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

In the hush of a city that never truly sleeps, when the autumn chill bites through threadbare coats and the rain falls like a relentless curtain, there is a sacred summons. It whispers not from the warmth of hearth and home, but from the shadowed areas where the forgotten huddle. To step out on such nights—to carry sleeping bags , warm clothing, tents ,food and a word of hope wrapped in prayer—is to answer the heart of the Gospel. It is to embody the command of the Creator Hi

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

In the shadow of Vancouver Island’s picturesque beaches, where the salty air mingles with the scent of cedar forests, a quiet crisis unfolds each night. For dozens of women in the Parksville and Oceanside area—from Whiskey Creek to Qualicum Beach—their homes are not cozy apartments overlooking the Strait of Georgia, but the cramped confines of minivans, sedans, and SUVs. These women, often invisible to the tourists snapping photos of Rathtrevor Beach’s sands, navigate a daily

Your dedication to supporting homeless, impoverished, and marginalized individuals by contributing to emergency food packages, clothing,...

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...

In Parksville, where the skies turn gray, Raindrops fall in a mournful sway, Streets that sparkle with laughter and light, Hide the...

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

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...

As winter's chill sets in across Canada, cities are grappling with the profound issue of homelessness, particularly in harsh weather...

The tendency for some people to prioritize helping animals over aiding humans in need can be deeply rooted in a mix of emotional,...

As winter's chill settles over Parksville, a disturbing trend emerges that casts a shadow over our community’s commitment to compassion...

Bernie, a homeless senior living in the Oceanside area, who is living in Parksville, faces a multitude of horrors and fears on a daily...

Even if there was an Extreme Weather Shelter it would be Unavailable and seniors would be left out in the cold... Despite poor conditions...