The Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, formed by the City of Parksville in 2010 is now co-chaired by Renate Sutherland (executive director, Society of Organized Services) and Major Martin Ketteringham (Salvation Army). Both the task force and the task force steering committee meet regularly.

The task force is working to address homelessness and issues related to homelessness in School District #69, Vancouver Island. The geographical region of Oceanside, mid Vancouver Island includes Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose Bay, French Creek, Deep Bay, Bowser, Whiskey Creek, Coombs and Errington. Because this is a regional initiative, the Town of Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo as well as this region’s MLA, participate on the steering committee and task force.

Support for the homeless in our region is provided by such organizations and service providers as Manna Ministries, Society of Organized Services, the Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association and our local churches. Manna Ministry offers emergency assistance to homeless in the Oceanside region. If you would like to help, a list of needed supplies is provided here.

Supply List

For the past two winters, the Salvation Army, under the auspice of the task force operated an extreme weather shelter from November 1 to March 31.

Oceanside Homeless Census

The first-ever homeless census was conducted on May 30, 2011. The results were released to the public on August 22 with a total of 68 persons counted with 38 adults and five children considered to be "absolute homeless" and another 25 considered to be "at risk of homelessness".

The results of the count are a valuable resource for the task force and will guide the decisions of the task force going forward as they work on initiatives to eliminate homeless in the Oceanside region. These results will help to educate the public to the homelessness issues in the Oceanside region and the findings will also provide assistance and guidance to this region's service providers who work with the homeless.

News Release – Homeless Count

The task force is co-chaired by:

Renate Sutherland, Executive Director Society of Organized Services	250 248-2093
Major Martin Ketteringham Salvation Army	250 248-8794

Return to Top

Home Residents Business Visitors City Hall Online Services