Short of carving it in stone, officials at Hart Pioneer Centre say they are committed to keep the doors open for seniors despite funding problems arising from changes to the provincial gaming grants program.
Stuart Hayne, Hart Pioneer Centre (HPC) president said,"We're determined to keep this centre open for seniors even after March 31 when our last gaming money runs out.
"Since people became aware of our funding problems, event bookings for the centre have decreased in numbers, but they shouldn't be afraid to book because we do plan to keep it open,"
He said they may have to accept "interim or bridging" funds offered by the government to those organizations who cannot otherwise survive, but being in a catch-up situation is not something the membership wants to do.
"We're still not sure whether that is to be subtracted from our next grant, so we still have lots of worries," said Hayne.
The good news at the centre is that the 30-unit housing development being constructed next door is slated for completion in Masy with occupancy beginning June 1.
Hayne expects that will increase Hart Pioneer membership from today's 500 and probably provide more calls for meals-on-wheels.
"The main benefit of our meals-on-wheels program is to provide seniors with meals at cost. "Although the program usually runs at about a break-even position, it does allow us to hire a full-time cook and that's important here."
Hart Pioneer Centre members and BC Housing met earlier this month about administration and management of the housing development which as been offered to the Hart Pioneer members.
"We have a housing committee willing to take this job on with training provided by BC Housing," said Hayne.
"It's a volunteer partnership, but we will get the spin-off benefits from it."
Hayne noted that BC Housing has increased the annual income amount for seniors wishing to access the modular units designed for lower income people.
"At first it was said only those with an annual income of up to $26,00 would be eligible, but now that has been increased to an annual income of up to $40,000."
Problems with the gaming grants stem from a transition time needed by the province to merge former the Bingo grants and Direct access grants into one new program called Community Gaming Grant Program.
During the transition period over a year to 18 months, grant funding is at a standstill.
The Bingo grant recipients, like Hart Pioneer Centre, are the hardest hit because prior to this they were receiving three-year grants and all reapplying at the same time.
Now the grant deadlines have been broken into sectors and staggered throughout the year.
The Bingo grant recipients received their final grant installment in August to cover the time period to March 31, and will not receive further grant money until they can reapply for the new Community Gaming grant (Human and Social Services including Service Organizations) between Aug. 1 and Nov. 30 with notification by Feb. 28, 2012.
For other groups eligible for grants, the application deadlines are as follows:
**Arts and Culture can apply between Feb. 1 and May 31 with notification by Aug. 31, 2011.
**Sports for youth and people with a disability can apply between Feb. 1 and May 31 with notification Aug. 31, 2011
**Public Safety can apply between July 1 and Aug. 31 with notification by Nov. 30, 2011
**Parent Advisory Councils and District Parent Advisory Councils can apply between April 1 and June 30 with notification by Sept. 30, 2011
