Low Income Supports

Volunteer Income Tax Program


A volunteer income tax preparation clinic will be held in the lower level of the Black Diamond municipal office on Wednesday April 13, 2022 from 9 am-2pm for resident with a simple tax situation and modest income.  Taxes will be completed by qualified volunteers on a first come, first serve basis.  If you cannot attend this session or have any questions call Suzan Nagel at 403-933-4348 to arrange for an alternate method.
Eligibility Criteria

Volunteers CANNOT prepare complex returns or returns for any of the following tax situations:
  • ANY self employment, business or rental income and expenses
  • Taxes that require the reporting of Capital Gains or Losses
  • Pre/Post Bankruptcy Returns
  • Returns for Deceased persons
  • Any other complex tax situation, including claims for employment expenses
Income Maximums to qualify are $35,000 for singles, $45,000 for couples.  Single adult with one child is $40,000 with an additional $2,500 in income for each additional family member.

Two application forms are required; 1 for the CRA - form T1S60, and one for the volunteer organization - Volunteer Income Tax Application Form (PDF). 

Subsidized Housekeeping Program


Subsidized Housekeeping is available to eligible seniors or persons affected by illness, recent hospitalization, or who may have a disability or physical limitation and are unable to perform regular housekeeping tasks. Proof of physical limitation (unless 80 years of age or older) and income are required. Successful applicants will have access to a professional cleaning service at a rate of $17.50/hr. Seniors who qualify for Alberta Special Needs Assistance can submit housekeeping receipts for reimbursement from the province. Call Suzan at 403-933-4348 for more information.

Job/Career Assistance


  

McBride Career Group


McBride Career Group offers job/career assistance. One of the programs currently being offered is the Mature Worker Program for those aged 50+. This flexible, no-cost program assists with workplace skills, job searching, resume preparation, self-employment, interviewing techniques and much more. Call 403-995-4377 (Okotoks) or 403-601-2660 (High River). View the Assistance Poster (PDF). Be sure to ask about other services if this "Experience Counts" program doesn't fit your needs.

Check out the upcoming Free Career Development Workshops in Okotoks and High River.

Registration


Early registrations are important - Workshops cover Career Planning, Resume Writing, Internet Basics for Work Search, and Interview Skills. Contact the Okotoks office at 403-995-4377 or High River office at 403-601-2660 to find dates and times.

Affordable Housing


Information about the apartments on Main Street can be found by calling Connie Hynscht at 403-616-1032.

For information about subsidized housing and rental assistance call the Foothills Foundation directly at 403-652-8600. Application forms can be obtained from the town office. Please call Suzan at 403-933-4348 to arrange pick up or delivery of forms.

Seasonal Supports


Pool Fee Assistance Program

Low income residents of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and the surrounding County of Foothills may qualify for free pool passes. Limited quantities are available through the Okotoks Family Resource Centre 403-995-2626. Passes are courtesy of the Town of Turner Valley.

Christmas Assistance


Families struggling to make ends meet at Christmas can register with the Oilfields Food Bank for general food hampers and/or "Christmas Dinner" hampers. You can register in person Tuesdays between 1 - 3 pm at the United Church in Turner Valley (lower level) or call 403-612-1291 and leave a message. Someone will return your call.  Those requiring assistance with toys for children can contact The Salvation Army at  403-652-2195.

Back to School Program


Low-income families can apply for assistance with back-to-school supplies at the Family Resource Centre in Okotoks 403-995-2626. See program details.