Just Ask: How Can I Access Financial Support After the Holidays?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
January can be a difficult month for many people. After the business of the holidays, things can suddenly feel quiet, heavy, or overwhelming. For some, the financial impact of December lingers into the new year through higher bills, increased rent or grocery costs, and winter heating expenses. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and there are supports available both locally on the Sunshine Coast and at the provincial level.
Coastal food banks collaborate regularly to ensure access to food for those who need it. In Gibsons, St. Bart’s Food Bank (659 North Road) operates on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., which will be January 21 this month. They also offer free community hot lunches on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Salvation Army Food Bank (#5 – 682 Gibsons Way), is open Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and provides hot lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. In Sechelt, Sunshine Coast Community Services (SCCSS) hosts a food bank (5657 Lamprey Lane) every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Pender Harbour Food Bank, located at the Ministry Centre in Madeira Park, also serves the local community. For upcoming dates or to register, call 883‑9773.
These programs rely entirely on volunteers and donations — if you can, consider donating your time, food, or funds to help keep these services running for our community. Reach out to them directly or email volunteersc@resourcecentre.ca. For a more comprehensive list of food supports, check out the Resource Centre’s Food Access Guide on our website (resourcecentre.ca/plan/resource-guides/), or you can pick up a physical copy at our office at 5674 Cowrie Street in Sechelt.
For people facing immediate financial stress, SCCSS program, Keeping People Housed, can help connect families and individuals to emergency, interest-free loans for rent, utilities, or security deposits. To check your eligibility or to see all their financial literary resources, check out their website (sccss.ca) or call 604-885-5881. BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund offers support for customers that are facing disconnection from their BC Hydro Services, despite attempting to make payments. To be eligible, you must have an account at least 21 days overdue or facing disconnection, have experienced a recent financial crisis, owe less than $1000 and can demonstrate attempts to make payments towards your bill. You can receive one grant per year; for full eligibility requirements, check their website (bchydro.com).
At the provincial level, there are several benefits that can help ease financial pressure throughout the year. Seniors aged 60 and over who rent may be eligible for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, which provides monthly rent subsidies to help people stay housed. If you’re a working family with children and your household income is under $60,000 per year (as of April 2025), you may qualify for the Rental Assistance Program (RAP), a BC Housing program that provides monthly subsidies to help cover rent. Applications for both RAP and SAFER can be submitted online at bchousing.org, by mail, or in person; while there is no BC Housing office on the Coast, the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre can assist with printing or filling out forms, photocopying or uploading supporting documents, and mailing applications. If you need help with your 2025 tax return or a return from a previous year, our Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) may be able to assist; this free program is available to eligible clients with modest incomes and simple tax returns. To make an appointment, or if you have any questions, call 604‑885‑4088 or email help@resourcecentre.ca.
Navigating these systems can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Calling 2-1-1 can connect you with provincial information and referral services, while local organizations like the Resource Centre can help you understand your options, support you with applications, and connect you to the right services for your situation. You don’t need to know exactly what to ask for — simply explaining what you’re dealing with is enough to get started. Reaching out early can make the months ahead feel more manageable. Just ask – We’re here to help.