A new pilot program aimed to help reduce poverty in Richmond will start at Richmond Public Library's Ironwood branch at the end of this month.
The City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library are launching a four-month Community Services Connectors Pilot Program to help connect low-income residents with the services and resources they need.
From Jan. 28 to May 26, one-on-one drop-in sessions will be held each Sunday at Ironwood Library's Living Room from 2 to 4 p.m., where residents can get assistance with finding information on social benefits, affordable housing supports, employment resources and community programs.
Monthly "Snacks and Facts" sessions will also be held at Ironwood Library on the fourth Tuesday of each month during the period, where local organizations will hold workshops to help residents access different services. The sessions will be held on Feb. 27, Mar. 26, Apr. 23 and May 28.
The pilot program is funded through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and will complement the existing monthly community services pop-ups at Brighouse library, which is set to continue for the rest of 2024.
Unlike the monthly pop-ups, the pilot program offers an alternative for those living outside of city centre and has more frequent program times in addition to one-on-one support, according to the City of Richmond.
For more information on resources available to low-income residents, visit the City of Richmond's website.
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