A local organization has increased its donations to the community four times over compared to four years ago.
United Way of the Fraser Valley (UWFV) will be granting $139,000 to address issues of poverty, homelessness and ensuring children up to six years old succeed.
"When I look back even four years ago, we were distributing just over $30,000," said Wayne Green, UWFV executive director. "Since that time we've had some very successful campaigns and we've reduced our costs to a minimum. This year we are funding a skills development program offered by New Heights Church to assist those trying to leave the streets.”
Another program funded by United Way is Mission's Kitchens, which is a unique partnership between a who's who in Mission, said Green, bringing together the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley, Long-Term Inmates Now in the in Community, the District of Mission, Mission Community Services Society, All Saints Anglican Church, St. Andrew's United Church, Mission City Farmers Market and the Mission Food Access Network.
UWFV also funded the Fraser Valley Rent Assistance Program (FVRAP) that provides micro-loans for individuals who suffer an accident or calamity and find that the money ran out before the month did.
Green said, “One single mom, who was working two jobs, had her car break down. She was facing the tough decision of paying rent or repairing her car which she needed to use to get to work. She paid her rent, fixed the car and is repaying her loan to FVRAP.”
Any charitable organization providing preventative programs addressing one of UWFV's three priorities for individuals in the Fraser Valley may apply for one of these grants. Applications with all of the grant conditions are available at uwfv.bc.ca/What We Do/Grant Applications. The deadline Nov. 15.