Since 2001, the Richmond Poverty Response Committee has…

•    Developed and implemented 2 web-base resources that provide information to low-income individuals and families
◦    Low Income Resource Directory to improve access to information for low-income people and agencies serving them. This site is now managed by the Volunteer Richmond Information Services.
◦    Richmond Shares website which encourages year-round donations of items such as household supplies, appliances and clothing to low income people. This site is now managed by the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre.

•    Advocacy Task Force worked with CHIMO Crisis services to establish Richmond Advocacy Program with trained volunteer advocates and a pro bono legal clinic. CHIMO now provides this service and recently received 3 year funding of $75,000 per year from the BC Law Society. It is the only lay program that is funded by the Law Society.

•    Food Security Task force secured multi-year funding to implement the action plan identified in the Richmond Food System Environmental Scan and Action (ActNow Funding, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority). 
Richmond Food Assessment (2006)

•    Food Security Task Force created a vision for a sustainable food system for Richmond “Gardens for Garden City” proposal; Sustainability Concept Map.

•    Food Security Task Force encourages and supports the development of community kitchens, community meals, the East Richmond Healthy Community project, promotion of community gardens and schoolyard growing projects, healthy snacks programs, school breakfast and lunch programs, the East Richmond Farmers market and expansion of the Fruit Tree Sharing Project. The Food Security Task Force became the Richmond Food Security Society in the spring of 2009

•    Affordable Housing Task force has been working towards creation of a positive climate for affordable and accessible housing by lobbying local government for 5 years – City has adopted Standards of Maintenance by-law, developed an affordable housing strategy and is reviewing legalized secondary suites.

•    Special Events – sponsored World Food Day celebrations since 2005 and sponsored Affordable Housing week since 2001 providing community display boards in 12 community centres.

•    Awards: November 2006 – “Volunteers as Stars” Community Recognition Event – Nova Star awarded to RPRC and Constellation Star an individual award to David Reay, Co-chair of RPRC for his individual contribution.

•    Faith Communities Housing Group – Following an initial workshop in 2005, a group of members of Richmond’s faith community continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss ways to alleviate the effects of poverty in Richmond, particularly housing issues.

•    The Advocacy Task Force was disbanded in 2004 after the creation of a program with Chimo Crisis Services. The Outreach and Advocacy Service helps people with problems such as housing, income assistance, disabilities, family relationships, immigration, mental health, employment and pensions.