Emergency support for individuals and families.
Danielle's Helping Hand Fund offers prompt, one-time grants to help low-income individuals and families with emergency expenses. The fund is designed to fill gaps and provide support where no other community or government services are available.
If you live on a low-income and are facing an emergency expense, Danielle's Helping Hand Fund may be able to help. You will need to meet certain criteria and submit an application to Powell River & District United Way.
IMPORTANT: The drop-box for Danielle's Helping Hand fund applications has moved to the Poverty Law Office, #207 - 6975 Alberni St. (above the Powell River Public Library. Take the elevator or stairs from the library foyer). Applications are no longer accepted at the 7th Day Adventist Church on Manson Ave.
If you live on a low-income and are facing an emergency expense, Danielle's Helping Hand Fund may be able to help. You will need to meet certain criteria and submit an application to Powell River & District United Way.
IMPORTANT: The drop-box for Danielle's Helping Hand fund applications has moved to the Poverty Law Office, #207 - 6975 Alberni St. (above the Powell River Public Library. Take the elevator or stairs from the library foyer). Applications are no longer accepted at the 7th Day Adventist Church on Manson Ave.
Who can apply
To qualify for Danielle's Helping Hand Fund, you must:
- Live in Powell River, Tla'amin, or the qathet Regional District.
- Not have received funding through Danielle's Helping Hand Fund before.
- Have a household income that falls below a certain limit (more information can be found in the application form).
- Have a quote, estimate, bill, invoice, or other official written notice for the expense.
Types of expenses
We will consider applications for most emergency expenses that constitute basic needs, if no other family, community or government supports are available. The amount of funding awarded is determined based on need, supplementary supports accessed, and availability of funds at the time of application. We typically do not provide funding in excess $1,000.
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
If an application is approved, payment will be made directly to the third party service provider (i.e. dental clinic, rental agency/landlord, utility company, etc.). We do not make payments directly to individuals.
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Dentures
- Emergency dental procedures
- Other medical or health care expenses not covered by MSP (e.g. medical equipment)
- Rent, damage deposit, or rental arrears
- Minor emergency repairs to home or vehicle
- Utility bills or arrears
- Family accompaniment for medical-related travel
- Bereavement-related travel
- etc.
- Food, groceries, etc. (click here for the Powell River Food Bank and here to find free and low-cost meals)
If an application is approved, payment will be made directly to the third party service provider (i.e. dental clinic, rental agency/landlord, utility company, etc.). We do not make payments directly to individuals.
How to apply
We do our best to process applications as quickly as possible, typically within a week. If you require your application to be rushed, please email helpinghand@unitedwayofpowellriver.ca to let us know.
- Download and print a blank application form, or pick one up from the Poverty Law Office, above the Powell River Public Library (accessible from the library foyer via stairs or elevator).
- Fill out the form and gather and print or photocopy your proof of income and expense. (Printers are available for a low per-page fee at the library or Staples.)
- Drop off your completed application form and supporting documents in the drop-box at the Poverty Law Office. (Located above the Powell River Public Library, accessible from the library foyer via stairs or elevator. )
- Powell River & District United Way will confidentially assess your application and contact you for further information, if needed.
- Once a decision has been made, Powell River & District United Way will inform you of the funding decision.
- Payment will be issued directly to the third service provider using the information provided in your application.
Application form
Click the link below to download and print the application form, or pick up a hard copy from the Poverty Law Office, #207-6975 Alberni St. (above the Powell River Public Library).
| Helping Hand Application Form 2021 |