Poverty Relief

What the program does

• Regular food hampers with fresh and non-perishable items, respecting dietary and religious requirements.
• Household and hygiene essentials, infant supplies and seasonal clothing such as winter coats.
• Information about other community services and benefits for which households may qualify.

Intended beneficiaries

Individuals and families within the program’s service area who are experiencing financial hardship.

Eligibility

• Household income at or below a published threshold based on a recognized Canadian low-income measure, adjusted for household size.
• Residence within the program’s service area (to be published at launch).
• Assistance is based on need, without regard to religion, ethnicity or background.

How participants are selected

• A short, private needs-assessment conversation with trained staff or volunteers.
• Self-declaration of income and household size, with reasonable verification where required by policy.
• Priority to households facing the greatest need where resources are limited.

Assistance that may be provided

• Food hampers at set intervals (frequency published at launch).
• Essentials and clothing as available.

Applications & referrals

• Enquiries through the Get Help page.
• Referrals from social service agencies, schools, healthcare providers and faith communities.

Delivery method

• Distribution from an approved site by appointment to protect privacy and dignity; a client-choice model where feasible.

Oversight

• Written intake and eligibility procedures approved by the board.
• Food safety practices and inventory records.
• Confidential client records under the Privacy Policy.

Expected outcomes

• Improved food security for eligible households.
• Reduced household financial strain.

How results will be measured

• Households and individuals served.
• Hampers and items distributed.
• Client feedback on dignity and adequacy of support.

What the program does

• One-time help with urgent necessities such as food, essential household items or basic clothing after a fire, flood or sudden loss of income.
• Where appropriate, payment made directly to a supplier (for example, a utility or pharmacy) rather than cash.
• Referral to longer-term supports.

Intended beneficiaries

Individuals and families facing a documented emergency that has created immediate financial hardship.

Eligibility

• A sudden, verifiable emergency affecting basic needs.
• Demonstrated financial hardship and no immediate alternative source of support.
• Limits on frequency and amount set out in the program policy.

How participants are selected

• Case review by two authorized reviewers.
• Decisions documented against published criteria.

Assistance that may be provided

• Essential goods or supplier payments up to a published maximum.

Applications & referrals

• Get Help form or agency referral. The program is not an emergency service — call 911 in an emergency.

Delivery method

• Case-by-case, with confidentiality protected.

Oversight

• Dual authorization for all disbursements.
• Quarterly reporting to the board.

Expected outcomes

• Stabilization of households during crisis.

How results will be measured

• Cases assisted.
• Time from request to decision.
• Follow-up on stabilization.

What the program does

• Essential household starter kits for newly arrived households in financial need.
• Orientation workshops on topics such as banking, housing rights and responsibilities, and navigating public services.
• Information and referrals to established settlement agencies.

Intended beneficiaries

Newcomers and refugees who have recently arrived in Canada and are experiencing financial hardship.

Eligibility

• Recent arrival in Canada (definition published at launch).
• Financial hardship assessed using the same needs criteria as other relief programs.
• The Foundation does not request immigration documents through this website.

How participants are selected

• Private needs-assessment conversation; agency referrals welcomed.

Assistance that may be provided

• Household essentials.
• Free orientation workshops.
• Referrals.

Applications & referrals

• Get Help form or referral from a settlement agency or sponsor group.

Delivery method

• Delivered directly and, where helpful, in cooperation with qualified settlement organizations under written arrangements.

Oversight

• Board-approved intake procedure; strict confidentiality.

Expected outcomes

• Newcomer households meet basic needs and gain practical knowledge for settlement.

How results will be measured

• Households assisted.
• Workshop attendance and evaluations.