An Assault on the Homeless

In the shadow of Parksville’s serene coastal beauty, a silent war rages—not against crime or chaos, but against compassion itself. For 20 years, the Manna Homeless Society has been a lifeline for the vulnerable, battling an epidemic of homelessness that has exploded in the last five. More women, seniors, and mothers with children now wander the streets, their lives shattered by economic despair. We’ve watched families fracture, elders endure the elements, and kids go hungry. Our response? Scaling up: distributing far more food than ever, providing remarkable foot care to heal blistered soles, and running a bicycle program that empowers mobility. We’ve handed out clothing, tents, trailers, sleeping bags—essentials for survival in a world that turns its back.

But cruelty has a new face. Instead of wisdom from those in charge—offering a safe patch of land for just two hours, twice a week—authorities chose eviction. Kicking us off streets under the guise of easing traffic flow, they ignited chaos. Volunteers, including myself, felt deflated; I quit Manna for 24 hours, overwhelmed by disbelief. Board members teetered on resignation. Then came the police: three cars surrounding us on private property, ordering us to scatter like criminals. It was cold; people were finally getting supplies to survive—warm clothes, medical aid, food. Now, we sneak through the city, hoping the desperate can find us, doling out vital needs from vehicles while praying we won’t be run off again.

The suffering is unimaginable, an attack on the poor that defies reason. Without our services, the unhoused steal to eat, skip medical checkups, sell their bodies for shelter, or simply give up. Just days ago, we found a man freezing in a ditch, saved only by a woman lying atop him to share her warmth—he’d have died otherwise. Over 90 souls walk the streets and who knows how many are living in cars. Yet Parksville’s leaders offer nothing: no land, no all-weather shelters, no warming stations. This isn’t oversight; it’s deliberate cruelty from those who know better. Fixing it? So easy—a moment’s decision could provide a safe space for us to help, keeping volunteers secure and the community safer.

We’ve become the “bad guys” for caring, yet we won’t quit. We’ll drive the streets until our vehicles are seized or we’re jailed, fighting this dehumanizing game. But we need you: partners to purchase land where Manna can operate safely, serving Parksville and beyond. This could end the suffering, but leaders choose death and despair over mercy. Pray for them; pray for change.

Monetary donations can be made by e-transfer to:

MannaParksville@gmail.com

Or cheques can be sent to:

Manna Homeless Society

PO Box 389

Errington BC VOR 1VO