Just Ask: How Do I Get Connected to Programs and Supports When I Don’t Know Where to Start?
At the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, we often meet people who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve just moved here, you’re facing a new challenge or you’re trying to help a friend or family member. Sometimes, it can be hard to start – and even when you do, actually accessing the support can feel like a job in itself. Between long hold times, lineups, confusing forms, online portals, it can all be too much. On the other hand, perhaps, you just need a quick answer to a simple question or something printed out.
That’s where we come in.
The Resource Centre is your community hub for information, support and connection — a space where real people are ready to connect you to the supports you need, face-to-face or through email and phone calls. Whether you’re applying for a benefit, navigating a legal issue, looking for senior services, or just feeling overwhelmed by the system, we can help. We are here to help make sense of what’s available to you and guide you through the process of accessing it.
We’ve recently moved into a larger space on Cowrie Street, near the rainbow crosswalk, to better serve our community and accommodate new and expanding programs.
Here’s a quick overview of what we offer:
Community Information & Referral
Our resource navigators can guide you through accessing local, provincial, and federal support, even if you are unsure of where to start. We can help with a variety of things from printing forms, help with applications, finding low-income subsidies, general information, and more.
Community Legal Support
Our Legal Advocate and Legal Aid provide free support with issues such as tenancy, income and disability assistance, wills and planning, family law, employment, and more.
Community Development
We’re committed to fair access to essential services, offering a variety of programs to ensure these supports are inclusive to all. Our support includes free income tax filing (for current and past years), access to free phones, tablets, and computers through a donation program for those in need and applications for rental subsidies.
Seniors Programs
Our seniors support team helps older adults stay connected, informed, and supported. Our Seniors Community Connector assists with navigating local resources, while our new full-time Caregiver Support Coordinator offers personalized support for caregivers on the Coast — including one-on-one guidance, help navigating the healthcare system, and connections to community services.
Online Directory
Our searchable online directory lists hundreds of local services and supports across the Lower Sunshine Coast. You can find it at www.resourcecentre.ca.
Whether you need help with one form or long-term support, our team is here to help you find your way forward. We are open Monday to Thursday from 10am-2pm for walk-ins and appointments. Come by our office at 5674 Cowrie Street, give us a call/text at 604.885.4088 or you can email us at help@resourcecentre.ca.
Just ask — that’s what we’re here for.