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As part of M&N's generous gift to the community, 60 mattresses will be given away to the less fortunate of Oceanside and surrounding area who are badly in need of a bed. If you qualify to apply, contact 250-248-8793. [ Poster content in text form below ] 🎉 Celebrating a Milestone – Giving Back to Our Community! 🎉 In honor of a very special 60th birthday, we’re proud to celebrate by giving back to the incredible community that has supported us over the years. 💙 $60,000 Giveaway 💙 We are donating 60 BC-made Queen Eurotop mattresses (valued at $1,000 each) to local residents in need across Parksville, Nanoose, Qualicum, and surrounding areas. Proof of residency may be required.  This is our way of saying thank you and helping those who need a little extra support. ✨ How to Be Considered / Get Involved: 1. Contact SOS: 250-248-2093 2. Follow: Give Ask Gratitude Oceanside (Facebook page) 3. Manna Homeless Society: 250-248-8793 4. Mount Aerosmith Salvation Army: 250-248-8793 5. Mattresses are also available for local fundraisers – see in-store for details Together, we can make a real difference. 💫 Thank you for being part of our journey! 📍Visit us today M&N Mattress & Sofa Gallery 291 Island Hwy E, Parksville (Pharmasave Plaza) Visit us today!

The MANNA Homeless Society stands as a vital beacon of compassion and practical support in the Oceanside region of Vancouver Island, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Errington, and surrounding communities. For over two decades, under dedicated leadership and volunteers, MANNA has tirelessly served individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, and marginalization—offering emergency food, clothing, hygiene supplies, temporary shelter provisions, bikes for transportation, and even mobile health and foot care through their Community Care Mobile. Their work fills critical gaps where systemic services often fall short, providing not just survival essentials but also preserving human dignity in tough times. One of the most heartfelt and impactful elements of MANNA’s outreach is their Saturday morning program. In an area where many support services pause on weekends, this gathering becomes a lifeline. Volunteers like Ronalda Welsh and Rod Morrison generously donate their time to serve up Rod’s hot dogs—a simple, warm, and incredibly well-received meal that brings smiles and immediate comfort to those who arrive hungry. These hot dogs are more than food; they’re a welcoming gesture that says, “You matter, and you’re not forgotten today.” Complementing this are the incredible bagged lunches prepared with care by local churches and volunteers. Each bag is thoughtfully packed to sustain people through the day and beyond: beautiful sandwiches made with love, fresh fruit, fruit juices, energy bars, and a wonderful variety of nourishing items. These aren’t rushed handouts—they’re crafted with intention, ensuring recipients have something substantial when other doors are closed. As people receive these provisions, they’re also invited to enjoy fresh fruit, hot coffee, and additional food items while sitting together on chairs, fostering a rare space for community and connection. This Saturday experience does far more than address physical hunger—it nourishes the soul and plants seeds of real transformation. For many living on the streets or in precarious situations, days can blur into a never-ending experience of isolation, exhaustion, and despair. Coming to MANNA on a Saturday offers a powerful antidote: a place where individuals are seen, welcomed without judgment, and treated with genuine kindness. Sitting in community, sharing a hot meal and conversation, reminds people of their inherent value. It counters the dehumanizing effects of homelessness by affirming, “You belong here. You are worthy of care.” In this way, MANNA’s outreach plays a profound role in changing lives. A warm hot dog and a lovingly prepared bag lunch can ease immediate pressure, freeing up mental and emotional energy that might otherwise be consumed by survival stress. More importantly, the consistent showing up—week after week—builds trust and hope. People begin to feel valued and loved, often for the first time in a long while. That spark of dignity can ignite motivation: someone might take a small step toward health support through the mobile clinic, accept a bike to seek work or services, or simply find the strength to keep going another day. Over time, these moments of connection accumulate, helping to break cycles of isolation and despair while strengthening the broader community fabric. By demonstrating love in such tangible, respectful ways—through shared food, attentive listening, and practical help—MANNA models a powerful truth: compassion creates ripples. It reduces the strain on emergency services, encourages volunteerism and church involvement, and reminds everyone in Oceanside that we are all interconnected. When vulnerable neighbours are loved and supported, the whole community becomes healthier, safer, and more humane. If this important work resonates with you, please consider supporting the MANNA Homeless Society. Your contribution—whether financial, in-kind donations of food, clothing, or outdoor gear, or even your time—directly amplifies these life-affirming programs. To donate: •  E-transfer: Mannaparksville@gmail.com •  Cheque: Manna Homeless Society, Box 389, Errington BC, V0R 1V0 Every gift helps sustain Saturday mornings and the many other daily acts of kindness that bring hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with MANNA in showing that love expressed through action truly has the power to transform lives and communities.

Manna Homeless Society in the Parksville-Oceanside area of British Columbia. Jerrold Paetkau, the dedicated community chaplain and operations manager, plays a key role in supporting vulnerable people. These stories draw from the real impact of providing repaired bikes for transportation—helping with jobs, medical appointments, shopping, independence, and rebuilding confidence—while weaving in the broader compassionate work of Manna, including mobile foot care, food support, and spiritual encouragement, clothing, shelter, sleeping bags and tarps. 1. From Isolation to Employment: Mark’s Story Mark had been sleeping rough in the Oceanside area for months after losing his job and housing. Walking everywhere limited him to nearby spots, and missing medical appointments for his chronic condition left him feeling defeated. When Jerrold connected with him during a chaplaincy visit and learned of his situation, Manna provided a refurbished bike tailored to his needs. Within weeks, Mark started commuting to a part-time job at a local warehouse. The freedom to travel farther meant reliable attendance, and he could shop for groceries without relying on overburdened friends. “That bike gave me my legs back—and my dignity,” Mark shared. Over time, steady income helped him secure stable housing. The program didn’t just hand over wheels; it restored momentum to a life stalled by circumstance, enriching his confidence and opening doors in the Parksville community. 2. Reclaiming Health and Independence: Sarah’s Journey Sarah, a single mother at risk of homelessness, struggled with medical situations that required frequent trips to clinics in Qualicum Beach or Parksville. Relying on infrequent buses or long walks exhausted her, especially while managing her children’s needs and her own recovery. Through Manna’s consistent outreach, Jerrold helped facilitate a bike donation, which volunteers repaired and fitted with a basket for essentials. Suddenly, Sarah could attend appointments on her schedule, pick up prescriptions without stress, and even do weekly shopping independently. The physical activity improved her mental health, while the reliability reduced anxiety. “I feel like a person again, not just someone surviving,” she said. This small but powerful tool, combined with Manna’s mobile medical care and food packages, created a ripple effect—strengthening family stability and modelling resilience for her kids in the Oceanside area. 3. Building Confidence Through Mobility: David’s Turnaround David, who had faced years on the streets, described himself as “stuck in survival mode.” Without reliable transportation, job interviews, training programs, and even basic errands felt impossible. The overwhelming sense of limitation eroded his self-worth. Jerrold, known for his compassionate street-level ministry, listened to David’s story and arranged for a sturdy bike through Manna’s program. As David pedalled to his first work shift and later to training, something shifted. He began arriving on time, interacting with coworkers, and feeling capable. “The bike wasn’t just metal—it was proof I could move forward,” he reflected. Months later, David secured full-time work, and his life changed. David’s testimony reveals how countless lives can be quietly transformed by turning donated bikes into pathways of self-reliance and renewed purpose. 4. Everyday Freedom for Medical and Daily Needs: Lisa’s Experience Living with a medical condition that required regular check-ups and medication pickups, Lisa found the distances in the Oceanside area (from Errington to Parksville and beyond) overwhelming on foot. Public transit gaps and fatigue made consistency difficult, deepening her isolation. Manna stepped in after Jerrold’s team connected with her during mobile distribution. A donated bike, fixed up with lights and a secure lock, changed her routine. She could now reach healthcare appointments without missing them, shop for nutritious food to support her recovery, and even visit community resources. This independence reduced stress and improved her overall well-being. “It’s like someone handed me back control of my days,” Lisa noted. Integrated with Manna’s volunteer nurses and chaplaincy support, the bike became part of a holistic web of care that has enriched health outcomes and community connections for Lisa. 5. A Wave of Transformation: The Broader Impact in Oceanside Over the years, Manna’s bike program—fuelled by community donations and volunteer repairs—has created an overwhelming positive shift in the Parksville-Oceanside area. One recipient, a formerly at-risk individual named Alex, summed it up: “I went from feeling trapped to feeling like I belonged again.” Bikes have enabled people to pursue employment, attend medical situations reliably, handle shopping and errands, and simply experience the freedom of movement in a sprawling coastal region. Jerrold’s chaplaincy often pairs these practical gifts with encouragement and hope, and ensures the program runs consistently, 365 days a year, alongside food, clothing, and mobile healthcare delivery. What started as providing a simple mode of transportation has grown into nurturing confidence, fostering self-sufficiency, and strengthening a social connection for the new owners of these bikes. Countless stories echo the same theme: a bike isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a catalyst for reclaiming life, one pedal at a time. The program’s success has been profound, touching individuals and families while inspiring more donations and volunteer involvement in this tight-knit Vancouver Island community. These narratives highlight the real, tangible difference made by Manna Homeless Society’s efforts. If you would like to support the ongoing bike program , such as donating an adult bike or a youth bike , please let us know by calling 1-250-248-0845 or emailing Oceansmanna@gmail.com If you are interested in making a donation for the other work that Manna does, e-transfers can be made to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society PO Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

This winter, the Manna Homeless Society in Parksville has placed a number of men and women into donated trailers, offering them a safe, dry haven amid Vancouver Island’s relentless rains. For those who had endured weeks of being soaked and freezing while rough sleeping or living in tents, the simple gift of shelter has been life-changing. Many arrived wet, cold, and hopeless, their health declining from exposure. Now, with a warm, protected space, they sleep soundly, regain strength, and begin rebuilding. Lives once marked by daily survival struggles have transformed into stories of renewed dignity and possibility. Men and women speak of fresh hope, better health, and the inspiring knowledge that someone cares deeply. This practical act of love has proven profoundly successful, with participants reporting forever-changed outlooks and motivation to move forward. The impact ripples through the Parksville and Oceanside community. Fewer people suffer visibly on the streets, fostering greater compassion and reducing the strain on emergency services. Neighbors witness the power of grassroots kindness, inspiring more involvement and unity. Manna’s trailer initiative demonstrates that targeted, heartfelt support can dramatically enhance lives. This form of love is priceless—turning despair into dignity and isolation into belonging. In a region where winter rains test the vulnerable, Manna has shown what real change looks like. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society 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

Water Warnings Ignored While Housing Booms For over a decade, the Englishman River and our aquifers have shown clear signs of strain—declining groundwater, shrinking snowpack, and recurring droughts. Yet Parksville council continues approving new housing developments, adding hundreds of unaffordable units and drawing more residents to an area already at its limit. Every year, the same pattern unfolds. Spring begins with Level 1 watering restrictions, escalating through the dry summer to Level 3 or full Stage 4 bans on all outdoor water use. We’ve reached Stage 4 four times in the last five years. Residents conserve, businesses suffer, and visitors see brown lawns—yet city hall’s priority remains growth at all costs. Meanwhile, the aggressive push for new housing has driven rents and home prices sharply higher while wages stagnate. The result is visible on our streets: more families and seniors living in their cars. The latest point-in-time count recorded 94 people experiencing homelessness in the Parksville-Qualicum area, most of them unsheltered. Manna Homeless Society has noted a clear increase in vehicle-dwellers, bringing parking complaints, sanitation issues, and safety concerns that officials too often downplay. Recently, Manna was forced to stop providing weekly assistance from vehicles at the Salvation Army after just two hours because the gathering created problems, with no alternative solution offered by the city. This lack of support is shameful. Real leadership would protect every resident—families in homes, seniors on fixed incomes, and those living in vehicles. It would prioritize water storage, aquifer protection, and infrastructure upgrades before approving thousands more water users. It would focus on attainable housing rather than luxury units alone. Without reliable water, even beautiful Parksville becomes unattractive for both living and investment. Our leaders owe the community better. It’s time they chose sustainability over unchecked growth and compassion over denial. Our future depends on it. Lately, Manna Homeless Society has been driven to the outskirts of the city across the tracks past Buckerfields on Saturday mornings from 10am till Noon. Great numbers of people still come and gather even though it’s very difficult for them to get there. What a stain on the city of Parksville. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society 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

Five years ago, Manna Homeless Society could comfortably distribute essential survival items—food, clothing, warm blankets, foot care supplies, and temporary shelter support—on the grounds of the Salvation Army Mt. Arrowsmith Church in Parksville. Our weekly two-hour outreach served a manageable number of people in need, with minimal disruption to the surrounding community. Today, the situation is unrecognizable. Homelessness in the Oceanside region has surged, with the 2025 point-in-time count identifying 94 individuals experiencing homelessness in Parksville and Qualicum Beach alone—an alarming increase that reflects broader trends across Vancouver Island. More people are living in vehicles, tents, or on the streets, many hidden from view yet desperately struggling with poverty, mental health challenges, and addiction. This growth of people living in cars has overwhelmed our former location. Businesses lost parking spaces, foot traffic spilled onto roadways, and safety concerns mounted for everyone involved. We are deeply grateful to those neighbours and businesses who tolerated the disruption for as long as they did. Yet, shame on the City of Parksville for its heartbreaking inaction. Despite repeated pleas, the council has failed to provide even a small, safe parcel of land for our modest weekly outreach. Just days ago, on February 11, 2026, we were forced to vacate the Salvation Army property, leaving us to deliver vital services “on the road” without a stable base. There remains no permanent winter shelter in Oceanside, no designated space for basic aid, and no meaningful leadership to address this crisis. The consequences are already unfolding: rising deaths among the unhoused, strained emergency services, and a community divided by neglect. Turning their backs on the most vulnerable is beyond belief. Parksville deserves better—from its leaders and from all of us. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society

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. Y et 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

Manna Homeless Society is taking a proactive, community-rooted approach to address systemic shortfalls and protect Oceanside’s vulnerable residents—including seniors and families—during extreme temperatures. Manna is working to secure land to develop a stable site that features insulated tiny homes, community gardens, support services, and dignity-focused housing—aimed at ending the cycle of nightly survival and reactive aid. The current situation for people 'rough sleeping' (sleeping outdoors in places like parks, on benches or in makeshift shelters) or living in vehicles is deeply troubling and highlights a painful gap in how emergency responses address vulnerability during the cold weather of Vancouver Island's shoulder seasons. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), which oversees much of the Parksville-Qualicum Beach-Errington area, follows criteria aligned with BC’s Assistance to Shelter Act and provincial guidelines for activating extreme cold weather warming centres. These typically trigger only when: Environment Canada forecasts a low of -4°C or below for the next 24-hour period Current temperatures are -4°C or lower, or A forecast low of 0°C or below coincides with an active weather warning In the case of tonight’s forecast (February 23 into 24, 2026), lows are expected around +3°C accompanied by cloudy skies, showers/drizzle, and winds that may create a wind chill, making it feel colder and more penetrating—especially for those without adequate shelter, dry clothing, or protection from dampness. This damp, windy chill increases risks of hypothermia, exacerbated respiratory problems, and frostnip/frostbite on extremities, even though temperatures don't reach the official “extreme” threshold. As a result, no warming centres (like the one at Oceanside Community Church) will automatically open tonight due to current conditions and policy, which only take effect at -4°C. Advocates in the Oceanside region (including groups like the Oceanside Homelessness Task Force) have repeatedly called for more flexible or lower thresholds—such as opening at 0°C regardless of warnings, or establishing year-round/low-barrier options—to prevent suffering and potential deaths during these borderline cold, wet snaps. To compound this issue, there is a shortage of permanent overnight shelter beds in the area, forcing reliance on temporary, weather-triggered options that don’t always align with real human needs. The Manna Homeless Society is actively seeking donations (including trailers/RVs for immediate winter relief) and partnerships to make its vision of a safe haven real, especially amid rising numbers of unhoused folks (around 90+ in recent counts). If this message resonates and you’re in a position to help, we welcome all forms of support, including: Cheques: Payable to “Manna” and mail to Box 389, Errington, BC V0R 1V0 E-transfers: To MannaParksville@gmail.com (quick and secure) Sharing this message Volunteering time/skills Advocating locally (e.g., to municipal councils or BC Housing) In solidarity, even small contributions can lead to land acquisition and long-term stability for Oceanside's most vulnerable. It’s unacceptable that arbitrary cutoffs leave people exposed when warmth could save lives and preserve hope. Thank you for shining a light on this and for any support you or others can provide. If there’s more I can help clarify (like current weather details or related resources), just let me know. Stay warm out there. Robin Campbell MANNA Homeless Society

For more than two decades, Manna Homeless Society has stood as a beacon of hope in Parksville, British Columbia. Day in and day out—365 days a year—our dedicated volunteers have provided essential support to those experiencing homelessness or people at risk . Whether distributing emergency food packages, clothing, hygiene supplies, rain gear, or life-saving medical care through our mobile clinic, we have been there for every emergency, every storm, and every person living in vehicles, rundown shacks, tents, or on the streets. Despite this unwavering commitment, the City of Parksville has offered nothing in return. No piece of land for safe operations. No weather shelter. No extreme weather refuge. Even after we were recently asked to vacate the Salvation Army Mt. Arrowsmith Church parking lot, city hall remains silent. Meanwhile, the hidden homeless crisis grows exponentially. The 2025 Point-in-Time count recorded 94 people experiencing homelessness in the Parksville/Qualicum area—most unsheltered—yet advocates know the true numbers are higher as families and individuals crowd into cars and inadequate housing rather than secure apartments. It is time for change. After years of waiting and saving with  some additional help we can purchase our own piece of land. Please help us……This dedicated space will become a secure hub where volunteers can operate without fear, efficiently distribute necessities, expand services, and offer dignity and safety to those who need it most. We cannot do this alone. We urgently seek partners—individuals, businesses, organizations, and compassionate neighbours—who believe in a better Parksville. Your financial contributions, expertise, land leads, in-kind donations, or volunteer hours will accelerate this dream into reality. Every gift brings us closer to a permanent solution that serves our entire community. Imagine the difference: instead of resources spent only on keeping private yards tidy, we invest in the whole city’s well-being. This project will demonstrate genuine civic pride, showing City Hall and the world that Parksville is a community defined by love, compassion, and empathy like never before. It will lift the spirit of our town and prove we care for every resident. Let’s build this team as fast as we can. Together we can create lasting change.  Partner with Manna Homeless Society today.  Contact Robin Campbell at oceansidemanna@gmail.com or 250-248-0845, or visit mannahomelesssociety.com

By Robin Campbell, Manna Homeless Society In Parksville—our postcard-pretty coastal haven—a full-blown humanitarian crisis rages on, and city hall does nothing about it. The number of desperate souls crammed into vehicles has exploded, with recent counts showing around 90 unsheltered people and many more living in their cars in the Parksville-Qualicum area (mostly sleeping rough or in cars), scraping by in hunger, freezing rain, and misery. Yet these officials bury their heads in the sand, flat-out refusing to partner with groups like Manna Homeless Society to provide even basic help. Picture the preventable horror: untreated trench foot turning septic, landing people in ERs or worse—when a simple mobile foot-care nurse could stop that nightmare. Without safe spots to distribute food, coats, blankets, and survival gear, these people wander the streets, begging, disturbing shopkeepers, spiking tensions and carrying out petty crime. What is wrong with Parksville? Allocate one small patch of land for a few supervised hours a week! Let volunteers hand out dignity without fear. Families in rusting cars could eat in peace, loitering would drop, and emergency calls would plummet. Look at Nanaimo and Victoria: their pop-up hubs work well—no vandalism, no chaos, just stabilized lives, safer streets, and human decency restored. Success is proven, inexpensive, and right in front of you. But Parksville chooses willful blindness. Is it apathy, prejudice, or fear of “enabling” poverty? This refusal isn’t just morally wrong—it’s reckless, inviting lawsuits for neglecting vulnerable residents amid rising vehicle homelessness. Denying even minimal aid spots is unconscionable, cruel, and cowardly. Parksville, wake up. Embrace compassion, stop the disaster you’re courting, and join models that save lives. Or own your legacy: a shining tourist trap built on the backs of the forgotten, drowning in shame. For context on the claims (based on recent public data as of early 2026): • The most recent Point-in-Time (PiT) homeless count for Parksville/Qualicum (conducted April 29, 2025, and released later) identified 94 people experiencing homelessness in the area, down slightly from 103 in 2023. The vast majority (90 out of 94) were unsheltered, which doesn’t include sleeping outside, in vehicles, or in temporary situations like couch surfing. • Manna Homeless Society has reported that the number of “hidden homeless” (including those in vehicles) feels higher in outreach, with estimates of 60 people living in cars/vans in the region, often preferring that over other options to maintain dignity. • There is no permanent overnight shelter in Oceanside (Parksville/Qualicum area), and efforts like safe parking proposals have faced resistance (e.g., the mayor calling it a non-starter in some reports). Manna has faced challenges, including being asked to vacate a Salvation Army parking lot site in February 2026 due to complaints. • Nearby areas like Nanaimo and Victoria have implemented various pop-up or supported sites with reported positive outcomes for stabilization. This issue remains contentious locally, with advocates pushing for more action amid high housing costs and living expenses. We need your support and assistance to motivate people in positions of power who are able to see this dream come true. 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

In the heart of Oceanside, British Columbia, where the beauty of Vancouver Island meets the harsh reality of growing poverty, one organization has steadfastly shouldered the burden of caring for the homeless and at-risk: Manna Homeless Society. For years, Manna has provided emergency food, clothing, hygiene supplies, temporary shelter, mobile foot care, and compassionate outreach to those forgotten by society—individuals, families, and seniors teetering on the edge of despair. Volunteers pour their hearts into this work, often at great personal cost, filling gaps that no one else will touch. Yet, not once—not a single time—has anyone from Parksville City Hall bothered to visit Manna’s operations, witness the overwhelming load its volunteers carry, or extend a genuine offer of support. No city official has looked at the exhausted faces of those volunteers handing out food in the cold, distributing sleeping bags to people sleeping in cars, or bandaging the feet of the walking wounded, and said: “You are doing incredible work for our community’s most vulnerable. How can we help? Let us provide a safe piece of land where you can operate without fear of eviction, where you can expand your services to better aid our poor and at-risk citizens.” Instead, silence. Indifference. And worse: active obstruction. History bears this out. In 2018, the City of Parksville issued a cease-and-desist order to Manna, forcing the society to stop using city-owned land for its mobile clinic and outreach—land that had become a lifeline for the homeless. Complaints about “mess” trumped the needs of human beings in crisis. Relations were briefly “mended” on paper, but the pattern persists: withdrawn liaisons to homelessness task forces, votes against meaningful collaboration, and a refusal to designate safe spaces like parking lots for those living in vehicles. This is not mere bureaucratic oversight. This is cowardice. City Hall hides behind policies and complaints from residents who “are fed up,” while ignoring the moral imperative to protect the least among us. When leadership turns its back on the suffering right in its own streets—people selling their dignity to survive the cold, hidden homeless growing in numbers, mental health and addiction crises unchecked—it exposes a profound failure. But this goes deeper than politics. This is a spiritual war. By refusing to support those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the stranger, Parksville City Hall stands in direct opposition to the Creator’s will. Scripture is clear: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Everything Manna does aligns with this divine command—acts of mercy, love, and justice. Yet City Hall’s actions (and inactions) defy it, prioritizing comfort and appearances over compassion. How long will this shame continue? How many more must suffer before leadership awakens to its responsibility? Manna Homeless Society will not stop serving, because we cannot turn away from those in need. But Parksville deserves better from its elected officials. The community deserves leaders who partner with frontline warriors like Manna, not abandon them. It’s time for change. It’s time for courage. It’s time to choose humanity over indifference. Robin Campbell Founder and Director, Manna Homeless Society Parksville, British Columbia

Dear Friends, Community Leaders, Businesses, and Potential Partners in Oceanside, I write to you today with a heavy heart, but also with a spark of unbreakable hope—one that I believe we can fan into a bright flame together. Last winter, I met Tom on a bench near the Parksville waterfront. He was once a skilled tradesman who raised a family here, paid his taxes, and coached minor hockey. A job loss, mounting medical bills, and a string of bad luck left him sleeping in his truck, then under bridges, then nowhere at all. The cold bit deep, hunger gnawed constantly, and the isolation—the quiet shame of feeling invisible in the community he loved—nearly broke him. Tom is not alone. In Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and across the Oceanside region, too many of our neighbours—veterans, seniors, families, young people starting out—face the same crushing reality of homelessness or the constant fear of losing their homes. It tears at the fabric of our community, leaving empty storefronts, strained services, and a shared sense of helplessness. Yet there is hope. Real, proven hope. Manna Homeless Society has served the most vulnerable in Oceanside for years. We know these individuals by name, understand the complex challenges they face—addiction, mental health struggles, trauma, economic hardship—and we know how to help with compassion, respect, and practical support. We have built trust, delivered meals, provided emergency aid, and walked alongside people as they rebuild their lives. But we also know that true, lasting change requires more than temporary fixes. It requires a place to call home, meaningful work, and a supportive community. That is why Manna is working tirelessly to acquire land in the coming years—a peaceful piece of property where we can create a transformative community for those experiencing homelessness or at risk. Picture this: small, dignified trailers providing safe, private homes; gardens and fields where residents grow fresh food for themselves and the community; meaningful jobs tending the land, maintaining the property, and contributing to shared meals and markets. This is not just housing—it is healing. It is purpose. It is dignity restored. We have already saved funds toward this goal, but it is not enough yet. We need partners—public-spirited individuals, businesses, faith groups, foundations, and local governments—who share our vision to make this dream a reality for Oceanside. This model works. It has transformed lives elsewhere, and it can do the same here. In Austin, Texas, Community First! Village spans 51 acres and provides permanent homes in tiny houses and RVs for hundreds of formerly chronically homeless neighbours. Residents tend community gardens, work in on-site micro-enterprises, create art, and support one another. Once isolated and struggling, many now thrive with stability, friendships, and pride in their contributions. The village has become a national model, proving that land-based, community-focused housing ends cycles of homelessness while building stronger neighbourhoods. Closer to home, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the 12 Neighbours community—built through private and community investment—offers tiny homes that restore hope and dignity to people who once had nowhere to go. Residents describe it as the first place they have felt truly seen and valued. And programs like the Homeless Garden Project in California show the power of farming: participants experiencing homelessness gain paid training, grow organic food, and find purpose and healing through meaningful work on the land—skills that lead to lasting employment and self-sufficiency. These examples are not distant dreams—they are proven realities. With the right land and the right partnerships, Oceanside can create something even better: a community tailored to our region’s needs, producing local food, offering jobs, reducing strain on emergency services, and giving people like Tom a real path forward. Imagine the impact: fewer people on our streets, safer parks and downtowns, fresh produce supporting local food security, and formerly homeless neighbours becoming contributing members of our community again. Parksville and Qualicum Beach would lead the way in compassionate, effective care—one that lifts everyone. Manna Homeless Society is ready. We are established, respected, and deeply knowledgeable about what works here. We just need that piece of land—and your partnership to get there. Will you join us? Whether through financial support, land contributions, in-kind services, grants, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can change lives. Together, we can turn sadness into strength and build a brighter future for all of Oceanside. Please reach out to me at Manna Homeless Society to learn more or discuss how we can partner. Let’s make this hope a reality—together. With gratitude and optimism, Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Parksville, British Columbia