In the picturesque communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, a persistent homelessness crisis is tarnishing the region’s reputation as a retiree’s paradise. Despite a recent point-in-time count showing 94 individuals experiencing homelessness—a slight decline from previous years—the lack of an overnight shelter leaves vulnerable residents exposed to harsh winters. Mayor Doug O’Brien of Parksville and Mayor Teunis Westbroek of Qualicum Beach, along with

Raquel’s Outreach Ambulance Brings Healing to Oceanside's Streets… Where the homeless population faces daily battles with health and hardship, Raquel, a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and footcare specialist, is bringing accessible care from the back of an ambulance. Operating as a mobile outreach unit, this innovative service targets vulnerable individuals, providing essential foot care and basic health support without the barriers of traditional clinics. “It’s abo

On Vancouver Island, where winters are defined by relentless rain, high humidity, and bone-chilling dampness, the system for opening extreme weather shelters is fundamentally flawed. Today’s conditions in Parksville exemplify this: temperatures hover around 6°C, but with 100% humidity and winds making it feel like 0.5°C, outdoor survival is unbearable for the unhoused. Yet, shelters remain closed because government thresholds prioritize freezing temperatures over the real dan

Dear Mayors and Councils of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, Last week in Qualicum Beach, as documented with the gas station at the top of the hill and with the RCMP, we at Manna Homeless Society encountered a senior citizen stripped of hope and clothes, disrobing in the intersection as despair overtook him. He’d heard of a shelter in Qualicum but found none. And although the gas station called the police, it was we at Manna who talked him down, offered love, clothed him, fed h

In the depths of winter, the sight of a makeshift tent huddled against the cold wall of a building serves as a stark reminder of societal failures. This image encapsulates the raw cruelty of homelessness, where vulnerable individuals endure freezing temperatures, exposed to the elements with little more than thin fabric for protection. Reports highlight how such encampments, often pushed to urban peripheries or against structures for minimal shelter, reflect a broader crisis

By a Concerned Oceanside Resident In the picturesque coastal community of Parksville on Vancouver Island — known for its sandy beaches, retiree-friendly vibe, and quaint downtown — a dark underbelly festers unchecked as winter grips the region. While tourists flock here in summer for Rathtrevor Beach sunsets, a growing number of locals face nights of unimaginable desperation. With no permanent overnight shelter and extreme weather protocols that activate only in the most dire

Golden sandy beaches stretching for miles under a mild Vancouver Island sun. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park alive with families building sandcastles in summer, eagles soaring overhead, and the distant call of waves crashing against the shore. Parksville, British Columbia – population just over 13,000 – is routinely ranked among Canada’s most beautiful small cities. Retirees flock here for the quiet charm, the world-famous sandcastle competitions, the pristine parks, and the

Dear Friends, Neighbours, and Kind-Hearted Supporters, At the Manna Homeless Society, we’ve witnessed the raw resilience of our community firsthand. Since 2011, we’ve been a beacon of hope in the Oceanside area of British Columbia, delivering emergency food packages, warm clothing, hygiene essentials, bikes for getting to work or shelter, and survival packs to those facing the unimaginable—homelessness, poverty, and the constant threat of exposure to the elements. But this wi

As the dark clouds gather and the first heavy rains begin to fall, our hearts break a little more each night. Here at Manna Homeless Society, we’ve been out on the streets of our city, side by side with those who call the sidewalks and underpasses home. These are our neighbours—fathers, mothers, veterans, and youth—who face the unrelenting downpour with nothing but thin layers and weary spirits. Without proper shelter, they’re soaked to the bone, shivering through endless nig

Without a weather shelter in Oceanside, the less fortunate are doing their best to manage.

As the chill of winter approaches on Vancouver Island, the conversation around supporting our most vulnerable residents—particularly those experiencing poverty and homelessness—has taken center stage. Victoria’s Mayor Marianne Alto has issued a passionate plea to municipalities across the region, urging each community to take responsibility for its own citizens by establishing winter shelters and warming stations. This call, rooted in the recognition that homelessness is a sh

The human cost is undeniable. Without adequate shelter, exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. As one advocate noted in a recent discussion, “People could die” without timely interventions.  Stories from the community echo this fear: residents of temporary motels and shelters worry about being thrust back onto the streets when programs end, as seen in past closures that left people scrambling. On social media, voices from Vancouv

As the leaves turn golden and families in Parksville and Qualicum gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Manna Homeless Society invites...

As the crisp autumn air gives way to the relentless chill of Vancouver Island winters, the community of Parksville & Qualicum Beach face...

Dear Friends,   As fall settles in, the nights in Oceanside and Parksville grow colder, bringing harsh realities for the homeless and...

To Whom It May Concern, I write to you with a heavy heart, compelled to expose the humanitarian and spiritual catastrophe unraveling in...

This winter, Parksville faced a critical challenge due to lack of an adequate weather shelter for our vulnerable residents. Manna...

Those without shelter are outside trying to survive sub-zero temperatures. It seems inconceivable that alternatives can't be found by the...

As a resident of Vancouver Island, I feel compelled to address a pressing issue that threatens the fabric of our community—the...

When a community like Parksville turns its back on the poor by failing to provide essential services such as warming stations and...