The Canadian Red Cross are still here to help in Grand Forks. The Household Emergency Assistance Program was introduced for this year’s Boundary flooding, a pilot project lead by the Red cross and Emergency Management BC. The HEAP Program saw a recent extension but eligibility became slightly more strict.
Red Cross BC Flood Recovery Manager Alina Konevski explains why. “It was set up in a very open manor, in the immediate months after the flood so July, August, September, in order to try and capture as many people as we could that were impacted by the flood and get money into people’s hands really fast.”
She explains that the organization is a last resort. “The Red Cross is here temporarily, the Red Cross is always in a community temporarily, we’re not a long term solution. What we do is we try to get you over the hump or that dip that you fell into because of a tragic event, and connect you to other resources and supports that are here long term and will be able to work with you long term.”
Konevski adds that HEAP only covers food and accommodation, and it’s crucial they don’t overlap with pre-existing support services in communities. She also says while they continue to support those affected they have started asking more questions and requiring documents such as rental agreements to ensure the right people receive the appropriate support. The Red Cross will be here until March.