New Resource Through Emergency Support Services
By Shuswap Community Response Network
Stock Image
At a recent Shuswap Community Response Network meeting, Cathy Semchuk, Emergency Program Coordinator for Community and Protective Services, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, gave an exciting and compelling presentation detailing new services now available should an emergency arise.
When the unexpected happens, like having to evacuate your home because of wildfire nearby, you may find yourself needing financial support to meet your basic needs in those first 72 hours. The good news is, there are steps you can take now to help reduce your stress should something like that happen – including creating a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS).
ESS is a provincially funded program that is provided by trained local volunteers. During an evacuation, evacuees can go to locations called reception centres to access supports. These centres can get very busy, as volunteers help evacuees register and provide supports. You can streamline this process and avoid long lineups by setting up an ESS profile now.
In addition to having one less thing to worry about in a stressful time, the benefit of creating your ESS profile with your BC Services Card means you may be able to receive eligible supports by Interac e-transfer. You know best what supports you need, and e-transfer gives you the flexibility to choose.
Need help downloading the BC Services App and registering?
Shuswap ESS volunteers will be in attendance at these three upcoming Shuswap Community Response Network Free Clinics to help walk you through the registration process:
Copper Island Health and Wellness - Tuesday, November 4 from 1 – 4 pm at 10 – 2417 Golf Course Drive.
North Shore (Shuswap) - Thursday, November 6 from 10 am – 1 pm at Lakeview Community Centre at 7703 Squilax-Anglemont Road
AnglemontSorrento Retreat and Conference Centre - 1159 Passchendaele Road (beside Sorrento Elementary School), Spes Bona Conference Room (red brick building), Wednesday, November 12 from 1 – 4 pm.
The Shuswap Community Response Network is a provincial non-profit dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive communities where vulnerable adults are valued and protected. A CRN is made up of a diverse group of concerned community members who come together to create a coordinated community response to ensure that every adult is respected and free from harm. For more information, call Maryann at 778-490-8083.
