4443        

F:  250-474-4443 Sandy Prette  Email:    sprette@shaw.ca

 

Harvest of Hope Food Bank

PO Box 1625  Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0  T:  (604) 886-3665          F:  (604) 886-3683 Maureen O’Hearn  Email:    tsafoodbank@dccnet.com  Website:  www.tsaonthecoast.ca

 

Harvest Food Bank

P.O. Box 849 7120 MARKET ST Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0 T:  250-902-0332  

F:  250-902-0613 Cheryl Elliott Email:    harvest9@telus.net

 

Hope Food Bank

434 Wallace St  PO Box 74  Hope, BC V0X 1L0  T:  604-869-2466  Ex: 403        

F:  604-869-3317 Kim Paolini  Email:    kpaolini@hopecommunityservices.com  Website:  kpaolini@hopecommunityservices.com

 

 

Hazelton – Salvation Army Community Food Bank

PO Box 100 Hazelton, BC V0J 1Y0 T:  (250) 842-6289   F: 250-842-6553

Tom Harris Email:  sallyann@bulkley.net  or sallysplace@bulkley.net

 

Hornby Island Food Bank

Gunpowder 3-1 Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0 T:  (250) 335-1629

Susan Crowe Email:   crosusan@yahoo.ca

 

 

 

Kamloops Food Bank & Outreach Society

P.O. Box 1513   171  Wilson St., Station Main  Kamloops, BC  V2C 6L8 

T: 250-376-2252           F:  250-376-0052 Bernadette Siracky 

U: Email:    bsiracky@kamloopsfoodbank.org 

Website:  www.kamloopsfoodbank.org

 

Kelowna Community Food Bank Society

1265 Ellis Street  Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7  T:  250-763-7161          F:  250-763-9116 Vonnie Lavers  Email:   vonnie@kcfb.ca 

Website:  www.kelownafoodbank.com

 

Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank

340 Leadenhall Street  Kimberley, BC   V1A 2X6  T:  250-427-5522          F:  250-427-2297 Heather Smith  Email:    valb2@telus.net   randyandheather@shaw.ca

 

Kitimat Food Bank Society

14 Morgan St  Kitimat, BC V8C 1J3  T:  250-632-6611  Marjorie Phelps      Email:   marjon@citywest.ca

 

Ladysmith Food Bank

P.O. BOX 1653  721 First Avenue  Ladysmith, BC V9G 1B2  T:  250-245-3079          F:  250-245-3798 Neill-Ireland  Email:    info@lrca.bc.ca 

Website:  www.lrca.bc.ca

 

Lake Country Food Assistance Society

P.O. BOX 41013 RPOS 3130 Berry Rd. Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7 T:  (250) 766-0125   F:  250-766-3038 Phyllis MacPherson Email:    pmacpher@shaw.ca

 

Lake Cowichan Food Bank

Box 1087 Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G0 T:  (250) 749-6239  F:  250-749-6239 Cindy Vaast Email:    cowichanlakefoodbank@gmail.com

 

Langley Food Bank

5768-203 St.  Langley, BC V3A 1W3  T:  604-533-0671          F:  604-533-0891 George Vandergugten  Email:    info@langleyfoodbank.com 

Website:  www.langleyfoodbank.com

 

Lillooet Food Bank

357 Main Street PO Box 2170 Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 T:  250-256-4146   F:  250-256-7928 Violet Wager

Website:  www.bcaafc.com/centres/lillooet/

Email:    foodbank@lillooetfriendshipcentre.org

 

Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank

1009 Farquhar St. Nanaimo, BC V9R 2G2 T:  250-754-8347    F:  250-754-8349 Peter Sinclair Email:    info@nanaimoloavesandfishes.org

 

Logan Lake Food Bank

PO Box 196 Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 T:  250-523-9057   Monica Oram

Email:    monicaoram@yahoo.com

 

Lumby Food Bank

PO Box 791  Lumby, BC V0E 2G0  T:  (250)  547-2225 Bruce Mackie

Email:  jandnmackie@shaw.ca

 

Lytton Community Food Bank

PO Box 87 Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0 T:  (250) 455-2316   F:  (250) 455-6669 Michele Swan Email:   mswan2@telus.net

 

 

 

Mustard Seed Food Bank

625 Queens Ave.  Victoria, BC V8T 1L9  T:  250-953-1580          F:  250-385-0430 Brent Palmer  Email:    brentpalmer@mustardseed.ca 

Website:  www.mustardseed.ca

 

Neighbour Link Food Bank

P.O. Box 2353 Vanderhoof, BC VOJ 3A0 T:  250-567-9007   F:  250-567-9017 Colleen Flanagan Email:  neigh09@telus.net

 

Nelson – Salvation Army Family Services

601 Vernon St Nelson, BC V1L 5R2 T:  (250) 352-3488   F:  (250) 352-7373

Yvonne Borrows Email:    yvonne_borrows@can.salvationarmy.org

 

Nicola Valley and District Food Bank

2026 Quilchena Ave PO Box 2719 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 T:  250-378-2282   F:  250-378-2982 Karen Flick Email:   foodbank@mail.ocis.net

 

Oliver Food Bank

P.O. Box 405  Oliver, BC V0H 1T0  T:  (250)  498-4555 Jim Ouellette       

Email:    jimo@persona.ca

 

Osoyoos Food Bank

6210-97th Street

   Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V4 T:  (250) 495-6581 F: (250) 495-8011

   Lu Ahrendt

   Email:   rlahrendt@live.ca

 

White Rock & South Surrey Food Bank

5-15515 24 Ave Surrey, BC V4A 2J4 T:  604-531-8168 ext. 229   F:  604-541-8188 Sue Sanderson or Jaye Murray

   Email:   ssanderson@sourcesbc.ca or jmurray@sourcesbc.ca

   Website:  www.pacsbc.com/progr…

 

Peachland Food Bank

6490 Keyes Ave  Peachland, BC V0H 1X0  T:  (250) 767-3312  F: 250-767-3488 Judy Bedford

 

Pemberton SSCS Food Bank

1357 Aster Street Box 656 Pemberton, BC  V0N 2L0 Louise Stacey-Deegan Phone:  604-894-6101 Fax:  604-894-6333 Email:    louise.stacey-deegan@sscs.ca

Website:  www.sscs.ca

 

Penticton – Salvation Army Community Food Bank

2399 South Main St Penticton, BC V2A 5J1 T:  (250) 492-4788   F:  (250) 492-6494 Dorian Polaway

Email:  Pentictoncmw@shaw.ca or pentictonprogramcoordinator@shaw.ca

 

Powell River Action Centre Food Bank

6812d Alberni St  Powell  River, BC V8A 2B4  T:  (604) 485-9166 Gina Kendrick

 

Port Alberni Community Food Bank

4841 Redford St Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3P3 T:  (250) 723-6913   F:  (250) 723-6938 Marilyn Burrows Email:    marilyn_burrows@can.salvationarmy.org

 

Prince Rupert – Salvation Army Family Services

25 Grenville Crt. Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1R3 T:  250-624-6180   F:  250-624-8157 Erica Collison email:   erica_collison@can.salvationarmy.org

 

 

 

 

Prince George – Salvation Army Family Services

777 Ospika Blvd S  Prince George, BC V2M 3R5  T:  250-564-4000 EXT: 223            F:  250-564-4021 Crystal Wilkinson Email:    crystal_wilkinson@can.salvationarmy.org  Website:  www.tsainpg.com

 

Quesnel Food Bank

374 McLean St  Quesnel, BC V2J 2N9  T: 250-992-8784 – 250-992-7079         

F:  (250) 991-5189 Jim Vanderheyden email:    jimmyanddebbie@hotmail.com

 

Quadra Island Food Bank

PO Box 243  Heriot Bay    V0P 1H0  T:  250-285-3888      Teresa Tate  Email:    teresa_tate@yahoo.com

 

Salmo Food Bank

PO Box 39 311 Railway Avenue Salmo, BC V0G 1Z0 T:  (250) 357-2277   F:  (250) 357-2385 Charlene Bonderoff Email:    charlene@scrs.ca  Website:  www.scrs.ca

 

Richmond Food Bank Society

100-5800 Cedarbridge Way  Richmond, BC V6X 2A7  T:  604-271-5609  

Margaret Hewlett      Email:    margaret@richmondfoodbank.org or  

info@richmondfoodbank.org  Website:  www.richmondfoodbank.org

 

Cherryville Community Food Bank Society

412 Sugar Lake Road

   Cherryville, BC V0E 2G2

   P:  250-547-6646  F: 250-547-8944

   Sharon Harvey

   msharon@hotmail.com

 

Salt Spring Island Community Services Food Bank

268 Fulford Ganges Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2K6 T:  250-537-9971 (237)  F:  250-537-9974 Gloria McEachern Email:  gmceachern@ssics.ca OR  jvanpelt@ssics.ca OR safoodbank@shaw.ca   

 Website:  www.saltspringcommunityservices.ca

 

 Salmon Arm – Salvation Army Food Bank

191 2nd Avenue NE  Salmon  Arm, BC V1E 4N6  T:  250-832-9194          F:  250-832-9148 David Byers  Email:    foodbank@sunwave.net

 

Share Family & Community Services

2615 Clark Street Port Moody, BC  V3H 1Z4 T:  604-931-2451 F:  604-931-2421 Roxann MacDonald Email:    r.macdonald@sharesociety.ca  

Website:  www.sharesociety.ca

 

 Salvation Army Mt. Arrowsmith Community Ministries

886 Wembley Rd  Parksville, BC V9P 2H6  T:  250-248-8794          F:  250-248-8601 Rolf Guenther  Email:    pvsallyann@shawbiz.ca

 

Slocan Valley Food Cupboard

915 HAROLD STREET     BOX 10     SLOCAN    V0G 2C0     T: 250-355-2484  Deb Corbett Email:    officemanager@wegcss.org

 

Sidney Lions Food Bank

95865 5th Street Sidney, BC V8L 3S8 T:  (250) 655-0679   F:  (250) 655-1130 Bev Elder Email:   fdbank@telus.net

 

Sorrento Food Bank

Box 568 Sorrento, BC  V0E 2W0 Phone:  250-253-3663 or 250-675-3835 Contact:  Jim Chisholm Email:    sorfood@shaw.ca

 

 

Sooke Food Bank Society

2037 Shields Rd Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 T:  (250) 642-7666    F:  250-642-5670

Ingrid Johnston

   email:  ingridjohnston@shaw.ca

 

Sparwood Food Bank

P.O. Box 682 125D Centennial Sq.

   Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 T:  250-425-6435 Carol Walmsley

email:  jcwalm@shaw.ca

 

South Delta Food Bank

5545 Ladner Trunk Rd  Delta, BC V4K 1X1  T:  (604) 946-1967         

F:  (604) 946-4944 Joe Van Essen  Email:   info@ladnerlife.com

 

 St. Joseph’s Food Bank

32550 7th Ave Mission, BC V2V 2B9 T:  (604) 615-3223  F:  (604) 755-4705

Email:    sjfoodbank@gmail.com John Poston

 

Squamish Food Bank

PO Box 207 Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0 T:  (604) 848-4316

Susan Newman Email:   squamishfoodbank@gmail.com

 

Summerland Community Food Bank

12583 Taylor Place Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 T:  250-488-2099  Leventine Adams Email:   summerlandfoodbank@gmail.com

 

St. Mark’s Ecumenical Food Bank

1109-95 Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 1J2 T:  250-782-2614 Austin Sones

 

Surrey/North Delta Food Bank

10732 – CITY PARKWAY Surrey, BC V3T 4C7 T:  604-581-5443   F:  604-588-8697 Marilyn Herrmann Email:    execdir@surreyfoodbank.org 

Website:  www.surreyfoodbank.org

 

Sunshine Coast Food Bank

P.O. Box 1069  Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0  T:  604-885-5881 (240)         F:  604-885-9493 Dale Sankey  Email:    scfoodbank@dccnet.com 

Website:  www.sccss.ca/communityaction.html

 

The Terrace Church’s Food Bank

4012 Anderson St Terrace, BC V8G 2T2 T:  (250) 635-9670

John Wiebenga email: jawiebenga@telus.net

 

Tansi Friendship Centre

P.O. Box 418 301 SOUTH ACCESS ROAD Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 T:  250-788-2996   F:  250-788-2353 Darlene Campbell Email:    tansifcs@persona.ca

Website:  www.bcaafc.com/centres/chetwynd

 

Vernon (and Enderby) Salvation Army

3303- 32nd Ave.  Vernon, BC V1T 2M7  T:  250-549-1314          F:  250-549-7344 David  MacBain email:    david.macbain@shawcable.com

 

Trail – Salvation Army Services

730 Rossland Avenue  Trail, BC V1R 3N3  T:  250-364-0445          F:  250-368-5806 Linda Radtke  Email:    salvationarmytrail@shaw.ca

 

Westside Community Food Bank Society

2545 Churchill Rd Westbank, BC V4T 2B4 T:  (250) 768-1559  Faith Lanthier Email:    wcfbca@yahoo.ca

 

 

Williams Lake – Salvation Army

267 Borland St Williams Lake, BC V2G 1R4 T:  (250) 392-2423   F:  (250) 392-1467 Claudine Kadonaga Email:  claudine_kadonaga@can.salvationarmy.org

 

Community Harvest Food Bank

301 32nd Street, Castlegar, BC V1N 3S6;  P: 250-365-6440;  Debbie McIntosh;  debbiemcintosh@shaw.ca

 

Cowichan Valley Basket Society

5810 Garden Street, Duncan, BC V9L 3V9;  P: 250-746-1566; F:  250-746-1566; Colleen Fuller; cvbs@shaw.ca

 

Eagle Valley Community Food Bank

P.O. Box 777, Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0;  P: 250-836-3440;  F: 250-836-3414; Janet McClean-Senft; evcrc@telus.net;  Website:  www.eaglevalleyresourcecentre.ca

 

Whistler Food Bank

P.O. Box 900, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0;  P: 604-935-7717; F: 604-932-0599;

Sara Jennings; foodbank@mywcss.org

 

 

Protest in Vancouver, British Columbia Against Residential Tenancy Branch Ruling Involved with Eviction Proceeding of March 31st, 2025

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Originally Published on Vancouver’s City News Website

BC Civil Liberties Association Suing Vancouver Over Daytime Shelter Ban

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Vancouver has been hit with a lawsuit over what human rights advocates call the city’s “cruel, dehumanizing, and deadly” daytime ban on homeless outdoor sheltering. Kier Junos has more.

By Emma Crawford

Posted January 30, 2025 6:34 pm. 

Last Updated January 30, 2025 7:07 pm.

The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) says it is taking the City of Vancouver to court on behalf of unhoused people affected by a ban on daytime shelters.

Calling the ban “cruel, dehumanizing, and deadly,” the association is challenging the city bylaws that make it illegal for unhoused people to shelter outdoors during the day.

“Unhoused people deserve to have their government treat them with dignity and respect,” the BCCLA said. “Instead, many municipalities choose to enforce bans on daytime sheltering with callous cruelty by forcing people to either carry their belongings around all day or be violently decamped if they try to shelter.”

According to the group, unhoused people in Vancouver are subject to constant harassment, surveillance, and violence. In its enforcement of the ban, the association says, the city engages in daily street sweeps that destroy people’s personal belongings, including tents, sleeping bags, and medications.

Also read:

The city’s website says unhoused people are permitted to set up temporary shelters in parks from dusk to dawn but they must be removed at sunrise “to make parks available to support the health and well-being of the whole community.”

In a statement, the city says it can’t comment on matters before the courts, but confirmed staff will review the legal documentation once it is received.

The liberties association says it is “impossible” for those with physical or mental disabilities to set up and take down their shelter daily and then carry it throughout the day.

Jason Rondeau, one of the plaintiffs, was living on the streets for five years until recently when he got into social housing in the Downtown Eastside.

“For myself, it’s not really affecting me anymore because I am housed now,” Rondeau said.

“But I’ve got a lot of friends out there who are still in the thick of it, and their life is hard. Without the sweeps, their life is already hard.”

Vibert Jack, litigation director for the BCCLA, says the lawsuit will also address city bylaws that govern tents on the sidewalk.

“The courts have said already that these types of bylaws are unenforceable at night because it makes it impossible for people to sleep overnight in shelter,” Jack said.

“Our position is the same logic applies during the day.”

For three years, CRAB Park in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside was the only place in the city where unhoused people could legally camp in the daytime. This was closed late last year.

Now if you’re an unhoused person and you want to camp overnight in a Vancouver Park, you have to take down your tent every morning at 8 a.m.

In its claim, the BCCLA says the daytime shelter ban violates three separate sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in that it subjects citizens to “extreme cruelty,” puts peoples’ safety, security, and survival at risk, and threatens equality rights of diverse people, including those with disabilities.

With files from Kier Junos and The Canadian Press.

Originally published on Vancouver City News’ Online site.

Authored By: Emma Crawford

Canada’s New Disability Benefit: A step forward, but is it enough?

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The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is set to launch in July 2025 but not much is known about it, yet

(Play Media above to listen to this article)

In July 2025, a new era dawns for Canadians with disabilities. The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is set to launch, promising a much-needed financial lifeline for adults aged 18 to 64. It’s a significant shift in how the government approaches disability support, but the devil, as they say, is in the details.

The CDB will offer a maximum annual payment of $2,400 – that’s $200 a month – for the initial period from July 2025 to June 2026. Think of it as a foundational layer, a structured payment designed to ease the crushing financial weight many disabled Canadians carry. It’s a far cry from a silver bullet, however.

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Before the CDB, the landscape was a patchwork quilt of provincial programs and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D). While helpful, these existing systems often left individuals struggling.

“It won’t make much of a difference, $200 doesn’t go very far these days,” she adds, “If the government really wants to make a difference in my life and other disabled people they need to turn $200 into $500,” says Rae-Darlene Lavoie, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound.

Many provincial programs are notoriously stingy, imposing restrictive eligibility criteria and offering paltry sums that barely cover the basics. It’s like trying to fill a bathtub with a teaspoon – a Sisyphean task, to say the least.

Amanda MacKenzie, national director of external affairs for March of Dimes Canada, painted a stark picture. She highlighted the pervasive reality of many disabled Canadians living on less than $30,000 annually. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reflection of a system that, until now, has fallen short.

The CDB aims for a more equitable, consistent approach, tailoring payments to individual and spousal income. While this is a step in the right direction, critics argue that $200 a month simply isn’t enough to meet the escalating cost of living, especially for those with complex medical needs. The whispers of inadequacy are loud, and advocates are pushing for a substantial increase.

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Service Canada promises detailed application information in Spring 2025. This is good news; clarity is crucial. However, the CDB’s true efficacy hinges on its implementation and the government’s responsiveness to ongoing concerns. Will it alleviate the financial strain, or will it merely offer a palliative, a band-aid on a gaping wound?

The CDB’s arrival coincides with a broader, much-needed conversation about disability rights and financial security. Advocacy groups are pushing for a holistic approach, viewing the CDB as a single piece of a much larger puzzle. They’re clamouring for increased funding for support services, accessible housing, and improved healthcare – all vital components of a truly inclusive society.

The CDB Is both a beacon of hope and a test of the government’s commitment. It’s a starting point, a foundation upon which a more equitable system can be built. But its success depends entirely on continuous dialogue, active listening, and a willingness to adapt and adjust based on the lived experiences of those the benefit is intended to serve.

The journey to true inclusivity is a marathon, not a sprint, and the CDB could mark a significant mile marker, but the race will still be far from over.

Article Originally published by Elliot Lake Today’ Web Site, click here.

Authored by Lisa Rene-de-Cotret, reporter for ElliotLakeToday.com/

Duty to Assist Involves More than Just the Homelessness Sector

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Duty to Assist is a homelessness prevention approach that works upstream and uses a human-rights lens. Originating in Wales, it is also known as the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, which created a legal obligation for local authorities, such as governments, to make reasonable efforts to move individuals out of homelessness or stabilize their housing. 

The fourth session of the Prevention Matters! series was hosted by Stephen Gaetz from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness and dug into the details of how Duty to Assist works. Gaetz interviewed Peter Mackie of the Centre for Homelessness Impact at the University of Cardiff who was a key player in the implementation and creation of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. They discussed the implementation of Duty to Assist in the United Kingdom, as well as challenges faced in the process and what Duty to Assist might look like in the Canadian context.

How Does Duty to Assist Work?

Individuals affected by homelessness are eligible for assistance at three stages:

  1. Prevention stage: When an individual is at risk of homelessness, authorities can intervene by trying to address the factors contributing to the risk, such as paying rental arrears or providing a rent subsidy.
  2. Relief stage: After a person’s housing is lost, the authorities can intervene by trying to find them new accommodations.
  3. In the event that both options fail, individuals in priority groups who are covered by previous legislation will have housing secured for them.

Duty to Assist works upstream, meaning that it assists individuals earlier than previous legislation allowed. Those who are at risk of homelessness or have just become homeless can seek out help from local authorities earlier. This allows issues to be addressed in a more timely and cost-effective manner. 

According to Mackie, Duty to Assist has proven to be much more effective in the prevention stage. The intervention can be something as simple as paying off arrears or providing first and last month’s rent, which is a much simpler approach than trying to find brand-new accommodation. 

“If you are already homeless, to take steps to resolve your homelessness, we’re way less successful there because you don’t have the home to try and keep somebody in.” – Peter Mackie

Challenges with Duty to Assist

While the implementation of Duty to Assist is a win for prevention in Wales, the legislation is still riddled with difficulties that go beyond the homelessness sector. As Promise Busulwa, the producer of Prevention Matters! always says in her opening remarks: “The housing crisis cannot be solved by the homelessness sector alone.” Mackie has written articles outlining the need for “…effective universal prevention to be the foundation of any strategy to end homelessness.” Many of the ongoing issues with the Duty to Assist model are the lack of consolidated, systematic care and collaboration between public bodies and other organizations to address the root causes of homelessness. 

“But what we don’t have in the legislation is a requirement that, for instance, a landlord would notify the local authority.” – Peter Mackie

Another challenge noted by Mackie is that people can be hesitant to change. Individuals who are impacted by impending or current homelessness, and who therefore qualify for Duty to Assist, need to be aware of the program itself and request assistance. This has proven to be difficult, especially given that the legislation and the supports offered looked very different prior to the implementation of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. Prior to the implementation of Duty to Assist, the legislation only provided assistance for families with children and other priority groups. 

Currently, there is a gap as public institutions, like hospitals and prisons, do not call for assistance from local authorities when releasing an individual into homelessness. Mackie also noted push back about the universal nature of Duty to Assist. Many parties involved in the legislative process pushed to maintain the focus on priority groups, clashing against the universal prevention model that applies to everyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Mackie spoke to the difficulties involved in imposing a “duty” on public bodies that had the power to intervene in the creation of an individual’s homelessness situation. Simply put, these parties could not be mandated to provide assistance because “ somebody is going to fail.” Instead, the legislation mandates a ‘best efforts duty.’ A duty to assist means providing assistance to those who willingly consent to receiving help and are, in return, expected to comply with attempts to provide them with assistance.

“In government, there’s often a reluctance to actually use the word ‘must.’” – Peter Mackie

To combat these challenges, Mackie calls for better data sharing and a more person-centred focus when providing services. As the legislation is currently being revised for what has been coined as “Duty to Assist, Mark II,” Wales aims to have these issues addressed and changes implemented, which involves including a more diverse range of voices. While Mackie expresses frustration with the lack of support both financially and from public systems for Duty to Assist, he does acknowledge that it has been very helpful as Wales traverses a housing crisis.

What Does this Mean for Canada?

While Duty to Assist cannot be precisely replicated in Canada because of the lack of infrastructure, Stephen Gaetz noted it is regarded as a fundable homelessness prevention method by the Government of Canada. Mackie also mentioned that the overall principles of Duty to Assist can be implemented without legislation—although they may be less effective without the legislative aspect—on a community or municipal level. While it would be ideal for there to be legislation to hold public bodies to account, Wales has not experienced any high court cases surrounding the Duty to Assist, leading Mackie to believe that the implementation of the Duty to Assist principles without legislation should be possible. 

Mackie recommended implementing Duty to Assist in a community to prove that it works before aiming to scale it upwards, and Gaetz replied this had been in progress before the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s hoping Duty to Assist gets the chance to prove its value in Canada.

Interested in more diverse perspectives on homelessness prevention? Check out the rest of the Prevention Matters! Series. Want to learn more about Duty to Assist? There is a free, self-paced training on the Homelessness Learning Hub.

Originally published on The World-Wide Web’s Homeless Hub On Monday October 21st, 2024

Author: Rachel Lau

Disclaimer

The analysis and interpretations contained in these blog posts are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness.