In mid-October, at the Edmonton Conference Centre (ECC) (formerly known as the Shaw Conference Centre (SCC)), nearly 2000 guests will descend upon one of the city’s signature buildings to take part in the bi-annual Homeless Connect 2018.
Since 2008, those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can come to the event and access up to 80 different service providers in one location in one day, all provided free of charge. Nestled among some of the services that range from dental care to haircuts to help with finding housing is the Canada Revenue Agency.
While one would not normally expect the federal tax department to appear at a social service agency event, their appearance makes cents after hearing officials explain why.
“Filing a tax return opens the door to benefits that can make all the difference in the lives of those who need them the most. I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that vulnerable Canadians get the benefits and credits they are entitled to,” says the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue. “We will continue to improve access to benefits and credits for vulnerable populations by partnering with community organizations like Homeward Trust and continuing our in-person outreach efforts to educate and raise awareness of the benefits and credits available. I want to thank the dedicated volunteers from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for their efforts and for showing what can be accomplished when Canadians help each other.”
Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Outreach/Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) helps low/no-income guests access the benefits and credits they may be entitled to. The program has been at the last six Homeless Connect (HC) events, and the volunteers are looking forward to participating again this fall. Also, at each event, they support the E4C Make Tax Time Pay (MTTP) program so guests can complete their tax returns for free.
Filing an income tax and benefit return is key to accessing benefits and credits—even if a person has no income to report. The Canada Child Benefit, the GST Credit, and the Disability Tax Credit are just a few of the child and family benefit programs guests could qualify for. It seems the volunteers with the CRA tax program fit right into Homeless Connect’s mission of helping those who need it most.
Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton, says the day is a key event not just for the clients but also for the hundreds of volunteers, service providers, sponsors, and the Edmonton Conference Centre (ECC) staff that make the day happen. McGee adds, “It’s about including people in our community. This is all about all of us working together and creating an environment that is really welcoming, respectful and breaks down some of the barriers.”
The next Homeless Connect event will take place on Sunday, October 14, at the Edmonton Conference Centre. To be our guest, volunteer or provide services click on this link here for more information.
