Wildfire/Flood Resilience Response Grants launched!
In partnership with Alongside Hope (formerly known as PWRDF), the Ecclesiastical Province of BC/Yukon have launched an initiative to provide funds for parishes or dioceses/Territory for the purposes of building resilience, supporting recovery and enabling creative ways to respond to potential wildfires or floods. The Alongside Hope grant is $50,000 and will be dispersed by a committee for grants up to $8000
A Provincial committee was established with representation from across the Province and is chaired by Bishop Clara Plamondon. The committee’s mandate is to accept applications, review, and recommend grants to the Metropolitan so that funds can be disbursed as needed.
This program is not to replace established funding avenues through Government agencies or not-for-profit emergency response organizations. Funds are to support the work of parishes and communities who are either dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire/flood event, or who are looking for ways to anticipate how their parish or diocese/Territory can engage with communities they serve in the event of a future wildfire or flood.
This pilot project came out of a similar response that Alongside Hope initiated with the Diocese of Halifax and PEI during Hurricane Fiona. It was such a success, that Alongside Hope reached out to our Province to create a similar model as we deal with reoccurring wildfires and floods.
Examples of funding might include things like: upgrading electrical outlets in a hall to accommodate charging stations; purchasing a generator to provide backup energy in a parish facility; child care programs while parents deal with the aftermath of an event; emergency preparedness workshops, psychosocial and spiritual support teams; musical concerts for community rebuilding and healing. There are many possibilities! It is hoped that this funding will provide seed money to strengthen our capacity to support our communities, to raise awareness and preparedness planning, and to provide a meaningful response in the event of a wildfire or flood.
Applications are now being accepted. Forms are available through the Provincial website: www.province-bcyukon.anglican.ca, or through your own diocesan or Territory office. For more information or to send completed applications: office@territory.anglican.ca.
The Rt. Rev. Clara Plamondon