A new Community Services Connectors Pilot Program aims to connect Richmond residents living on low income with one-on-one assistance to find information about social service benefits, affordable housing supports, employment resources and other community programs. The drop-in sessions will run each Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00pm in the Living Room at Ironwood Library (8200-11688 Steveston Highway), beginning on January 28 and ending on May 26.
In addition, a series of monthly “Snacks and Facts” sessions will also be hosted at Ironwood Library on the fourth Tuesday of each month (February 27, March 26, April 23 and May 28). These workshops will be led by local organizations and are designed to support Richmond residents with lower incomes to find and access services.
The goal of this new pilot program is to contribute to reducing poverty in Richmond by increasing residents’ access to resources and supports needed to move out of poverty. The Community Services Connectors Program complements the Community Services Pop Ups held monthly at Brighouse Library by providing an additional option for Richmond residents outside of the city centre, at more frequent program times, and with one-on-one support.
The program is co-led by the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library in collaboration with a number of community organizations. The Province of British Columbia, through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, provided funding for this pilot.
Both the Community Services Connectors Pilot Program and the Community Services Pop Ups further actions in the City’s 2021–2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond, and support the development of program and service delivery, and the implementation of targeted outreach programs for residents at risk of or living in poverty.
For more information on resources that support Richmond residents living on low income, visit richmond.ca/CommunityResources.