Homelessness Task Force needs Volunteers
Want to make a difference in our community? Volunteer for the Oceanside Homeless Count on April 18, 2018. Click below to open the poster for more information.
Click here for more details
SOS Spring Newsletter 2018
The Spring Newsletter is here! Click here to read the full version (4 pages).
Income Tax Time!
Need help filing your taxes?
The SOS Income Tax Program assists residents with filing basic tax returns at no cost, if they fall within the income guidelines set out by the Canada Revenue Agency. That’s $30,000 or less (annual earnings) for an individual and $40,000 or less for couples.
Often taxes are the key to unlocking unclaimed government benefits and recovering overpaid taxes, plus it will help relieve the stress that comes with piles of unfinished business.
SOS is highlighting the Income Tax Program this month, during its 50th Anniversary year, and will be giving out sturdy envelopes to residents who access the program, which they can use for the safe-keeping of their tax papers.
This program works in conjunction with the Revenue Canada Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Tax clinics take place by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays at SOS, where volunteers are set up and ready to help. This service does not assist with self-employment returns, rental income, capital gains/losses, or individuals who file bankruptcy.
The Income Tax Program at SOS is free, however donations are greatly appreciated to help offset costs.
To make a tax appointment call SOS at 250-248-2093 ext. 229.
Helping to create successful renting outcomes
The local rental market is tight, and SOS wants to ensure that once people find accommodation, they have all the tools to make it successful. The STAR program, which stands for Supporting Tenancy through Action and Resources, is free and consists of four interactive and fun classes. The program will also help participants get an edge in the competitive renters market, as a certificate is issued upon completion, something landlords will look upon favourably.
Classes will cover topics like living with others, budgeting and rights and responsibilities. The program runs March 5-9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. Light refreshments and healthy snacks will be provided, and there are prizes to be won. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, call 250-248-2093 ext. 241 to secure your space. Participants must be 16 years or older.
Celebrating Mad Hatter Style
About 100 local seniors had a very merry unbirthday during a Mad Hatter Tea Party to celebrate SOS’ 50th Anniversary on Feb. 7. Each month SOS is celebrating specific programs, and Seniors Are Talking is being highlighted in the month of February. The program provides a safe and friendly place for local seniors to have social interaction, get information about popular topics from guest speakers and go on outings. The Mad Hatter Tea Party was organized by Seniors Are Talking participants and staff, and event-goers donned creative hats, played an Alice in Wonderland trivia game, posed for photos at a photo booth, and enjoyed snacks and cake while listening to local musician Bruce Feltham. “I think this a wonderful program,” said Micheline Messner, who has been attending the program for many years. “You’d be surprised at how many people are lonely in this area. For some people, this is the only outing they have every week.”
Marnie Easton shared a couple of reasons why the Seniors Are Talking program is so important to her. “Exploring new places, places that I didn’t even know existed, and the camaraderie,” she said.
The program runs in Parksville and Qualicum Beach and currently has a waitlist for those interested in joining. For more information on the program, call program coordinator Shelley St. Marie at 250-248-2093 ext. 224 or email her at SAT@sosd69.com.
Feature January Program-Homeless Prevention
As part of the 50th Anniversary of SOS, we will be recognizing and shedding some light on a different SOS program every month. The SOS Homeless Prevention Program is a partnership with BC Housing, which started in 2015. To date, the program has housed 44 individuals who were at immediate risk of homelessness and provided another 10 with one-time crisis supplements.
The coordinator of the program, Greta Hogan, is always on the lookout for trustworthy landlords who would be interested in entering into a positive relationship with the program, in order to provide safe, comfortable and affordable housing to clients.
Follow this link to listen to a recent radio interview about the program (pictured here, Greta, right, at the radio station 88.5 The Beach with Marketing Coordinator Lissa Alexander (left), Coordinator of Volunteer Resources Renee Caulder (back) and Radio host Dave Graham). To get in touch with Greta call the SOS at 250-248-2093 ext. 234.
