Community Supports

https://ridgemeadowssa.ca/programs/programs-overview

The Salvation Army provides a variety of free supports which include:

Emergency Food Hampers: Provides emergency food hampers for families currently not receiving regular support from the local food bank and financially facing a hardship that is impacting their capacity to make ends meet. If on-going support is required, they are able to connect families to the food bank.

Contact: Community and Family Services Coordinator, 604-463-8296 ext 112

Sonia’s Cradle: This program offers support for families with financial need who have a baby or toddler in the home. Support is extended beyond toddlerhood for families who have a child with special needs. Baby and toddler essentials are offered at no charge. Application for support can be found on their website or you may call the contact below.

Contact: Community and Family Services Coordinator, 604-463-8296 ext 112

https://friendsneedfood.com/getting-help        

Families experiencing financial hardship may be able to access free weekly food hampers through the Friends in Need Food Bank. There are two depot locations – one in Maple Ridge, and one in Pitt Meadows. You can contact them by phone for further inquiry. Appointments are arranged by phone.

Maple Ridge: 604-466-3663 ext. 206

Pitt Meadows: 604-460-4619

Every year, the Christmas Hamper Society accepts applications from families who are receiving government assistance or who are of low income. They traditionally support families with a gift card for food as well as gifts for registered children under the age of 19. 

Contact:  https://www.mrpmchristmashamper.org/

Provides support to low-moderate income households to help keep families housed. Support is provided through loans with flexible repayment to support a variety of areas connected to housing security.

Contact: https://purposesociety.org/events/categories/rent-bank/maple-ridge-rent-bank/

Provides a directory of low-income housing options, inclusive of access to online application forms and contact numbers. Criteria for subsidized housing varies per site, and eligible candidates can apply for housing that is below market value rental rates.

Contact: https://housingsearch.bchousing.org/

A fair market value housing program located in Maple Ridge that can support families needing 2-3 bedrooms. A long-realized dream of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services.

Contact: https://www.cornerstonerentals.ca/about

Offers a housing support program for Indigenous families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Additional information can be found at the link below.

Contact: Connect with a support worker at 604-458-0150 https://www.frisociety.ca/homeless-outreach

The BC Healthy Kids Program supports low-income families with basic dental care, prescription eyewear and hearing assistance for children up to the age of 19. Families can visit the website and apply for these supplementary benefits.

Contact: https://www.gov.bc.ca/msp      604-683-7151

This site provides a list highlighting dental clinics in the lower mainland, including the UBC Emergency and General Dentistry program and the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society.

Contact: https://www.yourdentalhealth.ca/visiting-your-dentist/reduced-cost-clinics/

This grant supports costs up to 30% for a variety of dental treatments. An application form can be accessed on the website.

Contact: http://www.dentalgrants.org/british-columbia-dental-grants

Families without access to private dental insurance or coverage may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

The CDCP pays a portion of the cost for a wide range of oral health care services, including dental exams, cleaning, fillings, crowns, dentures, and oral surgery.

To learn more or apply, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

Low-income families may apply for consideration of funding to support orthodontic costs that they could otherwise not afford. An application form can be found on the website.

Contact: https://smiles4canada.ca/

Provides financial support to qualifying applicants to aid in the costs of sports and physical activities for children aged 4-18. The website identifies criteria for eligibility and information on the application process.

Contact: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/

Offers grants to qualifying families to assist with sports registration fees up to $400 for children under the age of 18. Eligibility and application forms can be found on their website.

Contact: https://kidsportcanada.ca/

Families may put in a request for consideration for a space for their child in a one-week summer camp offered each year. Registration is encouraged in the spring.

Contact: The Community and Family Services Coordinator, 604-463-8296 ext 112

https://ridgemeadowssa.ca/summer-camp

Low-income households may apply for the Back-to-School Program, which provides school packs for kids. Packs include school supplies. Applications open at the end of each school year and can occasionally be accessed as late as the first week or two of school each September.

Contact: https://ridgemeadowssa.ca/programs/back-to-school

A variety of supports are available for First Nations children under the age of majority, with status, or who have a parent with status or without status but living on reserve. Jordan’s Principle covers a variety of health, social and educational expenses. The website provides details of specific costs covered within these categories as well as instructions on the application process.

Contact: https://jordansprinciplehubbc.ca/who-and-what-is-eligible-for-funding/