COVID-19 Info

Although our physical office doors remain CLOSED to the public as a safety precaution for now, all our staff have been working remotely and we have compiled a list we think you will find very helpful on our website. Check out our hub of online resources below. Some are on COVID 19, some are for COVID 19, some are educational and others are just fun! Remember that at this time, it is very important to stay home, stay safe and stay vigilant because the lives of many depend on it. And if you’re still wondering how canceled events and self-quarantines save lives, start by checking this out.

 

Health Information

Mental Health & Crisis Lines

Financial Support for Manitobans

  • Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Learn more about how to access these funds here. CBC also has an online guide with information on available Financial help for Canadians affected by COVID-19.
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit: This is available for those who may not be eligible for EI, including self-employed, part-time or seasonal workers, who earned up to $5000 last year. 
  • EI Sickness Benefit: If you are directly affected by the COVID-19 because you are sick or quarantined, you can get up to 15 weeks of pay and you do NOT have to provide a medical certificate to apply.
  • Canada Child Benefit: If you live with a child under 18 and you are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child,  you can apply for this benefit. If you have already applied before, you do not need to re-apply.
  • Employment Insurance (EI): provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Check out our post on how to apply for EI here. 
  • Rent Assist: This financial assistance is available for people who receive Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) and have housing costs to cover and other low-income private renters. Ps. There are laws in Manitoba that prohibit landlords from forcing  or locking out tenants who are unable to pay rent without due process. Only authorized police should be able to enforce evictions. If you are currently a tenant, read about your tenancy rights here.
  • Support for Bill Payments: Click here if you can’t pay your water bill, and here if you can’t pay your Manitoba Hydro (electricity) bill. Additional information on support for those who have lost their source of income due to the current pandemic has also been compiled by Immigrant Centre Manitoba.
  • Essay Contest for Students worth $2500: Basic Income Manitoba is hosting an essay contest! The essay topic is: Basic Income, what would it mean for you? There will be two first place prizes of $2500. The deadline to apply has now been extended to April 30th, 2020.
  • MPI Rebate FAQs: MPI to refund $110M to customers as claims plunge during pandemic. FYI – current policy holders can call an Autopac agent to discuss the possibility of switching from “all purpose use” to “pleasure use” for their vehicle insurance if they are no longer using their vehicle every day, or “storage insurance” if they are not using their vehicles at all due to quarantine and social distancing measures.
  • Remote Community Income Tax Clinics Poster: The Broadway Seniors Resource Council is now able to support low-income older adults to get their income tax returns filed through a new, FREE, remote program in partnership with Community Financial Counselling Services. Please see the attached poster. To qualify, one must be: Age 55+, single person making $35,000 or less, Married/common law couple making $45,000 or less, or an Individual with a dependent making $45,000 or less. Call Melanie at 204-772-3533 for more info.

Community Support – Do you want to help or do you need help?

  • Kids Crisis Text Line – Need help now? Text CONNECT to 686868. Check out the link to volunteer as a crisis responder if you are interested and able. Volunteers are needed currently. 
  • Join the Social Distance Pow Wow Facebook group to connect with Indigenous Peoples online for community support and to share ideas for navigating this shut-down period.
  • Help Next Door MB: If you are a volunteer ready to provide your support or someone who needs a helping hand through these difficult times, this platform can connect you.
  • CareMongering Facebook group: If you need someone to help you or you want to help someone in your community, please check out this group.
  • Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood residents: The staff at Charleswood 55+ Centre is available via phone (204-897-5263) from 10 am to 2pm, Mon – Fri,  to help seniors who are unable to leave their home and need essentials including food or medication.

Educational Resources

Entertainment & Fun

NEWS UPDATES

Resources for Free Meals/Food

Additional Resources