The Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre has launched an Odd Job Program to supplement the income of its clients.
The program was announced on Monday.
“Following several months of informal testing, Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre has introduced an Odd Jobs Program to help its clients supplement their income” said Roch Fortin, director of the food bank.
“This free-of-charge program has been designed primarily to help clients receiving basic welfare, clients with disabilities and low-income employed clients to supplement their incomes with part-time work for residents of Summerland.”
Tara Hollas, resource coordinator at the centre, said 14 potential employees have registered over the last three months.
The centre has matched them with 12 small jobs.
Tasks include lawn mowing, deliveries, cleaning, drywall, errands, dog walking, cooking and office work.
Odd jobs can be listed for free on the food bank’s website at summerlandfoodbank.org or by calling 778-516-0015.
John Bubb, president of the food bank and resource centre, said the program was added in response to increasing community need.
“Basic welfare rates have not increased for nine years now and many people with even minor barriers to employment find themselves in increasingly desperate circumstances” he said.
“Current welfare regulations allow a single welfare recipient to earn up to $200 a month whereas a disability recipient can earn up to $800 a month without impacting their government payment.”
WorksafeBC regulations apply for homeowners who hire workers under the program.
A link to WorksafeBC’s regulations appears on the food bank’s website.
