SOS has been providing emergency financial assistance and advocacy to low-income residents for many years. That’s why we are excited about the prospect of providing emergency rent relief subsidies to local tourism and hospitality workers, thanks to a new partnership. Once an agreement has been reached between SOS, the Regional District of Nanaimo, City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association, we will expand our Emergency Assistance Advocacy Program to provide rent relief subsidies to struggling residents in this industry.

The funds for this new component of our program will come through the PQBTA from the provincial government, using Municipal Regional District Tax revenues from Online Accommodation Platforms (OAPs.) We look forward to sharing more information as details are confirmed.

More information can be found in this article by the Parksville Qualicum Beach News. Please note, SOS will not be providing affordable housing, but will offer emergency rent relief in the form of subsidies.