Financial Resources
Housing
BC Housing- Rental Assistance Program
The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments. To qualify, families must have a gross household income of $35,000 or less (maximum income increases to $40,000 effective September 2018), have at least one dependent child, and have been employed at some point over the last year.
451 Winnipeg Street. Penticton, BC. V2A 5M6
Phone: 250-493-0301/ Toll-free: 1-800-834-7149
Email: interiorregion@bchousing.org
Housing Outreach Program Provided by: Ask Wellness
Provides advocacy to support adults (youth may also be eligible) in finding and maintaining housing. Services include mediation, rental top-ups, damage deposit assistance, emergency repairs, funding for security deposits, rent subsidies, form completion assistance with housing and financial assistance applications, and transportation to interviews with landlords. Serves Ashcroft, Barriere, Cache Creek, Chase, Clinton, Kamloops, Logan Lake, and Spences Bridge. Funded by BC Housing.
Phone: 250-376-7558
Email: info@askwellness.ca
Kamloops Rent Bank; Provided by: Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society
Provides small, low-interest loans to working families who are having temporary difficulty in making a rent or utility payment. Loans are repayable over two years. Program includes training and support in financial planning and management. Serves Kamloops and surrounding communities, and the Columbia-Shuswap and North Okanagan regions. Nonprofit society; registered charity.
Address: 827 Seymour Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2H6
Phone: 250-374-2119
Email: advocate2@kamloopsefry.com
Affordable Housing Options: Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society
Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society operates three affordable housing buildings. To apply for any of our housing, please email our housing support contact at housinginquiries@kamloopsefry.com for access to an application and information.
They also have the Women's Housing Support program aims to help women find or maintain safe, suitable housing. The program:
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Assists women to maintain or become stable in their housing situation.
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Provides support for the development of life and self-advocacy skills.
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Connects women with community resources and one-on-one support specific to each individual.
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Hosts groups information sessions focused on issues related to housing tenancy, life skills, health or financs.
Interior Community Services Housing Options
ICS has many options available for subsidized and affordable housing. Please visit their website for more details
Youth Street Outreach; Provided by: Interior Community Services
Interior Community Services provides many resources for youth who may be experiencing homelessness or are in need of housing. The Youth Street Outreach program is one program that assists street entrenched youth, transient youth, youth from foster family settings and other care facilities to youth aging out of care. Outreach services to homeless and at risk youth assisting them to address basic needs such as shelter and food. Additional services include referrals to treatment or health services, housing retention, crisis intervention, employment readiness and partnerships with community partners. Anyone between the ages of 13-24 are eligible for this program.
Address: 408 Seymour Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2G6
Phone: 250- 374-7435
Canadian Mental Health Association - Shelter
Emerald Centre- is a co-ed, low barrier shelter that provides accommodation for women and men who are homeless. The center operates 7 days a week, 365 days per year and provides 42 shelter beds. Clients are provided with a clean bed, meals and access to support workers plus a case management team that works closely with them Case Managers possess in-depth knowledge of available services and focus on housing placement and stability. Emerald Centre provides harm reduction services for people who use substances to get help and protect our community. The shelter distributes supplies for safe drug use, teaches about safe drug use and refers clients to a range of services that enhance the knowledge, resources, and support for individuals. For more information, please call 250-372-3031
Address: 651 Victoria Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2B3
Phone: 250-374-0440
Canadian Mental Health Association - Affordable Housing
Rent geared to income rentals target those 55 years plus. Units in this complex consist of studio suites designed to provide a modern, safe, physically accessible, and manageable loving space for seniors. The complex has an elevator.
Address: 651 Victoria Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2B3
Phone: 250-374-0440
Youth Homelessness Outreach by A Way Home Kamloops
Provides critical support services, including street outreach, for youth ages 16-26 at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Youth Homelessness Outreach Workers collaborate with community partners to support youth to transition from the street into supportive housing, including the Safe Suites program. Case managers work with tenants to identify goals and priority needs related to housing, income support, education, and/or employment. Also offers support around homelessness prevention services such as family mediation, aging out transition planning, and eviction prevention supports.
Address: 653 Victoria Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2B3
Phone: 250-214-1615
Y Women’s Emergency Shelter
For a safe refuge, support for women and children, 24/7 phone support, referrals to community resources, and more. Our services are offered free of charge.
What you can expect during the pandemic:
Daily health screenings for staff and residents, Private bedrooms and bathrooms available for women with or without children, rooms have fridges, kettles and toasters as well as coffee, tea and snacks provided for families that want to spend time in their room, Common areas are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day, Meals that are prepared by Shelter staff in a clean and disinfected kitchen. An isolation area is available for any families that need to quarantine.
400 Battle Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2L7
Phone: 250-374-6162
Text: 250-682-7931
Housing Outreach
Housing Outreach provides supports in navigating housing systems. This support may include housing search strategies, filling out applications, budgeting supports and short term housing subsidies.
Phone: 250-319-4283
Reaching Home Street Outreach Support- Provided by KFAS
Services will be available to all Urban Indigenous women and men that are living on and off reserve and rural areas. Status, non-status, Metis, Inuit, and two spirited populations will be served in the surrounding area.
The Outreach support worker will work towards the following objectives:
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Provide culturally appropriate direct outreach services that will improve the health and wellbeing of Urban Indigenous women and men living within the Authority’s region;
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Assisting our Urban Indigenous women and men in their transition from the street to healthier, alternative lifestyles.
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Participate in a mentoring role with other peer support workers
Some of the services include one-to-one counseling, treatment planning, case management, education and crisis intervention. They also offer cultural and spiritual practices including smudging, sweats, medecine wheel, use of elders and prayers.
Address: 125 Palm St, Kamloops BC, V2B 8J7
Phone: 250-376-1296 or 250-376-1617
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family & Community Services
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family & Community Services has various programming and housing options for Metis and Indigenous peoples. Please check website for more details and updates.
Housing Projects:
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KIKÉKYELC is a culturally safe, fully supported, 31 unit condo style development that houses Indigenous youth between the ages of 16 & 27, along with Indigenous Elders. The project was developed as a response to the over representation of Indigenous youth who had aged out of foster care and into dire situations including homelessness, addictions, poverty and unemployment. Indigenous youth who have had experience in the child welfare system are not well prepared to live independently upon reaching the age of adulthood. Please visit website for application.
Address: 975 Singh St Kamloops, BC V2B 5C9
Phone: 250-312-5118
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The Otipemisiwak Centre will be a culturally safe, and trauma informed, housing and childcare facility for Métis families residing in Kamloops and surrounding areas. The multi-unit apartment complex will include family housing (32-50 units), office space for LMO and Two Rivers, and a childcare space.
Nutrition and Other Needs
Kamloops Food Bank
The Kamloops Food Bank serves nearly 6000 individuals, over 40 community agencies and schools that make meals, and 9 smaller food banks in the region. In addition to providing clients with nutritious perishable food once per week and non-perishable food once per month, the food bank operates important programs such as foodSHARE, Starfish Backpacks and the Baby Bank.The Baby Bank has items such as formula, diapers, jarred foods, and cereal are available year-round. Also provides monthly access to additional items such as wipes, lotion, diaper cream, bottles, soothers, and new and gently used clothing for newborn babies up to two years of age.
Clients may access the Food Bank for perishable items once per week, and a non-perishable hamper once per month. Proof of address and valid ID for all members of the household are required in order to collect a hamper.
Address: 171 Wilson Street, Kamloops, B.C.
Kamloops Salvation Army
The Salvation Army can help with groceries to see you through a difficult time or obtain furniture and household items after securing safe housing. The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring dignity and extending a helping hand up from daily struggles.
Address: 344 Poplar Street. Kamloops, BC. V2B 4B8
Note: Client applications for hampers will not be accepted after 11:30 am,
Individuals and families who are eligible for a hamper, may receive one only once every 90 days.
**We require up to date proof of income and ID for new applicants Please bring ID each time you come in for services**
Mobile Kitchen (CRU)
The Salvation Army’s Mobile Kitchen is supported and operated by volunteers, partners in our community, businesses, churches, groups and service clubs— all making it possible to meet people at their point of need.
Community Assistance
Please note they are still open and handing out food hampers at the MAIN door (there will be no admittance to the building) and bread/sweets at the front door or the building.
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Emergency Hampers
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Birthday Club
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Back-to-School Program (seasonal)
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Diapers & formula (when available)
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Pet food (when available)
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Local bus tickets
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Christmas Hampers
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Children’s Summer Camp
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Personal hygiene items
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Emergency Financial Assistance
*Please note that due to COVID-19 there will be no access to the building*
Mount Paul Community Food Centre
CFCs provide people with access to high-quality food in a dignified setting that does not compromise their self-worth. People learn cooking and gardening skills there, and kids get their hands dirty in the garden and kitchen in ways that expand their taste buds and help them to make healthier food choices. Community members find their voices on the issues that matter to them, and people find friends and support. CFCs offer multifaceted, integrated, responsive and prevention-focused programming in a shared space where food builds health, hope, skills and community.
Children’s program
Includes Field Trip Adventures and Camp Days designed for after school programs for elementary classes. A choice of two curriculums is offered: food science or food cycle. Children rotate through components of culinary skills, garden knowledge and the impact of nutrition.
Community Programs:
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Second helping: offers drop in meals between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesdays. Second Helping is open to youth between 13 and 24 years of age.
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Sensational Soups: offers delicious homemade meals between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Mondays and Thursdays and is open to anyone in the community.
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Terrific Takeaways: Free onsite take-out meal (140 Laburnum St.)
Monday and Thursday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Youth Meals: Free meal at Youth Outreach (408 Seymour St.) Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Educational Garden is an onsite garden that has two drop ins a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Home delivery programs
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Community Gardens, in partnership with the City of Kamloops, oversees the coordination of 8 organic community gardens. Garden space is provided to over 350 gardeners.
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Foodie Friday is a weekly drop in offered in order to connect with others in a welcoming and encouraging environment with a focus on food literacy and education.
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Food Sense is a 6-week program based on standardized best practice core curriculum that has been professionally designed by dietitians and educators and built on Canada’s Food Guide
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Food skills programs: Culinary Classes
Culinary Classes are shared kitchens where people come to cook and socialize in a fun environment while either learning new skills or passing on their own culinary knowledge.
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Free home delivery program
Free home deliveries of fresh and frozen meals in partnership with Neighbor to Neighbor for anyone
Monday to Friday – Register at www.kamloopscares.com
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Harvest to Home
Harvest to Home takes donated food from the local grocery stores, is sorted, recovered, and processed at the center to use in programming and to assist in combating food waste.
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Meals on Wheels: Paid menu selected meal delivery
Contact 250-376-3660
Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Public Produce
Public Produce is a public garden that is maintained in McDonald Park and open for anyone to utilize or glean from, increasing immediate access to produce.
Gardengate Program: Provided by Open Door Group
Gardengate is a space of healing and recovery for individuals living with addictions or mental health conditions. Through activities in the garden, we will support you to work towards personal goals such as healthy eating, active living, or vocational training. Build skills and confidence as you grow and harvest food for yourself, and for the Kamloops community.
You can sign up as a participant if you have an addiction, or a mental health condition, and you are interested in Gardengate programs.
Contact us to set up a tour of the garden. You can phone or email us directly or ask someone to arrange the tour on your behalf. Tours are about 20 minutes and take place Monday to Friday afternoons by appointment.
Address: 915 Southhill Street. Kamloops, BC. V2B 7Z9
Phone: 250-554-9453
Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is a safe and supportive place where individuals experiencing barriers associated with poverty and homelessness can have their physical needs met in the short term. In the long term, the process to heal and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for a better life down the road can begin.
The Outreach Centre has provided poverty relief services in the city since 1980. Clients can access advocacy and support services through the Outreach Centre, as well as nourishing meals and other essential material resources.
The Mustard Seed also provides a night program for people to sleep.
181 Victoria Street W. Kamloops, BC. V2C 1Z4
Phone: 250.434.9898
Hopewell Pregnancy Care Centre and Clinic
Holistic Wellness Initiative: Our moms’ groups and one-on-one GRO life coaching offer financial budgeting life skills and access to nutritional support through grocery gift cards and the Food Share program
T: 250-376-4646, dial 3 to speak with Maralee for intakes
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Blessings Boutiques: These boutiques offer free, gently used baby, children’s, and maternity items for those in need. We have three boutiques for families to browse: Newborn to 24 months, Size 2-6T, as well as Women’s & Maternity clothing. Initial intakes require an appointment. Appointments are not necessary after the initial intake
Address: 429 Tranquille Road. Kamloops, BC. V2B 3G9
T: 250-376-4646, dial 2 to make an appointment
Kamloops Food Policy Council:
The Kamloops Food Policy Council is the longest-standing independent food policy council in Canada: pollinating projects, developing partnerships, and contributing to public policy since 1995. Some programs they have include the Gleaning abundance program, Butler Urban Farm, The Stir, and the Seed Library.
There website provides up to date information on where to get free meals and basic needs support in the city
https://kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com/foodsecurity/
Address: 185 Royal Ave, Kamloops BC, V2B8J6
Phone: 250-851-6111
Emails:
info@kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com
gleaning@kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com
Finances and Benefits
BC Family Benefit
The B.C. Family Benefit, which replaced the B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit provides a tax-free monthly payment to families with children under the age of 18.
For more information please visit the website
Address: 520 Seymour Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2G9
T: 1-800-622-6232
Maternity Benefits
Only available to the person who is away from work because they are pregnant or have recently given birth. They cannot be shared between parents. The person receiving maternity benefits may also be entitled to parental benefits.
Paternal Benefits
Available to the parents of a newborn or newly adopted child.
You must choose between 2 options:
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Standard Parental Benefits
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Extended Parental Benefits
Your choice determines the number of weeks and the weekly amount you will receive.
If sharing, each parent must choose the same option and submit their own application. Parents can receive their weeks or benefits at the same time or one after another. Once you start receiving parental benefits, you cannot change options.
Please visit the website for more details.
Address: 520 Seymour Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2G9
T: 1-800-622-6232
Single Parent Employment Initiative: Provided by: The Government of BC
If you are a single parent receiving income or disability assistance, you may be eligible for training and support to secure a long-term job through the Single Parent Employment Initiative.
If you qualify you are eligible for:
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Up to 12 months of funded training or paid work experience
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Continued income or disability assistance while in training
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Childcare costs covered during your training or work placement and for the first year of employment
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Transit costs to and from school
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WorkBC Employment Services Centre supports, including workshops on resume writing, interview and work preparation
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Health supplement coverage for a full year after you leave income assistance for employment. This includes dental, optical and premium-free Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare programs
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Exemptions for bursaries, grants and scholarships when you are in an approved training program
Phone: 1-866-866-0800
Please visit website for more details.
Affordable Recreation for Community Health (ARCH)- Provided by the City of Kamloops
ARCH is a subsidy program that helps people access City facilities and programs. We understand the value of recreation for healthy living and want to help people in our community to reach their goals. We also understand that affordable transit is critical to allow people in need to access recreation opportunities. Applying for KamPASS, the City's affordable transit program, is done through the ARCH application.
Eligibility:
You must be a permanent resident of Kamloops and meet ONE (1) of the options below:
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Receive Income Assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR)
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Have an annual income that is below the Statistics Canada Low Income Guidelines (see Application Form for Low Income Guidelines)
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Receive a Canadian Pension or Long-term Disability that is below the Low Income Guidelines
Applications can be found online and must be taken to an approved ARCH facility for approval.
Canada Child Benefit
The Canada child benefit (CCB) is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.
For more information please visit the website
Address: 520 Seymour Street. Kamloops, BC. V2C 2G9
T: 1-800-622-6232