Prince George, BC - The City of Prince George is offering a new grant to support and encourage non-profit agencies to hire people who have lived in or are currently living in poverty and may be affected by its associated challenges, such as homelessness.
The new Peers Employment and Encouraging Resiliency (PEER) Grant is a short-term project funded by a Strengthening Communities Services Grant provided by the Union of BC Municipalities. The City is seeking applications from non-profit organizations that create barrier-free, safe, and inclusive employment.
A peer is a person who experienced or is experiencing unsheltered homelessness, who is at risk of homelessness, and/or who has experienced multiple barriers. Some of these barriers may include:
- Experience with addictions or substance use in the past or present
- Living with mental health challenges
- Being street entrenched
- Prior criminal justice involvement
- Lack of social networks and connections
- Low income
- Facing stigma associated with the above barriers
“The grant is intended to support non-profit agencies to hire people with lived experience and to provide a range of low-barrier employment opportunities,” said Sarah Brown, supervisor of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. “Peers can apply their unique understandings to help inform decision makers or directly assist others that are experiencing similar challenges. They may also have skills and experience that can benefit non-profit organizations. It’s a ‘win-win-win’ for the non-profits, the individuals, and the community.”
The grant was designed using feedback from downtown citizens that was collected during a public engagement session hosted by the City and partners in October. The grant application and its criteria were designed by community partners who support peers such as the POUNDS Project Society and Central Interior Native Health as well as two peer advisors.
The City received $40,000 to support peers employment, as part of the Strengthening Communities Services Grant. Participating non-profit agencies are eligible to receive up to $4,000 in wage support for each peer hired.
Those interested are asked to visit the City website for further information and to apply for a grant. The City is accepting applications until October 1, 2022.
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