Team with Us to Secure Land for the Homeless!

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