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Thank you for your generosity and kindness, Patrick and Olivia!

Thank you Seaside Cruizers for your generous donation of $2000 to Manna! From left to right: Kevin Varey – President, Seaside Cruizers; Robin Campbell – President, Manna Homeless Society; David Field – Vice-President, Seaside Cruizers Photograph by Keith Reimer – Treasurer, Seaside Cruizers

The Manna Van is preparing to serve the needy and vulnerable in Oceanside thanks to a local school’s invitation to offer groceries to families supported through our shared lunch program. Manna is providing food for forty lunches a day to school students. Then once a month we’ve started offering groceries at a loonie an item to those in need in our community as a way of providing hope and help without judgment.

Penny and Lorne deliver donations from Craig Bay Estates. Many of Oceanside’s less fortunate will benefit greatly from the wide range of clothing thanks to this generous donation by residents from our local community.

David had been hit by a car. He needed a cane and he needed warm boots. This is the way Manna has Sunday morning church.

Layne Collinson, owner of Heart of Glass who makes these beautiful original glass stained glass ❤️ hearts, has raised close to $25,000.00 for the homeless over the last 5 years. Layne, who covers all the costs and donates all the proceeds to Manna Homeless Society, is a Blessing to the community.

Manna Homeless Society was providing essential survival items to help those in need during extreme weather conditions last night. The wide range of items we are distributing such as coats, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, shoes, socks, food energy, drinks, gloves, and hats are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals facing homelessness or exposure to harsh weather. Coats and warm clothing are important for keeping individuals protected from cold temperatures, while tents and sleeping bags offer shelter and a comfortable place to rest. Tarps can also provide additional protection from wind and rain. Shoes and socks are essential for maintaining foot health and preventing issues like trench foot. Providing food energy and drinks helps ensure individuals have the necessary nutrition and hydration to stay healthy. Gloves and hats are vital for protecting extremities like hands and ears in extremely cold conditions. By offering these items, Manna Homeless Society is not only meeting immediate needs but also showing care and support to those experiencing homelessness. Your efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of those who may otherwise be exposed to serious risks during extreme weather situations. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e -transfer to: mannaparksville@gmail.com Cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society Box 389 Errington BC VOR-1VO

Let’s break down the reasons people are homeless and why towns and cities may refuse to care for them: And offer a solution… Top 5 Reasons People Are Homeless: **Lack of Affordable Housing:** The shortage of affordable housing is a significant factor contributing to homelessness. High rental costs, low wages, and limited housing assistance programs can force individuals and families onto the streets. **Poverty:** Poverty is a root cause of homelessness. People living in poverty often lack the financial resources to maintain stable housing, access healthcare, or cover basic needs. **Mental Illness:** Mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression can lead to homelessness when individuals do not receive proper treatment and support. **Substance Abuse:** Drug and alcohol addiction can contribute to homelessness by impairing decision-making abilities, straining relationships with family and friends, and leading to job loss. **Domestic Violence:** Survivors of domestic violence may become homeless as they escape abusive situations and struggle to find safe and stable housing. Top 5 Reasons Towns and Cities Refuse to Care for the Homeless: **NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Syndrome:** Some communities resist homeless shelters or services due to fears of decreased property values, increased crime rates, or negative effects on local businesses. **Budget Constraints:** Towns and cities may cite limited financial resources as a reason for not providing adequate support for the homeless population. **Stigma and Discrimination:** Negative stereotypes and misconceptions about homelessness can lead to discrimination against homeless individuals, making it challenging to garner public support for homeless initiatives. **Lack of Coordination:** Inefficient coordination among government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations can hinder efforts to address homelessness comprehensively. **Political Will:** A lack of political will and leadership at the local level can result in inadequate policies and resources dedicated to homelessness prevention and intervention. A Solution to Shelter the Homeless in a Loving Way: To address homelessness compassionately and effectively, communities can implement the following strategies: **Housing First Approach:** Prioritize providing stable housing to homeless individuals without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. Housing stability is essential for individuals to address other challenges effectively. **Wraparound Services:** Offer comprehensive support services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, job training, and healthcare to address the underlying causes of homelessness and help individuals rebuild their lives. **Community Collaboration:** Foster partnerships between government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and community members to coordinate efforts, share resources, and maximize impact in addressing homelessness. **Education and Advocacy:** Raise awareness about the root causes of homelessness, combat stigma, and advocate for policies that prioritize affordable housing, healthcare access, and social services for vulnerable populations. **Empowerment and Dignity:** Treat homeless individuals with respect, dignity, and empathy. Involve them in decision-making processes, empower them to participate in their own recovery journey, and provide opportunities for social inclusion and community engagement. By adopting a holistic, human-centered approach that combines housing solutions with supportive services and community engagement, towns and cities can create a more compassionate and sustainable system to care for the homeless population. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

The issue of small cities experiencing a surge in unaffordable housing while lacking adequate water resources to sustain the community is a complex and pressing problem that requires urgent attention and innovative solutions. The confluence of these two challenges can have far-reaching consequences on the livability and sustainability of such small cities. Firstly, the increasing unaffordability of housing in small cities can be attributed to various factors such as rapid urbanization, limited housing supply, influx of wealthier residents, and speculative real estate practices. As a result, many long-time residents may find themselves priced out of their own communities, leading to social displacement and inequality. Meanwhile, the inadequate water infrastructure in these small cities exacerbates the situation by placing additional strain on already limited resources. Water scarcity can be caused by a combination of factors including population growth, climate change, aging infrastructure, and mismanagement of water resources. Without sufficient access to clean and reliable water, essential services like car washes, as well as basic human needs, can be compromised. In this scenario, the closure of car washes due to a lack of water serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues in small cities. It underscores the importance of proactive planning, sustainable development practices, and community engagement in addressing these challenges holistically. To address the issue of unaffordable housing and water scarcity in small cities, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This could include implementing affordable housing initiatives, promoting water conservation measures, investing in water infrastructure upgrades, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for policy changes at the local and regional levels. Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, non-profit organizations, and community members is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and the environment. By taking a proactive and inclusive approach to addressing these challenges, small cities can work towards creating more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities for current and future generations. In conclusion, the convergence of unaffordable housing and water scarcity in small cities presents a critical test of governance, planning, and resource management. By acknowledging the interconnected nature of these challenges and mobilizing collective action, small cities can strive towards a more sustainable and inclusive future where all residents have access to affordable housing, clean water, and thriving communities. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO