Watch 50 volunteers pack 175 food hampers for 250+ islanders in need at the Farmers’ Institute. Salt Spring Community Services manages and plans this annual event in addition to managing the food bank year round. The Institute is setup like a store with stations for volunteers to ‘shop’ at food stations managed by other volunteers […]
Emergency Shelter
November 27, 2015 by
The Shelter is up and running for the season. It opened on November 6 and since then has been operating every night. Of the twelve nights between Nov. 6 and 17 eight were eligible for BC Housing funding. The average occupancy per night has been 15, ranging from 8 to 23. Alan Hans, a special […]
Housing Committee
November 27, 2015 by
We have created a community housing support advisory committee to guide the use of the various rent supplement programs managed by SSICS (Island Health, BC Housing, Homelessness Partnering Strategy). At this point the committee includes SSICS outreach and Housing First staff, Island Health mental health staff, and IWAV staff.
Restorative Justice
November 27, 2015 by
Charles Kahn has now stepped down from his coordinating role. He is replaced by Angela Mallard and Darlene Gage. Once the local RCMP staffing situation has settled we will undertake some planning to see how the program can be strengthened and connected with other community safety and justice services.
Myth: Those experiencing homelessness are mentally ill, drug addicts, or alcoholics
November 27, 2015 by
Reality: While it’s estimated 25-50% of those affected by homelessness have mental health or substance abuse problems, many face different challenges. These challenges can be the product of an accident, or brought on by the ever-rising costs of food, rent, medication, and other essentials. Homelessness is not always caused by health issues. It is often caused by […]
People’s Roots Grow Deep
November 17, 2015 by
People’s Roots is the Salt Spring Community Services farm program based on an acre of land in the Burgoyne Valley belonging to the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust that preserves land for the use of agricultural practices.
With support from Chorus Frog Farm and Bullock Lake Farm, 2015 has proven a bountiful year for the program. It marks the fourth year People’s Roots has been growing organic produce for Community Services programs such as Family Place, the Core Inn, the food bank, In from the Cold emergency shelter and the Yellow Sub — the daily mental health program……
The Barney Bentall Cariboo Express
October 30, 2015 by
The Salt Spring Folk Club and Salt Spring Community Services are collaborating to present The Barney Bentall Cariboo Express on Salt Spring Island at Fulford Hall on Monday, November 23. The event is planned as part of the Folk Club’s annual season of concerts and to raise money for the Food Bank. It is one […]
Project Connect
October 13, 2015 by
We’ll be hosting the annual ‘Project Connect’ at the Outreach Building at Salt Spring Island Community Services. Project Connect is an opportunity for those who are experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty to connect with the resources, information and some supplies to help alleviate the impacts of living with no permanent home. Service providers, information, care […]
Homelessness Action Week
September 28, 2015 by
It’s time to take action to end homelessness on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. The Housing First program aims to develop long-term housing solutions for everyone on Salt Spring Island, however, an essential aspect of ending homelessness is providing emergency shelter to those in need. Every night of the winter on Salt […]
October Screening Mammography Program
September 28, 2015 by
BC Cancer Agency Screening Mammography The Seniors Wellness Program is hosting the BC Cancer Agency’s mobile mammography screening program on Salt Spring Island from: October 13 – 16 and Oct 27 – 29 The clinic is held at the Lady Minto Hospital in their new Digital Mammography coach. B.C. women 40+ can book a screening […]
