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We have a shortage for tooth brushes and toothpaste Cooler weather means we need more pants, long sleeve shirts, hoodies Boots and shoes are in dire need [we have three men needing size 13-14] ‘What about food?’ – you may ask – our partnership with Quality Food Warehouse allows us to purchase wholesale case lots and they often donate extra!! So for your cost to donate 2-3 cans of stew; Manna can purchase 4-6 cans with those same equivalent funds.

Our hearts have gone out to the hundreds of people stranded because of floods and mud slides. Thousands of people have demonstrated the ‘Spirit of BC’ – generous care and support in time of crises – a place for shelter, warm food, showers, washing clothes, counseling, grief support; in times of need, the people of BC are generous and caring. Now those who suffered must not be forgotten – shelter will still be needed while homes are repaired or rebuilt; food will need to be delivered along with drinkable water; grief support will be vital; and communities will need the encouragement to restart. The reality of seasonal crisis is terrible for all who suffer. No one deserves to live in their car; go without food; be cold; or when the crisis is over and the media goes home – be forgotten and alone. The unfortunate reality, as demonstrated from the past study of the Williams Lake fires, is that some will become homeless through this event. Every week, Manna Homeless Society serves individuals forgotten and alone as the result of a past crisis: A work related injury, too young to retire, no pension, no relief from pain except through medication [sometimes, self-administered] A ‘reshuffling of resources’ – ‘downsized’, fired – after years of dedication, but without skills necessary for the ‘transition’ An escape from a childhood of abuse or drug influenced home Uneducated; undiagnosed mental health issues; violent for self-protection Generational poverty and without hope For every person we serve, we hear a unique story of pain, loneliness, and grief of a life lost. But, this past week’s news of BC’s ‘state of emergency’ has revived my hope. The people of BC are a generous, caring, compassionate community concerned for those who suffer traumatic crisis. And so, I come to you, encouraged by past examples of compassionate care, to ask for a seasonal consideration of support for our Manna friends who continue to linger with the trauma of crisis from the past. I know that Christmas is often the season when you are asked to consider numerous requests for additional support. So let me help frame your consideration: First – care for the friends, family members, and people in your immediate circle of relationship; if anyone you know is in need, help that person feel loved, accepted, treasured. Second – your participation in a Faith Community, join with their programs of seasonal compassionate care and help those in need to recognize the love found in a common community. Third – when looking to expand your generousity into Oceanside; helping children have lunch supplies [at Springwood Elementary]; providing seniors, families, and disabled individuals with food for the weekends; offering additional donated items of clothing, sleeping bags, tarps, socks, boots/shoes; and providing a place of acceptance, encouragement, and love – consider Manna Homeless Society. Please consider a cash donation. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have responded to individual requests for additional food, from seniors, families, disabled individuals – all vulnerable and in need. QF Warehouse allows us to order wholesale supplies, so your cash donation is literally multiplied in effectiveness. Please consider a ‘Christmas Stocking’ – a pair of warm socks stuffed with toothpaste/brush, hand warmers, chocolates, deodorant, comb/brush, razor, pen, maybe a surprise ‘treasure’ [no money please]. Donations can be mailed to: Manna Homeless Society Box 389, Errington, BC, V0R 1V0 You can drop off your donations on Wednesday at the Manna van parked near the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen [across from the Parksville Fire Hall]. And you can call – 250-607-7142 and coordinate a time for a pick-up. Thank you for your partnership with Manna, and your concern for the vulnerable in our community, Thanks, Jerrold Manna Homeless Society, Community Chaplain

Each Wednesday, Manna Homeless Society is able to offer our friends at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen an opportunity to stock up on weekend groceries and a chance to socialize with volunteers who believe in them. Our morning begins with a Blessing – a brief example from the Bible that highlights God’s amazing love for all of us. Then, we offer food and clothing – for all to ‘take what you need’ – with the chance to ‘catch up’ with each other on a week’s worth of activity. Pinky has spent some time in the hospital, and each week our friends are concerned for his health and thankful when he’s back. For many, our Manna Wednesdays at the Soup Kitchen is a time for forming a community of support – we worry about our friends and they worry about us – and together we know that God loves us.

‘Casey’ was a tradesman who moved to Oceanside in November from out-of-province and found a camping spot at Rathtrevor. He told me, ‘This is home. I grew up in Parksville as a kid and now I’m moving back to be closer to family.” But his family was skeptical. Casey had used drugs, abused alcohol, drifted, lost jobs, and become homeless. Casey’s trade was as a bricklayer and carpenter. He’d been ‘dry’ for a couple of months and was now trying to start on a new path. Manna was able to help provide some articles for his campsite – camp stove, fuel, flashlight, sleeping bag, tarp, mattress, and we even had a frying pan to give him along with cans of stew and soup. I spent about an hour talking with Casey encouraging him to keep going on this new path of courage and I hoped to see him again at the Soup Kitchen. Sadly, he never showed. When I went back to his campsite, his tent was gone with all his stuff. I haven’t seen Casey since the end of November. I’m not sure what happened to him. I just know that sometimes the challenge to change is overwhelming. It isn’t easy ‘going clean’. “Just get clean,” we hear so many say. It’s not like changing socks. Getting clean means a shift in identity; it means confronting the ‘voices’; it means confronting the internal chaos once the external chaos is controlled; and it means becoming vulnerable and saying “I need your help.” Homeless people often ‘take’ our stuff – the food, clothing, sleeping bag, tarp – we offer, not because they ‘need help’ but because they are in crises and chaos – they are in ‘survival mode.’ When you see piles of stuff on shopping carts or piles of stuff beside the road – you see someone who is suffering, often lonely, always fearful, in chaos, usually with mental health concerns around addictive issues, often physically sick with untreated wounds, and always with a poor self-image – feeling unloved, unnoticed, unwelcome, and forgotten. We can help! We don’t need to ‘save the world’ – we just need to show honour, respect, acceptance, love, and compassion to someone when they welcome us into their life, trust us with their story, and allow us to comfort them so they can find the courage to live freed from the chaos that controls them and more with the Peace and Love that God can provide.

There is a popular expression, “You’re never too old to learn.” So maybe there is hope for me learning Pickle Ball. With Manna, we’ve been applying this adage forever. Each year, we’ve been approached by local schools to assist with needs witnessed in the families whose children attend them. Through the generousity of our community, we’ve been able to supply children’s coats, gloves, and toques, breakfast and lunch supplies, food coupons and specialized assistance. In one school this year, we’ve been able to help provide over 100 weekly meal supplies – fruit cups, soup cups, breakfast bars, KD cups – and additional help with their weekend “Backpack Food Program,” by offering soups, peanut butter, chili, pasta with sauce, and granola bars. In another school, we were able to offer QF coupons for a family suddenly unemployed and nearly homeless. This has been possible from the continual support we receive from our community – Thank you!

I’ve also been able to restart visiting Orca Place in the past couple of months – seeking to go every Monday and Wednesday mornings for coffee and chats. There are many new residents at Orca, so it’s been great meeting new people and hearing their stories. [I was also invited back earlier in the spring to conduct a memorial service for one of our friends who passed away.] Of special note; [names have been changed ] Bruce is in treatment and we’ve supplied dog food for his dog being ‘dog-sat’ by a friend; Jim is working tirelessly as a peer support volunteer with Forward House and has started a photo blog of the people he meets; Beth has moved into her own trailer and feels emotionally ready for greater independence; Debbie is holding down a job and is positive about her stability; Doug still suffers from chronic back pain from when he fell off his bike three years ago; Craig is stable and enjoys regular visits from his brother and mom; Don is enjoying the summer to continue his research into the snake population on Vancouver Island; Tina has been off alcohol for over 150 days; Sue continues to support the ‘kids’ [Bob, Sean, Bill, and Shirley] living on the street with extra socks or snacks that she gets from the Manna Van. People are again finding ways to remain positive and find strength – and Manna is able to offer encouragement and support.

The City Council of Parksville has had a checkered relationship with Orca Place at 222 Corfield. Since its inception, I’ve been invited to provide Community Chaplain Support for those living at Orca. This has been a rewarding practice. I’ve been able to drop in for two breakfast periods each week. I’ve helped residents with two “Celebrations of Life” and the process of losing friends. We’ve celebrated birthdays, recovery anniversaries, and new jobs. And I’ve heard life stories – victories and challenges, lessons learned – I’ve appreciated the wisdom gleaned from their experience. Orca Place is a wonderful example that combines a supportive community with individuals willing to risk transformation. Sobriety can be scary. Medicated normality can be threatening. Replacing inner chaos with calmness is often an experience that requires constant adjustments to a “New Normal.” Thankfully the success of Orca Place is evidenced in changed lives – examples of health, happiness, and feelings of hope found in many who live there.

Manna’s heartbeat has always been: “providing hope and help to the most vulnerable in our community.” For many years we’ve been offering assistance to those living rough on the streets. We’ve passed along donated clothing – socks, toques, coats, gloves, rain gear, shoes, and boots – whenever requested. We’ve provided weekly groceries to the marginalized, food hampers to families, food gift cards to the bereaved, and lunch supplies for hungry kids at local schools. This Fall, we’ve already stoked a local school with lunch and breakfast supplies for the next few months as they anticipate feeding twenty or thirty kids two meals each day. We’re gathering clothing in anticipation of the winter – warm coats, boots, toques, gloves, rain gear, and socks – so give if you can toward these projects. But, we feel there is more to do. Regularly we hear stories of Seniors living in tough situations but unwilling to reach out for help. Seniors who need to sell heirlooms to survive. We hear of Seniors sharing apartments, skipping meals, forsaking medications, and staying away from social contacts. They need your help – and we need your help to find them. Manna believes that God loves, honours, cherishes, treasures, cares for, comforts, and trusts all people and wants them to experience this kind of love every day. God says in the Bible to love others as we have been loved – so at Manna we also want to honour, cherish, treasure, care for, comfort and trust all whom we contact. This is where we need your help: Spread the word to everyone to encourage any Senior struggling to buy groceries to contact Manna (250-248-0845) and we will provide a grocery hamper – we can bring cooking supplies, canned goods, dried goods, flour, and rice – to stock up for self-sustainability. Sometimes everyone just needs a “hand-up” – some encouragement and assistance to keep going. We’ll offer encouragement and when necessary we’ll offer food – all we need is for people to contact us. Please help our community of Seniors to reach out to Manna if they are struggling and we’ll do all we can to support, encourage, comfort, care for, and provide for them. Together we can provide hope and help to the most vulnerable in our community.

The stories provided below are from real people that Manna has had the opportunity to know and befriend this past year or for the past number of years. Names have been changed and details omitted when necessary to protect an individual’s identity. With Manna, we believe everyone helped is a “friend” and not a “client” because we’ve experienced the need for support, encouragement, and help in times of crises. Sally Sally came from Ontario five years ago escaping an abusive relationship and hoping for a new start. Manna provided her with a bike, work cloths, and food. Unfortunately Sally only felt affirmation when overwhelmed with chaos and self-harming addictive choices. Sally admits now she never realized her mental health problems and the necessity for counseling and medication. Initially Sally found the Island “too peaceful” so went back to Vancouver for a season. Two years ago, Sally reached her lowest state and reached out for help. She returned to Parksville where she found supportive housing and continued to accept the friendship from Manna volunteers. This week, Sally came to the Manna Van and presented a cash donation; “you guys have always been there for me and I just want to help so others can find that same kind of support.” Mark Mark thinks our new experiment with groceries is a great idea. Recently Manna has decided to experiment with a new approach when offering groceries. We realize the growing need for support amongst our Senior community. And we realize the temptation for isolation when individuals face difficulty. Our goal is to help provide a supportive place for community building, support, and encouragement while offering food supplies in this time of economic and inflationary crises. The generousity of our supporters combined with the wholesale purchasing option from QF Foods makes it possible to order large quantities of healthy food options at reasonable prices. We are now experimenting with offering a grocery selection of stews, soups, cooking oil, salt/pepper, coffee/tea, taco shells, Bisquik, rolled oats, and peanut butter for a Loony each while still offering sardines, tuna, and cup-of-soup for free. Mark likes this approach because he is able to purchase food supplies knowing his money will go to purchasing more groceries for those who may not be able to afford them. Mark expressed that he feels a part of a larger community this way. Already we’ve been able to offer additional groceries to friends at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen every second Wednesday and have been invited to start offering groceries at the Saint Steven’s monthly Senior Supper. Mark knows that Manna is more than food or stuff. Regularly he thanks us for “showing up and just being there.” And we appreciate Mark’s encouragement – he’s part of our community. Dave Dave is great. He’s positive, encouraging, poor but hopeful. Dave has been coming to the Manna Van since he retired about four years ago. Dave lives in an RV parked on a friend’s field but he doesn’t know how to cook for himself. So he eats at the Soup Kitchen, because that’s all he can afford. He picks up the occasional can of stew from Manna but mostly Dave just likes to chat and “chew the fat.” Dave admitted that it never crossed his mind that being a part of a community meant being generous. He felt part of the Manna community so when we started to ask for a “buck a pop” for selected groceries Dave felt he could donate so others could benefit. This was the first time in his life Dave voluntarily gave money away – without asking for anything in return. Mario Mario was a 69-year-old living in his van in Penticton. While visiting the Island, Mario got into a car accident that left him injured and needing physiotherapy. While traveling back and forth to Nanoose for these treatments, his van broke down. Mario found a place he could live in his van while awaiting a new transmission. Mario had paid $1,000 to a mechanic to find a used transmission which left him with very little money and without transportation to get food or his medications. Mario did not know the area. He suffered from three forms of cancer and had a weak heart which greatly reduced his mobility. By the Grace of God, Manna came upon him and was able to provide Mario with food, fuel for his camp stove, new clothes, shoes and a 4-wheeled walker. Manna helped take Mario for weekly showers at SOS, have his hearing aids repaired, have his phone fixed and pick up supplies. Over the next few months Mario grew increasingly sick; the mechanic failed to find a transmission for his van; and he was eventually forced to move from the place he had been camping. Mario decided to use money he had just received from ICBC to fly back to Quebec and accept his sister’s invitation to move in with her. But Mario never returned to Quebec. Twice, he was taken to Urgent Care eventually being admitted into NRGH before being transported to Vancouver for specialist care. Throughout this difficult time, Mario was assisted by Manna with transportation to appointments, food, and most importantly a comforting friendship of support and encouragement until he passed away in St Paul’s Hospital. Rest Peacefully Mario. Your friends from Manna Stu To say that Stu is a private person would be an understatement – Stu is so private his normal sentence is monosyllabic. So whenever Stu requests something Manna tries to do whatever we can to meet that request. Normally Stu asks for shoes – large shoes, size 14 shoes – not the normal size of shoe we usually have on hand. Often Stu’s shoes are in tatters before he gets around to requesting help – now we usually have a pair waiting for him and ready to go – but the amazing action that Stu requested recently was help with his feet. Foot care is so important for our friends. Without proper attention foot fungus, ingrown toenails, and blisters can fester into conditions that threaten the loss of a toe – or worse, a foot – and even progress to threatening the immune system. Fortunately, Manna has a volunteer trained in foot care who can help Stu. Meet Raquel , a new Manna Volunteer working alongside long-time Board member and volunteer, Penny. Raquel is our foot-care specialist. She has gained a “foothold” in our Manna community through her dedicated compassion, friendship, and authenticity. Penny and Raquel travel with Manna’s RV, which provides a private spacious place to engage with friends in discussion about health, hygiene, and foot care. Raquel and Penny are regularly sought out for advice and help. Stu, Mitch, Ruth, and others regularly have their feet examined by Raquel and appreciate the support she and Penny provide. Manna Program Report Our weekly food distribution has been rescheduled to every two weeks. We’ve begun to offer an increased supply of groceries for $1 each while still offering emergency food – sardines, tuna, and cup of soup. We’re still offering free hygiene supplies – soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, razors, and combs – as well as the opportunity to discuss health concerns with our retired nurse volunteers. The Bike program has been very successful with distribution of a dozen bikes to individuals in need of transportation for work or appointments. Recently, a bike was passed along to a man already hired to work at the new Wendy’s and he’s looking forward to his part-time role and the opportunity to gain new skills. Jerrold, Manna’s Community Chaplain, is going to Orca Place twice a week for morning times of conversation and encouragement. The residents at Orca have begun to seek out spiritual counsel and advice. Recently requests for sleeping bags and tarps are coming in and Jerrold has been able to offer assistance to those sleeping outside as the weather continues to get colder. Pinky and Robin are busy every weekend delivering food hampers to those who phone in for assistance. They regularly assist Seniors and families on welfare unable to financially keep up with the rise in grocery costs. Manna is continuing to supply lunch supplies to Springwood School. assisting with meals for twenty kids each day and as many as forty kids the week before welfare cheque day. We’re also supplying special dietary needs to the children attending school with health concerns. Manna’s newest additional support is foot care provided by Raquel. This service has been greatly appreciated and Raquel is able to assist people who visit our vehicles every two weeks at the soup kitchen as well as residents of OHEART’s supportive housing at the old VIP Hotel. Manna hosted two hotdog barbeques with our friends at OHEART’s supportive housing facility, the old VIP Hotel. We were able to meet many of the residents and renew contacts since many of these friends have accessed Manna support in the past. We remain concerned that a cold-weather shelter for our area is not available at this time and we’re working with OHEART and ICCS to request the province and city address this vital need. How to help the vulnerable and less fortunate in Oceanside Whenever you see someone sitting alone on a bench or in front of a business; pause for a minute and greet that person – say “hello”, ask if you can speak with them for a moment and share your name. See if they’re O.K. or in need of help. Phone Manna – 250-248-0845 – if help is necessary with food, sleeping bag and tarp. Also, if you know of a Senior or family in need, please contact Manna and we will deliver emergency food supplies and help them get set up with the Food Bank if desired. We’re in need of additional hygiene supplies – travel size soap, shampoo, and conditioner as well as toothbrushes and travel size toothpaste. It is also handy to be able to offer travel size Kleenex, hand wipes, hand cream, lip balm, Tums, razors, nail clippers, combs, and hair brushes. Hand towels and face cloths are greatly appreciated. Gloves, gloves, and more gloves – we can’t seem to get enough gloves to last the season. We’ve got lots of toques and scarves but we’re in need of gloves. As well as winter boots, rain gear, rain pants, and rubber boots. Drop off all donations at the Manna Donation Box located opposite the main entrance to the Wild Life Recovery Centre on Leffler Road, Errington. Financial donations. With the rise in grocery costs our savings account has never been this low for almost ten years. Your donation allows us to purchase large quantities of food supplies wholesale from QF Wholesale Foods. This means financial support stretches farther and allows the purchase of healthy options – less sugar and salt – and self-sustainable choices like flour, baking soda/powder, salt & pepper, cooking oil, and rolled oats. Cheques can be mailed to: Manna Homeless Society Box 389 Errington, B.C. V0R-1V0 Stay informed. You can organize an event with friends, family, or colleagues by having Jerrold, Manna’s Community Chaplain, come and address the group. Jerrold is prepared to lead a discussion on the causes of poverty, the situation in Oceanside, or global concerns that have local ramifications. He will also offer additional information about Manna and its ongoing work. Pass – us – along. If you like what Manna is doing, spread the word. Please pass along our newsletter and we’re happy to answer questions, just write; oceansidemanna@gmail.com – you can also write us to request assistance on behalf of someone in our community. From all of us at Manna Homeless Society – thank you for being a part of our community and as we enter the Christmas Season; have a happy, blessed, and joyous Christmas.

The consequences of a city not having a warming station and an extreme weather shelter for the poor can be severe and have far-reaching negative impacts. The lack of such facilities exposes vulnerable individuals to life-threatening conditions during extreme weather events, leading to elevated risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related health issues. It also perpetuates systemic inequalities and exacerbates the cycle of poverty by failing to provide crucial support to those in need. Furthermore, the absence of a warming station and a extreme weather shelter for the poor reflects poorly on the city’s commitment to protecting its most marginalized residents. It signifies a failure of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. This negligence not only undermines the city’s moral responsibility but also tarnishes its reputation as a compassionate and inclusive community. The repercussions of this failure may include loss of public trust in local government, increased criticism from advocacy groups and the media, and potential legal liabilities resulting from preventable harm to individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. Moreover, there is a risk of broader social unrest and dissatisfaction among citizens who expect their local authorities to address critical social issues effectively. In addition to these ethical and reputational concerns, the economic costs of not providing adequate shelter during extreme weather events cannot be overlooked. Emergency medical services, law enforcement, and social support systems may experience heightened strain as a result of preventable cold-related emergencies, contributing to increased public expenditures and decreased overall community well-being. In conclusion, the absence of a warming station and a extreme weather shelter for the poor represents a serious failure on the part of the city to fulfill its obligations to its most vulnerable residents. The consequences are wide-ranging, encompassing ethical, reputational, legal, and economic dimensions. Urgent action and investment in appropriate infrastructure and support services are necessary to rectify this situation and prevent further harm to individuals in need. 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

When encountering individuals who appear to be struggling and downtrodden on the street, it can evoke a range of emotions and prompt questions about their social support networks. The people we meet in such circumstances may have complex life situations and varied reasons for their current state. Some of the individuals we encounter may have faced personal challenges such as loss of employment, financial hardship, or health issues. They may also be dealing with mental health concerns, addiction, or homelessness, all of which can contribute to feelings of isolation and despair. In some cases, these individuals may have experienced strained relationships with their friends and family, or they may not have any significant social connections to rely on during difficult times. In considering the absence of friends for these individuals, it’s important to recognize that there could be several factors at play. Their friends may be unaware of their current struggles, they may have lost touch over time, or they may themselves be facing challenges that prevent them from being present and supportive. Additionally, the stigma surrounding certain issues, such as mental illness or substance abuse, may lead individuals to retreat from social interactions and limit their ability to seek help from friends or loved ones. The feeling of sadness that arises when observing these situations can stem from a sense of empathy and a desire to understand the root causes of their circumstances. It may also prompt reflection on the broader societal issues, such as access to adequate mental health resources, affordable housing, and social services, that can impact an individual’s well-being and support network. It’s important to approach these encounters with compassion and to consider ways in which community support and resources can be extended to those in need. Engaging in conversations, offering assistance or directing them to relevant support services can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity within our communities is crucial to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to social isolation and distress. 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

It has just been announced there will be no ALL weather shelter opening this winter, only an extreme weather shelter. We are not pleased with the announcement as the local government is leaving the community short again and is allowing the less fortunate to be exposed to awful weather winter conditions. Oceanside local officials are reticent in not fighting for what other communities on the Vancouver Island have. This gives the false feeling that our less fortunate will be all right. This leaves only the Manna Homeless Society (MHS) to deal with the rest of the days and nights. The 911 of the streets. MHS feels we must speak out about the atrocity of the needy, hungry and homeless enduring on these cold, rainy and bitter days and nights. Manna finds it a difficult and frustrating situation especially as the front end workers who can only supply tents, dry clothing and food. It is plain to see more and more folks huddled in heavy jackets and blankets on our streets. Help us help those who cannot speak for themselves and are not offered a place at the table when deciding what they need in their community. Thanks for considering helping us as these are very unusual times we face. Robin Campbell—President