BASIC NEEDS PROGRAM
There have been some changes to how individuals and families receive items from the Basic Needs Program.
To ensure we can support as many people as possible, this program is to be used only when a sudden, urgent, or unexpected situation happens. While vouchers can continue to be picked up at Family Support Services, items will only be available for pickup at the Bissell Thrift Shop.
We understand this will require extra time and travel to get basic need items (diapers and baby formula). However, given our capacity, this is the only way we can continue to offer the program to as many families as possible. It also provides more flexibility to families with limited options to pick up items.
Please remember the basic needs program remains the same. Access to diapers and formula are provided once-per-month—only the location for pickup has changed.
Based on their circumstance, we offer bus tickets to anyone who requires transportation. From the Stadium Station (95 Street and 106 Avenue), Edmonton Transit can take you to the Bissell Thrift Shop. Take Bus #5. As per ETS, it arrives every 15 minutes.
We thank you for your understanding and patience with the new system. It will allow us to help more families and provide more support to our community.
Things to Note
- Vouchers for the Basic Needs Program can be picked up on Wednesdays only
- Items such as diapers and baby formula are available only at Bissell Thrift Shop (8818-118 Ave)
- Bissell Thrift Shop (8818-118Ave) is open Monday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and closed Sundays and holidays.
- Bus tickets are available for transportation to the Bissell Thrift Shop (Take Bus #5 at 95 Street and 106 Avenue. It will take 15 minutes by bus to reach the store).
About Family Support Services
The Family Support Services workers provide essential emergency and ongoing supports to help families living in poverty meet their daily basic needs, improve their quality of life, and provide their children with a brighter future within an outreach/home visitation support model. Supports can include advocacy, referrals, and enhancing the capacity of families to care for their children.
To enhance resiliency and social supports in families and the community, we offer the following:
- Health-for-Two (prenatal care)
- Goal setting
- Advocacy services and referral information
Family Support Services staff delivering these services work closely with Early Childhood Development Program staff to support families. Often families are able to receive diapers, formula, and baby layettes when they are in financial crisis or distress.
“I feel I am not alone anymore, and I thought I would not make it after I left my partner, but here I am doing well with the support I got from the Health-for-Two worker.”
– Marilynn, Participant
