Celebrating Nearly 1,000 Tax Intake Forms Completed As Project Bridge Funding Comes To An End

After two years of incredible work, the funding for Project Bridge is coming to an end. Looking back at this time, we reflect on the meaningful impact behind the surveys, forms, and referrals.

Launched in 2024 by Mission Possible and funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, Project Bridge is a peer-led outreach initiative that helps individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside file their taxes and access government benefits. With nearly 1,000 tax intake forms filled, 2,277 surveys completed, and 198 referrals to community services given, Project Bridge helped remove barriers to tax filing for countless community members who had otherwise been missing out on critical life-changing funds and benefits.

Thomas, Social Impact Coordinator, shares his thoughts on his experience:

“I find it very special how the project has created so many opportunities for every person on the team to learn and grow. From practical knowledge about the different benefit programs from the government, and for the associates in the Employment Readiness Program who happen to be newcomers to Canada, who were able to gain useful local experiences with work and community connection. I’d believe every one of them had helped someone overcome a barrier as part of their journey.”

What makes Project Bridge extra special is our team of Peer Tax Navigators. These are graduated associates from our Employment Readiness Program who were eager to deepen their knowledge and connection with the community.

In total, Project Bridge employed 34 Peer Tax Navigators -

opening doors for our associates to gain real work experience. They continued to build up their resume and skills with training and information sessions such as Outreach Work shadowing (with MP Neighbours), Standard First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, De-escalation, Trauma Informed Care, Service Canada Programs, Financial Empowerment, and Federal Programs for People with Disabilities. To this project, our Peer Tax Navigators bring lived experience, compassion, and hope. 

Altogether, the team made Project Bridge the success it was. Dave, Outreach Assistant Coordinator, shares, “It was amazing to see 8 cohorts of people come through our doors and come together as a team to operate as a cohesive unit. I hadn’t seen such team building or exceptional teammates in my time at Mission Possible. Everything we did, we did together. No one was left out of the process. I loved that we had a real representation of the DTES in our team -  newcomers to Canada, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, folks with mobility challenges, BIPOC, seniors, and more - all of the members of the team encapsulate the community in the DTES.”