Update for members on NCC’s latest COVID-19 programming and initiatives
The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) will be implementing another phase of programs and initiatives over the summer to help directly address the urgent needs of NunatuKavut members and communities as the COVID-19 global pandemic continues. To date, NCC has budgeted a total of nearly $5.5 million for COVID-19 with help from the federal government and other partners. The latest details on our next round of programs and initiatives are outlined below.
FOOD SECURITY VOUCHER PROGRAM
The Food Security Voucher Program assists NunatuKavut members who are experiencing food and heat security challenges and have these urgent needs due to the pandemic.
The maximum household gross monthly incomes for eligibility are outlined below. The food voucher amounts, which vary based on family composition, are also listed.
- Single: $2,000 or less ($100 voucher)
- Families with no dependents: $3,000 or less ($150 voucher)
- Families with up to two dependents: $4,000 or less ($200 voucher)
- Families with greater than two dependents: $4,500 or less ($300 voucher)
This program launches on July 5, 2021 and members who accessed the program previously will have to reapply. One voucher will be available in both July and August.
Program contacts:
Area 1 (Straits), Area 6 (Western Labrador), Area 7 (outside of Labrador) and members living in north coast communities in Labrador
Shandy Smith, 709-921-6604
Area 2 (Battle Harbour), Area 3 (Bolsters Rock to Spear Point) and Area 4 (Sandwich Bay/Island of Ponds)
Wanda Dyson, 709-471-8923
Area 5 (Central Labrador):
Olivia Broomfield, 709-899-1557
Get the application here: https://nunatukavut.ca/covid-19/food-heat-security-vouchers/
ELDER SUPPORT
Firewood Heat Security Program
The Firewood Heat Security Program provides one cord of firewood per household for NunatuKavut seniors aged 55 and over and vulnerable people.
Eligible applicants include NunatuKavut members who:
- Are age 55 or older;
- Have a disability; or
- Receive Income Support (Social Assistance).
There are limited cords of firewood still available and it will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis. Separate arrangements are being made for wood in Black Tickle.
Program contact:
Shawn Holwell
T. 709-938-7882
E. sholwell@nunatukavut.ca
Get the application here: https://nunatukavut.ca/covid-19/firewood-program/
Senior Subsidy Mailout
Later in the summer, another round of $100 cheques will be mailed to all NunatuKavut seniors over 65 in Labrador and across Canada to help with extra expenses like groceries, cleaning supplies or other bills.
Household Support Program
NCC has provided funding to a number of communities in NunatuKavut to hire workers to connect with seniors and assist with basic tasks like picking up groceries or medications, getting drinking water or yard clean-up. Contact details on this program will be provided once workers are in place.
COMMUNITY FREEZER ENHANCEMENT
Food Hampers
NCC will be delivering another round of food hampers to seniors and vulnerable persons in NunatuKavut this summer. This will include essential fresh food items like produce and milk products. Details on timing will be announced when the hampers are ready to be delivered.
Country Food Harvester Support Grant Program
Starting on July 5, NCC members living in Labrador can re-apply for the Country Food Harvester Support Grant Program. It provides $100 grants for two different types of harvesters:
- hunters/trappers
- fishers/gathers.
This will help cover costs associated with the harvesting of country foods, birds, fish, berries, etc. Members who avail of the hunters/trappers grant must hold a valid Possession and Acquisition License. Only one applicant per household will be accepted for each grant.
Program contact:
Megan Chatman
T. 709-288-0471
E. mchatman@nunatukavut.ca
Get the application here: https://nunatukavut.ca/covid-19/country-food-harvester-support-grant/
Gardening Grant Program
The gardening grant program is being offered to support communities and individuals in NunatuKavut, starting on July 5, to improve their infrastructure and purchase supplies that will help grow healthy, nutritious and local foods. The grant must be used for costs relating to establishing a new garden or maintaining/expanding an existing garden.
Here are the grant amounts:
- Community governance structures (town councils or local service districts) can access a one-time grant of up to a maximum of $1,000.
- Individuals or non-profit/community groups can access a one-time grant of up to a maximum of $250.
All recipients must provide participant feedback and photos by August 30, 2021.
Program contact:
Roxanne Notley
T. 709-960-0705
E. rnotley@nunatukavut.ca
Get the application here: https://nunatukavut.ca/covid-19/gardening-grant-program/
VIRTUAL SERVICES
Physical Wellness Services
Virtual physical wellness services are available to NunatuKavut members at NO COST during the pandemic. NCC is partnering with Garreth Kippenhuck at Inclusive Health and Fitness to deliver services such as private or semi-private fitness training, group fitness training and nutritional coaching.
To book an appointment, contact:
T: (709) 693 6048
Mental Health Counselling Services
Private and confidential mental health counselling services are available at NO COST for NunatuKavut members (ages 8+) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is being offered in partnership with Cortez Hancock at Priority Health Counselling.
To book an appointment, contact:
T: (709)
699-3692
E. priorityhealthcounselling@gmail.com
BLACK TICKLE SUPPORTS
NCC is continuing to provide crucial supports for Black Tickle to meet their unique and specific needs. Two full-time staff have been hired to assist with NCC’s on-the-ground efforts in the community, which includes water, food and heat security initiatives.
Have a question or concern? Please contact us!
T. 1 (877) 896-0592 (toll free) or 1(709) 896-0592 OR communications@nunatukavut.ca
Learn more at www.nunatukavut.ca