In response to demonstrated benefit for residents seeking assistance, the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library will continue hosting the Community Services Connectors program until the end of 2024.

The Community Services Connectors program provides Richmond residents living on lower incomes with peer-led, one-on-one assistance to find information about social service benefits, affordable housing supports, employment resources and other community programs. Each Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00pm, Richmond residents looking for information about low-cost and free services can drop in to the Living Room at Ironwood Library (8200-11688 Steveston Highway), enjoy a drink and a snack, ask questions and receive assistance from a Community Services Connector.

The program also features Snacks and Facts workshops offered by local organizations on topics such as renters’ rights and housing navigation, employment resources in Richmond, taxes and benefits, and supports for newcomers and persons with disabilities. Snacks and Facts workshops will return this fall.

Developed in partnership by the City and Richmond Public Library, the Community Services Connectors program began in January 2024. Over the first four months, the program has assisted close to 200 community members to find community resources. It has proven to be a valuable resource in the community as more households are experiencing affordability pressures.  

The Community Services Connectors program is a strategic initiative of the City’s 2021–2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond and expands outreach programs that support residents who are at risk of or living in poverty. The development of the Community Services Connectors program was funded by the Province of BC through a Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) grant.

For more information about the Community Services Connectors or available resources to support people living on low income, visit richmond.ca/CommunityResources.