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Dear Friends,   As fall settles in, the nights in Oceanside and Parksville grow colder, bringing harsh realities for the homeless and at-risk individuals in our communities. The arrival of coughs, colds, and flu underscores the urgent need for shelters and warming stations, which remain absent. People are left to face the elements, with damp clothing and inadequate shelter making the cold even more unbearable. It’s heartbreaking and unnecessary, especially when empty buildings sit unused, and leadership lacks the will to act. At Manna Homeless Society, we see the toll this takes—seniors living in cars, makeshift shelters, or on the streets, with no clear reason why society allows this neglect. As economic challenges loom, both globally and locally, the lack of preparation is glaring. Unrest grows when basic needs go unmet, and change is needed—leaders who see the reality and are willing to act. Until then, Manna Homeless Society remains committed to providing foot care, food, tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and clothing bicycles, and sometimes donated trailers and motorhomes to those in need. We brace for a tough winter and ask for your continued support to help those without shelter. Your donations make a difference. E-transfer donations: MannaParksville@gmail.com   Mail donations or cheques to: Manna Homeless Society P.O.  Box  389 Errington BC VOR 1VO Thank you for your love and support, Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society

To Whom It May Concern, I write to you with a heavy heart, compelled to expose the humanitarian and spiritual catastrophe unraveling in the streets of Oceanside, particularly around Parksville. This is not a distant threat—it is a present, suffocating darkness that chokes the life from our most vulnerable neighbours. The question is no longer whether this crisis will worsen, but how much more suffering we will allow before we act. I beg you to hear this desperate plea, not just for the homeless and less fortunate who are at risk, but for the soul of our community. Let me tell you about a woman I met on the Parksville waterfront. She  is 42, though her weathered face and hollow eyes make her look decades older. Once a nurse’s aide, she lost her job during the pandemic, then her apartment, and finally her hope. Now, she sleeps in a tattered sleeping bag behind a dumpster and other unsafe areas, her only shelter from the elements.  She has an untreated infection in her foot, swollen and oozing, and no access to a doctor. She told me, while great pain, "I just want to feel human again.” She is not alone—hundreds of people at risk who live in their vehicles or shacks or on the streets like her roam Oceanside, trapped in a cycle of neglect, despair, and systemic failure that feels engineered to break them. This crisis is a humanitarian failure of staggering proportions. The homeless in Oceanside are denied the most basic necessities: washrooms , clean water, decent food, a safe place to sleep, or even rudimentary medical care. The streets are awash with dangerous drugs—fentanyl, meth, and worse—while access to rehabilitation, job training, or mental health support is virtually nonexistent. Shelters are absent, leaving people exposed to the elements and vulnerable to violence. This is not mere oversight; it feels deliberate, as if designed to crush the spirit of those already on their knees. The result is a Third World-like wasteland in the heart of our community, where hope is a luxury and survival is a daily battle. Consider the stark hypocrisy of our priorities. In British Columbia, plastic straws are banned to “protect the environment,” yet the government turns a blind eye to the flood of deadly drugs that destroy lives. Worse, some leaders seem complicit, allowing policies that perpetuate addiction over recovery. In Oceanside, the conditions are not just deplorable—they are apocalyptic. People like this lady suffer from untreated illnesses, from festering wounds to chronic diseases, with no hope of care. The lack of shelter leaves citizens at the mercy of extreme heat in the summer , torrential rains in the winter or freezing nights. The easy availability of drugs, coupled with the absence of meaningful support, creates a perfect storm for failure—One that our leaders have allowed to rage unchecked. This is more than a policy failure; it is a spiritual assault. By stripping the homeless and people at risk of dignity and basic care, those in power have opened the door to darkness. They retreat to their comfortable homes, insulated from the chaos they’ve enabled, while the streets become a battleground where the vulnerable fight impossible odds. The victory, for now, belongs to neglect and apathy—but it is a shameful one, built on the broken bodies and spirits of people like this lady. Here are further examples of this engineered catastrophe: •  Untreated Medical Crises: Beyond her infected foot, countless others suffer in silence. I’ve seen people with heart disease and diabetes without insulin, women with untreated mental health disorders spiraling into despair, and a large number of people with untreated respiratory infections. The absence of basic healthcare or even first aid ensures physical deterioration, eroding the will to persevere. •  Abandonment of Shelter Solutions: There are no meaningful efforts to provide safe, stable housing or even temporary shelters. People sleep in doorways, under bridges, or in makeshift camps, exposed to theft, assault, and exploitation. The city and RDN spend thousands to “clear” these encampments, only to push people into new areas where the cycle of destruction and filth begins anew. Without shelter, there is no stability, no safety, no hope. •  Proliferation of Drugs Over Dignity: The availability of hard drugs far outstrips any attempt at redemption. Rehabilitation programs are underfunded or nonexistent, job training is a pipe dream, and mental health support is a cruel joke. This imbalance is a choice—one that prioritizes addiction over recovery, death over life. •  Erosion of Community Safety: The chaos in the streets doesn’t just harm the homeless—it poisons everyone. Families avoid downtown Parksville, where needles can be found on the streets and the sidewalks and in our public parks. Businesses struggle as customers stay away. The social fabric frays, yet no comprehensive plan emerges to restore order or compassion. •  Dehumanization Through Neglect: By treating the homeless like animals—shuffling them from one area to another without addressing their needs—we dehumanize them. This approach hasn’t worked; it only deepens the crisis. We spend more on policing and cleanup than we would on shelters or support, perpetuating a vicious cycle of suffering. This cannot continue. The leaders of Oceanside must be held accountable for creating an environment where failure is not just possible but inevitable. Their inaction—or worse, their complicity—has allowed this darkness to spread, and it is the most vulnerable who pay the price. I implore you to act, to shine a light on this crisis, and to demand change before the situation becomes irreparable. The homeless and those at risk deserve care, dignity, and hope. They are not animals to be herded or problems to be swept away—they are human beings, created in the image of the Creator crying out for compassion. Without immediate action, the darkness will deepen. We risk not just a humanitarian disaster but a moral collapse. Oceanside could become a place where hope is extinguished, where families are lost forever, where the fire of neglect consumes our safe community. I beg you—do not let this happen.  Create shelters, expand healthcare access, prioritize recovery over addiction, and restore dignity to those who have been stripped of it. Act now, before the light fades entirely. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com   Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O.  Box  389 Errington BC VOR 1VO Thanks for your donation!

In Parksville, where the skies turn gray, Raindrops fall in a mournful sway, Streets that sparkle with laughter and light, Hide the cold shadows that shun the night. The homeless wander, faces drawn tight, While warm homes glow, a comforting sight, Yet doors stay closed, and hearts turn cold, As innocence masks the stories untold. The rain pours down, a relentless theme, No shelter offered for those who dream, The community smiles, yet fails to see, The cruelty that grows, unfurling like a tree. Innocent blossoms, but roots intertwined, With neglect and decay that we leave behind, In Parksville's embrace, let kindness stir, For compassion is shelter, and love must occur.

Layne Collinson made and sold over $3,000.00 worth of Beautiful Glass Hearts to assist in the care and healing of people at risk in the Oceanside Community. This is the 9th consecutive year. Thanks 🙏 so much Layne From everyone at Manna Homeless Society ❤️

This winter, Parksville faced a critical challenge due to lack of an adequate weather shelter for our vulnerable residents. Manna Homeless Society recognized  the severe consequences of this ongoing issue: Increased Suffering and Insecurity:** Without a sufficient shelter, many individuals face threatening conditions, exacerbating their health and well-being during these harsh winter months. Escalating Mental Health Issues:** The prolonged exposure to the elements has led to a rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among those living on the streets. Strain on Community Resources:** Local organizations are overwhelmed this winter , struggling to provide emergency assistance and basic needs, which further complicates our community’s response to homelessness. Join us in our mission to bring warmth and dignity back to Parksville. Your voice matters! Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com   Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O.   Box  389 Errington BC VOR 1VO Thanks for your donation!

Those without shelter are outside trying to survive sub-zero temperatures. It seems inconceivable that alternatives can't be found by the leaders of our community. Thanks to your donations, you are directly contributing to the well-being of the less fortunate of Oceanside. Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com   Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O.   Box  389 Errington BC VOR 1VO Thanks for your donation!

Members of our community who have no shelter during this winter season are out in the cold. Donations directly support those who do not have access to shelters. Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com   Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O.   Box  389 Errington BC VOR 1VO Thanks for your donation!

The following post was made on "Mattress By Appointment Errington" Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/mba.errington ): Our delivery staff made a different kind of delivery today. Dropping off bags of warm clothing, blankets, and personal care items to be distributed to the needy through our friends at Manna Homeless Society . If you have any items you would like to donate, we are always happy to take them when you visit us for your appointment, or we can collect them when we deliver your mattress and we will make sure that they get where they need to go to help those that need them in our local community.

When a community like Parksville turns its back on the poor by failing to provide essential services such as warming stations and all-weather shelters, several detrimental effects can unfold: ### Negative Impacts of Neglect: 1. **Emergence of Makeshift Shelters**: The lack of proper facilities often leads to the creation of makeshift shelters. Individuals are forced to find refuge in abandoned buildings, alleys, or public parks, leading to a growth of shantytowns. 2. **Increased Crime Rates**: As desperation sets in, crime rates can rise. Individuals may resort to theft or other illegal activities for survival. A lack of trust and safety permeates the community, leading to fear among residents. 3. **Public Health Crisis**: Without access to sanitation or healthcare, the overall health of the community declines. Infections, mental health issues, and substance abuse can spike, creating a public health crisis. 4. **Decreased Property Values**: Areas with visible homelessness and makeshift shelters often see a dip in property values, impacting the local economy and leading to less tax revenue for essential services. 5. **Social Division**: An increased divide between the housed and unhoused fosters a sense of isolation and stigma, leading to community fragmentation and decreased social cohesion. ### Estimated Percentages of Negative Effects: - **Increase in Crime Rates**: 25% increase in local crime statistics. - **Decrease in Property Values**: 15-20% decline in property values in affected areas. - **Public Health Issues**: 30% rise in emergency room visits due to health-related crises among the homeless population. - **Community Support Decline**: 40% decrease in community initiatives and support programs. ### Positive Impacts of Support: In contrast, a community that provides warming stations and all-weather shelters reaps numerous benefits: 1. **Reduction in Homelessness**: By offering shelter, cities can significantly lower the number of individuals living on the streets, leading to a healthier population. 2. **Decreased Crime Rates**: Supportive environments reduce the need for crime, creating safer neighborhoods. This nurturing atmosphere fosters trust and community connectedness. 3. **Improved Public Health**: Access to food, hygiene, and healthcare lowers illness rates. Communities that care see a healthier population overall. 4. **Increased Property Values**: A commitment to social services can stabilize or boost property values, improving local economies and increasing tax revenues for community services. 5. **Enhanced Social Cohesion**: Investing in all citizens cultivates a sense of belonging, fostering solidarity and shared purpose among community members. ### Estimated Percentages of Positive Effects: - **Reduction in Homelessness**: 50% decrease in the homeless population when proper facilities are available. - **Decrease in Crime Rates**: 20% reduction in local crime statistics. - **Public Health Improvement**: 40% decline in emergency room visits and health crises in the homeless population. - **Increase in Property Values**: 10-15% increase in property values in neighborhoods with strong support systems. - **Community Engagement Boost**: 60% increase in community volunteerism and support initiatives. ### Conclusion The choices a community makes regarding its vulnerable populations profoundly impact its overall well-being. A city that neglects its less fortunate members is likely to experience a deterioration in safety, health, and community cohesion. In contrast, providing essential services leads to vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where everyone can thrive. By investing in our most vulnerable citizens, we foster a culture of compassion and resilience that benefits all. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

As a resident of Vancouver Island, I feel compelled to address a pressing issue that threatens the fabric of our community—the dehumanization of our fellow citizens, specifically the homeless and those at risk. This troubling trend not only undermines the dignity of individuals but also challenges the values we, as a society, hold dear. Every day, we witness the consequences of a system that fails to care for its most vulnerable. When we allow cities to sideline those who are struggling, we implicitly accept a narrative that devalues human life. The implications of this dehumanization extend far beyond the streets; they seep into our shared consciousness, fostering an environment where compassion is overshadowed by indifference. When we turn a blind eye to the needs of homeless individuals, we contribute to a cycle of neglect. The lack of access to basic necessities—shelter, food, and healthcare—creates barriers that are often insurmountable. The impact is devastating, not only for those directly affected but for our community as a whole. Our streets become less safe, our neighborhoods less inviting, and our collective humanity diminished. Moreover, dehumanization breeds stigma. People facing homelessness are often labeled as burdens rather than individuals with stories, dreams, and untapped potential. This prejudice perpetuates isolation, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. When we strip someone of their humanity, we strip ourselves of the ability to empathize, understand, and ultimately help. We must recognize that addressing homelessness is not merely a matter of policy but a moral imperative. It is our duty to advocate for comprehensive solutions—supportive housing, mental health resources, and community programs that foster inclusion. By doing so, we reaffirm that every individual, regardless of their life circumstances, is deserving of dignity and respect. Let us not allow the dehumanization of our fellow citizens to become the norm. We must rise above complacency and demand change, not only for those experiencing homelessness but for the betterment of our community as a whole. Together, we can cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy, ensuring that Vancouver Island remains a place where all individuals are valued. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

Generous and open-hearted giving by members of our community allowed us to give out 150 grocery gift cards and Christmas stockings today. It was just a wonderful day. Lots of smiles and hugs.