COVID 19 Supports
Tansi, Bonjour and Hello,
On behalf of the Governing Board of directors of the Chilliwack Metis Association (CMA) we hope that you are coping with staying close to home during these difficult times. We finally have confirmation that the COVID-19 virus is indeed in Chilliwack as reported in the Chilliwack Progress last evening April 2. The CMA Board is meeting once a week via teleconference and we are adapting and expanding the programs we have in place as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
The Board of Directors has personally called out to over 70 of the elders that we have registered on our citizenship roll and are making sure that we are meeting the needs of those with health or mobility issues. Our Metis Women’s Director Sharon Quenneville has organized prepared soups and light meals that can be delivered to elders and Alena, Fergus and myself have taken on supplying some groceries/medicines to those in need once a week. Peter Lang Vice-President, Annette Laboucane Treasurer, Bryanna Pelletier Secretary and Fergus Dalton Director of Youth have been instrumental in helping us set up this network and preparing for the challenges ahead. Your Board is in direct contact with Metis Nation of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and are given briefings and correspondence on a daily basis.
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This COVID-19 Community Response portal has been set up by Alena Goodman-Bear, Director of Community Relations/Membership to keep you informed on programs and available help to you during this crisis. Please feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries, or to contribute to this page. CMAsecretary@hotmail.com or chilliwackcc@mnbc.ca . Stay close but stay apart.
Chi-meegwetch,
Louis De Jaeger
Chilliwack Metis Association
President
COVID-19 Emergency Rent Supplement Program
BACKGROUND
MNBC recognizes that citizens have been deeply impacted by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Through funding support provided by the Federal Government, MNBC will be providing a temporary rent supplement to Métis Nation citizens who are currently renting their homes.
This program offers rental relief payments of $250 per month for up to three months (May, June, and July 2020) to Métis Nation renters who are directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be administered until funds are no longer available on a first come, first served basis.
To benefit from this program, you must be a Métis Nation BC citizen and currently rent your home. If you qualify, the Rent Supplement will be paid electronically, directly to your landlord.
MNBC recognizes that the MNBC Emergency Rent Supplement Program may not cover all costs associated with renting, and therefore encourages all applicants to also apply for the BC government’s temporary rent supplement of $500 per month. The BC Government supplement, alongside the MNBC Emergency Rent Supplement Program will provide MNBC citizens who are facing financial hardship with a combined $750. The application for the BC Government Rental supplement can be found on the BC Housing https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19
APPLICATION
Please ensure the following application is completed and submit your application to MNBC to receive your benefit.
For more information, please contact MNBC at:
Toll-Freel: 1-800-940-1150
Email: emergencysupport@mnbc.ca
Address: Métis Nation British Columbia
#107 – 5668 192 Street, Surrey, BC V3S 2V7
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COVID-19 Education Support for Families Grant
BACKGROUND
During this COVID-19 crisis, all schools are closed in British Columbia, and students are now being taught through online lessons. Some Métis families do not have the additional financial resources to cover the costs associated with online learning.
MNBC is offering financial assistance of $500 to Métis families with school age children to support the costs associated with online learning which may include, but is not limited to, the purchase of a computer or tablet, covering home internet bills, or the purchase any other school supplies to be
able to continue their education during this time while schools are shut down. The Education Support Grant program will be administered until funds are no longer available on a first come, first served basis.
To benefit from the Education Support Grant program, your child must be a Métis Nation BC citizen or be eligible for citizenship, and must be enrolled in grades K-12 in British Columbia. If you qualify, the Education Support Grant will be paid directly to you electronically. Payment is limited to one per household.
APPLICATION
Please ensure the following application is completed in full and submit your application to MNBC to receive your benefit.
For more information, please contact MNBC at:
Toll-Freel: 1-800-940-1150
Email: emergencysupport@mnbc.ca
Address: Métis Nation British Columbia
#107 – 5668 192 Street, Surrey, BC V3S 2V7
https://www.mnbc.ca/app/webroot/uploads/2020/MNBC_COVID19_Education_Grant_fillable_final.pdf
***CRISIS SUPPORT, please call the Métis Crisis Line 1-833-METIS-BC (1-833-638-4722) if you are in crisis. This line is manned 24hr a day and 7 days a week. In collaboration with KUU-US Crisis Services, the Metis Crisis Line is a place where you can talk, trust and feel safe!
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****811 HEALTHLINE - COVID-19 Self Assessment (Medical, Mental Health, Healthy Eating Information)
***SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19 - Information.pdf
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***AVOID BEING SCAMMED - There are so many scams circulating online, by phone, text, and even door to door targeting our most vulnerable during these challenging times. Never give your personal information or banking information to anyone. Scam Information https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm
Please visit the Government of Canada website for consistent and up to date information to avoid scams.
Coronavirus (COVID19) Metis Nation BC Response
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The health and safety of our people is MNBC’s top priority.
To assess your risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19, please take this self-assessment https://covid19.thrive.health
Please maintain a good hand washing technique and social distancing of up to 2 meters or 6 feet, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms; you have recently travelled to any location that has an active travel advisory related to COVID-19, or you know or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, please call 811 for appropriate health information.
Please also note that when calling 811 you may experience longer than usual service wait times as volume of inquiries has increased.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, please take good care of yourself, your family and your extended Métis family.
COVID-19 MNBC Weekly Newsletters
Important Provincial Support Links
