Pump said each program and support can have a different application process that can be very in-depth and intimidating. Photo: Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7fm

Applying for low-income support can be challenging but a local poverty advocacy group is helping people get through the process.

Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo (PAN) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the standard of living for those with lower incomes by breaking down barriers and sharing resources available in Nanaimo.

Executive Director of PAN, Sarah Pump said while there are resources for those with low incomes, they can still face obstacles in completing applications for assistance.

“Often low-income people have obstacles, such as they may not have access to a computer, they may not have access to a printer, sometimes they may not have access to the internet,” Pump said. “A lot of applications for programs that can help improve the stability and security of low-income people's lives have that barrier of an application.”

She said each program and support can have a different application process that can be very in-depth and intimidating.

“If you're disabled and you want to get the 25 per cent discount on your car insurance and also get your tax back paid on your fuel, there are applications you need to do. You need to do an online application, and then for the fuel tax refund, you need to do a paper form and add up all your receipts,” she said. “We get a lot of requests for help with that one because –especially for neurodiverse people or people with traumatic brain injury–sitting and looking at a pile of receipts that they have to add up can be really, really anxiety-inducing.”

To support the community with applications, PAN is running an event at the downtown library on Saturday, February 22nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will support those needing help applying for low-income support.

Some of the applications they can help with are kid’s sports grants, food bank home delivery for those with medical barriers, the Canadian Dental Benefits Plan, and the ICBC Disability Discount.

Pump said as PAN was created to remove barriers to resources and programs, they were hearing from clients that they didn't feel like there was enough support for completing paperwork. Clients might find their social workers too busy to help with the applications. Friends or family who could help might not feel comfortable or have the knowledge to help them with an application.

Pump said that right now, the application process that seems the toughest to navigate is the Subsidized Housing Registry with BC Housing, which can be very in-depth.

“You have to get proof of income, you need to provide references. And there's a lot of information required with this one client that I supported to complete it,” she said. “We actually met twice before we finally completed it. So definitely, that is one of the most intimidating ones.”

No matter the difficulty she feels the registry applications are very important, and she is consistently promoting subsidized housing.

For applications that need to be printed off and delivered, Pump said they will have letters and stamps and will mail them on their behalf.

“We're really passionate about removing obstacles, and for a lot of people, especially people who have a lot going on or who have transportation challenges. There's not a mailbox on every corner anymore,” she said.

If a community member still needs support with applications after the event, Pump said they are always happy to help with the processes and make sure they have everything they need for the applications.

“If you come in and you do one, and you get home and you're like, oh my gosh, there's like, two or three more now that I want to do, you know, just email us and I'll happily match you up with a client, navigator. They'll meet you at a library or a coffee shop, and you can meet with them multiple times to do multiple applications,” Pump Said. “I'm sure, in the last couple of years, I've applied for 20 different programs that have helped stabilize my life.”

As many applications can require supporting information, Pump recommends attendees email povertyadvocacynanaimo@gmail.com ahead of the event to confirm which documents to bring to the event if they are unsure.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.