Outreach & Advocacy
The Outreach & Advocacy Program consists of a team of volunteers who assist clients with poverty law, domestic violence and crisis prevention issues.
Volunteers interview and meet with clients to assess their needs and help them navigate relevant social services and resources.
Our areas of service include:
Outreach & Advocacy Office
Call us:
604-279-7077
Mon-Fri:
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Income Security
Federal and Provincial Programs
Advocates assist clients with applications, reviews and appeals for government-funded income support, including Income Assistance (IA), Persons with Disabilities (PWD), Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB), Hardship Assistance (HA), Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D), Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Other Benefits, Credits and Subsidies
Advocates assist clients with applications for other supports for basic needs, including Rental Assistance Program (RAP), Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB), Canada Child Benefit (CCB), etc.
Tenancy
Informal Resolution
Advocates work with clients to liaise with landlords, tenants, property owners, cohabitants and other organizations in attempts to resolve tenancy-related issues (e.g. evictions, security deposits, rent disputes, etc.) before they proceed to formal dispute resolution. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Residential Tenancy Branch Dispute Resolution and Appeals
Advocates provide assistance and may represent clients in Residential Tenancy Branch dispute resolution proceedings and appeals. Assistance includes advice on evidence gathering, written submissions and general case coordination.
Employment Law and Workers’ Rights
Informal Resolution
Advocates work with clients to liaise with employers, employees and other organizations in attempts to resolve employment-related issues (e.g. pay, dismissal, discrimination, harassment, etc.) before they proceed to formal complaints. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Employment Standards Branch Complaints and Appeals
Advocates provide assistance and may represent clients in Employment Standards Branch complaint proceedings and appeals. Assistance includes advice on evidence gathering, written submissions and general case coordination.
Consumer Law
Informal Resolution
Advocates work with clients to liaise with employers, employees and other organizations in attempts to resolve consumer issues (e.g. deceptive practices, refunds, privacy issues, etc.) before they proceed to formal complaints. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Consumer Complaints
Advocates assist with composing complaints and general case coordination to oversight organizations like Consumer Protection BC, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other regulatory bodies. Advocates also follow up on decisions to address compliance issues.
Debt Issues
Debt Management
Advocates work with clients to assess their income, assets and debts to attempt to resolve debt issues while ensuring the client is able to afford basic necessities. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Debt Negotiation
Advocates liaise with creditors to attempt to negotiate workable payment plans for clients who are in debt. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Indigenous Law
General Support for Indigenous Individuals
Advocates provide a broad range of information, advice and representation for a variety of Indigenous issues, including Indian Status applications, health benefits, band membership applications and housing. Advocates also provide referrals to related resources and organizations.
Civil Resolution Tribunal
CRT Proceedings Support
Advocates assist with co-op housing, non-RTA Housing and CRT claims (excluding strata, ICBC/motor vehicle and personal injury matters). Assistance includes advice on evidence gathering, written submissions and general case coordination.
Domestic Violence Support
Safety Planning and Case Management.
Support for women who have experienced or at risk of abuse, threats or violence in an intimate relationship. Advocates provide information and advice, as well as referrals to related support organizations and programs. This includes income assistance, housing, counseling, furniture services and affordable moving companies.
Crisis and Transitional Support
Clients with Immediate Needs
Advocates provide information and referrals to relevant support services, including counseling and crisis lines. Advocates also liaise with support organizations to arrange for care services.
Applications for ID
Advocates assist with applications for identifying documents, including passports, SIN Cards, BC Driver’s Licenses, BC Services Cards, etc. Advocates also provide assistance with name and gender changes on said documents.
Tax Clinic
Filing Taxes
Experienced volunteers assist with simple tax filings seasonal.
Tax-Related Issues
Experienced volunteers provide assistance with resolving tax-related issues, including tax return amendments, advice on obtaining missing documents and inquiries regarding deductions. For those who have not filed their taxes for a number of years, volunteers can also assist with processing past years’ taxes.