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.

There is also a drop box at Tla'amin Health available for members of the Tla'amin Nation or indigenous individuals. 

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:

• Dentures
• Emergency dental procedures
• Other medical or health care expenses not covered by MSP (e.g. medical equipment)
• Rent or rental arrears
• Minor emergency repairs to home or vehicle
• Utility bills or arrears
• Family accompaniment for medical-related travel
• Bereavement-related travel
• etc.

Ineligible expenses:

• 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:

1. *NEW* Fill out this application with your social/support worker OR the Poverty Law Advocate (604-485-0950 or povertylaw@telus.net) OR Tla’amin Health (604-483-3009 or health@tn-bc.ca - must be an indigenous individual or a member of the Tla’amin Nation). Make sure you attach the bill, invoice, quote, or other official documentation of the expense.
2. Drop off your application at one of our two drop box locations:
   1. Poverty Law Advocacy Office, #207-6975 Alberni St. (Above the Powell River Public Library. During office hours, use the DHHF drop-box inside the office. If the office is closed, the mail slot in the door can be used.)
   2. NEW Tla’amin Health Reception, 4895 Salish Dr. (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm) - Available for Tla'amin Nation members or indigenous individuals only.
3. Powell River & District United Way will confidentially assess your application and follow up if more information is needed. With your permission, we may also contact the service provider to negotiate a discounted rate or late payment.
4. Powell River & District United Way will email or phone you and/or your case worker when the decision is made. If your application is approved, payment will be issued directly to the service provider. If you believe your application was unfairly denied, you may submit an appeal via email to helpinghand@unitedwayofpowellriver.c

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).

Danielle's Helping Hand Fund Application Form
File Size:	150 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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