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Vernon  

Fire relocates welfare office

It's business as usual for the Vernon office of the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation.

The building the North Okanagan office operated out of was gutted by fire Tuesday evening leaving many wondering where they can pick up their cheques and make enquiries.

According to Corinna Filion, communications director for the ministry, “ministry staff have set up at the Service BC centre at 3201 30th St., where clients will be able to pick up their cheques and have other immediate needs addressed.”

Filion also said a tent has been set up near the 48th Avenue building, but when Castanet went to the area about 3 p.m. Thursday, no tent was seen.

“Clients with non-urgent needs are encouraged to contact the ministry's toll free line at 1-866-866-0800 to access services and for more information,” Filion said.

“We don't expect any gaps in service. Clients who require crisis grants or have immediate needs will continue to be served.”

The Service BC Office will also provide access to phones and will have computers available for client use. For time-sensitive document drop off, and signing documents, clients may attend the Vernon SBC office or any other ministry office, during regular business hours.

Cheques are being processed in the Kelowna office and will be available at regularly scheduled times - 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. - at the Vernon Service BC office for pick up.

Client information/files are secure as client files are held electronically through the ministry’s central system. This electronic information has not been destroyed.

The ministry is currently working on finding an alternate government office location in Vernon and a further update will be provided when more details are available. Clients and community partners will be notified of any change in office location.



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