Covid-19 Updates

RESOURCE GUIDES

• Victoria, BC Community Portal - comprehensive, updated website of resources!
• Coalition to End Homelessness Service Provider Updates 
• Women in Need - Resource Guide, updated daily - see Google Docs version here.
• Pandemic Community Resources (updated daily): Featuring food banks, free meals, Indigenous supports, youth supports, harm reduction, seniors support, transportation, and shelters.
• Oaklands business directory - We have compiled a list of all Oaklands businesses,      contact details, and service updates. This will be updated regularly.
• Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support- provides      free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.
• Street Survival in COVID Times - regularly updated document with information on      financial supports, emergency shelter updates, housing referral programs, your legal rights, healthcare supports and changes to procedures, mobile outreach contact details, harm reduction, food and meal availability, bathroom, showers, and laundry. 

FOOD SECURITY RESOURCES

• Oaklands Pantry, free open market where you can take whatever perishable and non-perishable that you need/want. Open every Saturday from 12pm-1pm.
• Oakla
• Order free healthy meals from Red Cedar Café for pick up or delivery by filling out this form. The Red Cedar Café is a not-for-profit food delivery and take-out service, run by volunteers that provides FREE healthy meals to seniors, and people in self-isolation.
• Summary of Food Resources by region and type of service here. (Thank you to the      Foodshare Network for creating this!)
• Access the Mustard Seed's food bank - see the weekly hamper schedule here.
• Some of the Living Edge Neighbourhood Markets (free produce and groceries) are still on! See their Facebook or website for updates
• The Shelbourne Community Kitchen offers self-select food hampers twice per monthly/household, and offers delivery! Contact them at 250-590-0980 or visit the website.
• My FED Farm - The Food Eco District is putting together FREE Food Garden Kits that they will be making available to those financially impacted by COVID-19. Apply here. Kits contain 2-5 round planters, soil, 3 starter plants, seeds, initial consult & info package, access to webseries and #MyFEDFarm chatroom.
• Request free seeds from Victoria Seed Share.
• Through the “Growing in the City” program the City is growing veggie seedlings and distributing them to those impacted by COVID-19. Eligibility of this program prioritizes community members that are financially or physically impacted by COVID-19 that have a desire to grow food but may have limited access to edible plants and start-up garden materials, and are facing barriers to access fresh, healthy, locally grown produce If this describes your situation, please express your interest by emailing reception@oaklandsca.com. Veggie starts will be distributed on Saturday, August 29th. If you live in subsidized housing, contact your housing provider to express your interest.

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

• Seniors: bc211 line has created a Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program. Either call 211 or visit this webpage for more info.
• Better at Home through Beacon Home Support Services - Friendly visiting, transportation, light housekeeping, minor home repairs, light yard work and grocery shopping (250-656-5537)
• Senior Community Outreach Project Partnered with Silver Threads - Outreach      line will be monitored Tues.-Thurs. from 8:30am-4:00pm. Seniors can leave a message with their name, phone number and request of how we can help (250-889-4430)
• Seniors' Entitlement Services - Quadra Village Community Center has started an advocacy program that serves seniors that are 55+ in Victoria, Saanich and other municipalities. 

GENERAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE

• $10/month internet through Telus' "Internet for Good" program.  This program supports low-income Canadian families who have children under 18 years old, and are currently receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit. Through this program, you can also purchase a desktop ($100) or laptop ($120).  
  • It's not just Telus! See here for other providers, and an FAQ for navigating this resource. 
• Post requests for assistance on the COVID-19 Coming Together Facebook Page. (Here is the Oaklands pod)
• Contact us directly at community@oaklandsca.com.

ACCESSING EI, CERB, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• At a glance guide for accessing financial support - with links to application details. 
• Federal Government Economic Response Plan  (Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Response Benefit)
• Provincial Government Economic Response Plan 
• Specific info about Tax Relief for Province of BC here.
• Subscribe here for any Tax Benefit changes (Province of BC).
• Accessing EI in BC Fact Sheet
• Contact TAPS for help with Employment Standards claims and EI matters: employment@tapsbc.ca
• BC Hydro Relief Fund for Residential Customers
• One-time rent relief through Victoria Foundation Rapid Relief Fund.  - The fund aims to provide one-time rental support up to a maximum of a $1000 per family. You must have exhausted all other resources, and demonstrate need related to COVID-19. Contact reception@oaklandsca.com to complete a referral. 

CITY OF VICTORIA UPDATES AND INFORMATION

• The City of Victoria will be doing a daily Facebook livestream at 2:30pm. Tune in for important updates and information. (note: sometimes, it's at 3:30pm)
• Visit the City of Victoria's Response to COVID-19 for service updates and information for residents. 
• The City has created a Business Hub with links to information relevant to business owners.

OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT

• Apply for a Responsive-Neighbourhood Small Grant through the Victoria Foundation.The Responsive NSG grant stream provides grants of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents with each other. Here are instructions on applying, and a few suggestions on projects! 
• Visit Volunteer Victoria for a wide range of volunteer opportunities and resources for doing it safely! 
• Offer assistance, or respond to specific requests on the COVID-19 Coming Together Facebook Page. (Here is the Oaklands Pod.
• Check in on seniors in the community by phone. Schedule regular check ins with      seniors, and ask if they are in need of groceries, prescriptions, or conversation. 
• Drop off food, or make a financial donation to the Mustard Seed. 
• Make a donation to Our Place. 
• The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness has created a webpage to collect information about supporting vulnerable populations, such as Victoria's homeless and street involved community members.
• Volunteer to be an online tutor with the Victoria Literacy Connection.
• Take part in the Art Gallery of Victoria's Listener-in-Residence program.
• Register with BC211 to offer your support to seniors in your community.
• Volunteer at Topaz Park - contact volunteerstopaz@victoriahomelessness.ca
• Donate blood.
• Volunteer with TAPS to help folks apply for COVID-19 financial supports.
• Help the Food Eco District install a My FED Farm free garden to those financially impacted by COVID-19. 
• Email programs@oaklandsca.com to add your name to the list of community members who can be called on to provide support.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water,
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow,
• Avoid others who are unwell, and stay home when you are sick,
• Avoid touching your face,
• Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing      symptoms of COVID-19, should contact their health-care provider, or call 8-1-1.
• You can also call 1-888-COVID-19 or text 604-630-0300 for details, advice, and      further information on the virus.
• BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
• More information: BC Centre for Disease Control, Island Health.