Red Deer Food Bank will soon be offering a new program to help clients access eligible government benefits to improve their lives.
On Sept. 18 clients can visit the food bank without an appointment to start the process to access an online tool called Benefits Wayfinder that simplifies the search for government benefits for those with low or modest incomes seeking ways to boost their incomes or reduce expenses.
“What we’re doing is walking each of our clients through a process to ensure that they receive all the provincial and federal programs they’re eligible for to ensure they have a stronger financial foundation and support,” said food bank executive director Mitch Thomson.
“Our goal is to be able to provide this ongoing and really make an impact so we’re not just handing out food. We’re handing out information and other supports to better their situations.”
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The Ontario-based charity Prosper Canada launched Benefits Wayfinder in January 2022. Sponsored by TD Bank Group, the bilingual tool provides customized benefit recommendations based on the life circumstances of each user.
In November 2022, an enhanced version of the wayfinder program was launched as an online companion tool Disability Benefits Compass to make it easier for Canadians with disabilities to identify and access government benefits to boost their incomes and/or reduce their expenses.
Benefits Wayfinder and Disability Benefits Compass, which are plain language tools that are easy to use, are available for free online at prospercanada.org/Resources/Online-Tools.aspx.
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Thomson said Ontario non-profits have been successful in helping people like seniors or homeless Canadians who face barriers to accessing government benefits.
He said Edmonton Food Bank is currently considering offering the Wayfinder program to its clients.
“At this point I think we’re the only non-profit in the province that is offering the service. We’re forging ahead.”
Space at the food bank has been renovated to create a reception and waiting area, and private spaces where clients can meet with staff or volunteers to access the Wayfinder program.
Thomson said a lot of government funding has not been distributed to Canadians because they have not accessed benefit programs. Helping clients with the wayfinder program fits with the food bank’s mission of alleviating hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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