Youth centre seeks federal help
Undercurrent organization unable to raise funds due to COVID-19 protocols
GLACE BAY — The Undercurrent Youth Centre is struggling to cover operational costs while public health orders are in place in Nova Scotia due to COVID-19.
However, the non-profit, which has centres in Glace Bay and Sydney, isn’t eligible for the federal government’s wage subsidy because it receives money from the provincial and municipal governments to help deliver programs for vulnerable people.
“All income for the youth centre is dried up and we have rent, heat and lights to pay,” said executive director Dave Sawler.
“Our income is gone. We can’t fundraise, we have no rentals for birthday parties and other events. All our children’s programs are free but the other ones, there is a cost, and they are a big part of our income and we don’t have those anymore.”
For five weeks, Sawler has been trying to secure any funding he can for operational costs through the provincial and federal governments.
The pastor and executive director of the youth centre hoped the Canadian government’s wage subsidy program, which covers 75 per cent of employee wages, could help.
Sawler said the subsidy would allow them to move some of the existing budget for wages to cover other costs.
However, when Sawler reviewed subsidy guidelines it seemed they wouldn’t qualify. This is because money they’re receiving from the province to run the virtual school lunch program and from the municipality for the homeless comfort centres is considered income, even though it can only be used for those programs.
Sawler called government officials overseeing the subsidy program and was told they wouldn’t qualify.
“It is ironic that all levels of government are running programs and things through this building but we aren’t eligible for a subsidy (that will keep us open),” said Sawler, who thinks other non-profits might also be falling through the cracks.
“It’s ridiculous to tell you the truth … It’s bizarre that the people who are trying to help the most could be penalized because of it.”
Last Friday, Sawler had a telephone meeting with Sydney-Victoria MP Mike Kelloway who encouraged him to apply regardless of the information given to him.
“In seven weeks we’ve put together what normally takes four or five years to get these many measures out the door quickly ... To those who need them the most," said Kelloway.
Kelloway said MPs have daily conference calls to discuss what is working, what’s not working and what needs to be expanded.
“There are gaps and the gaps in this case would be community agencies and not-for-profits who may be providing leadership in terms of being a conduit for municipal and provincial (funding for programs during the COVID-19 crisis) and they shouldn’t be penalized for that.”
If the Undercurrent Youth Centre applies and is rejected, Kelloway said he plans to advocate on their behalf.
“This is where the advocacy of the MP is critical. I never promise anybody anything because that’s just not my style, but what I say is … let me help,” he said.
“I would be pushing people in Ottawa to tell me why and find out what else we can do to assist them … Our office, based on who I’ve hired, we’re community advocates.”
After the call with the MP, Sawler feels a bit more optimistic they’ll be approved but he’s not counting his chickens before they hatch.
“Up until I spoke with Mike, our answer had been no, so I feel a bit better,” he said. “But until we’re approved for something, I can’t be certain. I’ve applied for everything I can.”