Balcaen Advocates for Stable Funding for Helping Hands Brandon

Wayne Balcaen, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Brandon West, is urging the NDP-led provincial government to establish stable and predictable funding for Helping Hands Brandon. This organization serves as a vital resource for thousands of residents in Brandon, providing essential meals to those facing hunger. Balcaen emphasized the importance of including specific financial commitments for Helping Hands in the government’s upcoming Throne Speech.

Helping Hands Brandon is a soup kitchen that has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, poised to serve approximately 51,000 meals this year, a significant increase from last year’s total of 46,000. The organization has also expanded its services by introducing a bag lunch program through the 7th Street Health Access Centre. Balcaen noted, “Helping Hands has done a phenomenal job in our community. If the government could provide permanent, stable, predictable funding, the organization could plan and continue feeding those in our community who are struggling.”

In response, Premier Wab Kinew acknowledged Balcaen’s request, stating that any funding proposals would be reviewed. He highlighted the previous cuts to community services during the tenure of the Progressive Conservative government and pointed to the NDP’s commitment to investing in social services.

Despite receiving annual support from the City of Brandon and the United Way, Balcaen expressed concern over the uncertainty that fluctuating funding creates for Helping Hands. Both the city and the United Way make annual funding decisions based on their budget priorities, which can leave Helping Hands vulnerable to potential reductions in financial support. He stated, “Each year, the organization has to reapply for funding… Helping Hands could see reductions in support if the United Way or the city experiences lower fundraising than expected.”

Balcaen also called for the province to reimburse Helping Hands for $225,000 spent repairing the facility’s roof, which has significantly impacted the organization’s contingency funds. “One unexpected crisis could force the organization to scale back services, which would be devastating for the people who rely on them,” he emphasized.

The executive director of Helping Hands, Angela Braun, expressed optimism over Balcaen’s advocacy. “The fact that the MLA is speaking out is hopeful,” she said. Continuous and predictable funding from the provincial government would enable the organization to plan effectively for the future and meet the increasing demands of the community.

Over the past three years, Helping Hands has experienced a steady rise in demand for its services. In 2023, the organization served approximately 42,000 meals, and the upward trend is expected to continue as they aim for 51,000 meals in 2024. Braun attributed this increase to several factors, including the rising cost of living, an influx of newcomers to the city, and challenges faced by families and seniors.

“The increase in demand has been difficult to manage, especially with limited funding,” Braun acknowledged. The organization has had to hire additional staff and sometimes utilize its own budget to procure essential food items. “Continuous annual funding from the government would allow us to plan for maintenance, staffing, and programming proactively rather than reactively,” she added.

While the City of Brandon and the United Way contribute $30,000 each annually to Helping Hands, the organization’s operational costs range between $20,000 and $30,000 per month. This funding covers essential expenses such as wages, utilities, cleaning supplies, and food supplementation. Upcoming infrastructure upgrades, including a sprinkler system, estimated to cost $10,000, further underscore the urgent need for reliable support.

Braun noted that while donations and volunteer efforts have been invaluable, they cannot substitute for the stability that government funding would provide. Balcaen has called on the provincial government to collaborate with local MLAs to ensure that Helping Hands and similar organizations continue their critical work in the community.