Beacon Community Services in Victoria will be the first to launch a pilot program to help the “most vulnerable” people — those facing challenges such as unstable housing, mental-health problems and addictions — get into the workforce.
The province, in partnership with the federal government, will invest $4 million in Community-based Employment Services, which is also expected to launch next month in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Surrey, Prince George and Nanaimo.
“People say they feel better, and are better off, when they have a job and community connections, so we are reducing barriers for those who can work while continuing to support those who cannot,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, at Wednesday’s announcement in Victoria’s Fernwood neighbourhood.
“This new employment program, part of today’s new poverty reduction strategy, will support people getting back to work so they can build a better life.”
The program will offer tailored supports to help people stabilize and connect to services while working on volunteer projects or participating in training, so they’re ready for the workforce, the province said.
Research shows a direct relationship between people working and their overall health and well-being, whether they are housed or unhoused, dealing with substance-use issues, or not, said Tricia Gueulette, chief executive of Beacon Community Services.
“Our goal is to provide a safe place for people dealing with complex barriers to come and experience a sense of respect, dignity and community, while receiving community-based employment support.”
Melissa Hoffmann, a Sidney mother of three, said when she was struggling, she was offered access through Beacon Community Services to funded schooling, food and child care, which allowed her to become an early-childhood educator and “have a fresh start.”
Hoffman credited Beacon and WorkBC, a provincial program that provides a database of job postings along with help navigating the labour market, for her success.
“I humbly acknowledge the hard work I put in to make this happen, but without these programs, I would not be in the position I am today. These new services can help people with even more complex challenges.”
