Resources and Support Services: British Columbia
Crisis Lines/Mental Health Awareness
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC
Call: (604) 872-3311 – Vancouver
Call: 1-800-784-2433 – BC Wide
Online chat: crisiscentrechat.ca
Highly trained volunteers provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental 24-hour telephone emotional support for people of all ages experiencing distress or crisis, seven days a week. TTY for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing is also available, as well as a translation service in over 140 languages, and a designated Seniors’ Distress Line (604-872-1234).
Crisis and Critical Incident Support
Call: 1-800-624-2928
Support line for injured workers who are in emotional crisis, and for their significant others. Provides counselling, information and referral to other services, and follow up. Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fraser Health Crisis Line
Call: (604) 951-8855, 1-877-820-7444
Provides free, immediate, and confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and community resource information 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages. Also serves as an immediate point for people in urgent need of support related to substance use problems. Serves Fraser Health Region, including Abbotsford, Agassiz, Anmore, Belcarra, Boston Bar, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, White Rock, and Yale.
Telecare Crisis and Caring Line
Call: (604) 852-9099, 1-888-852-9099
Trained volunteers provide a free listening, crisis intervention, and referral service for people in need of emotional support. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm daily. Serves BC. Nonprofit Christian agency.
Income Assistance
BC Income Assistance Program, BC Disability Assistance
Call: 1-866-866-0800
Online: myselfserve.gov.bc.ca
Walk in: Various locations, gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/access-services#office
If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance. This can help support your transition to employment.
You may be eligible if you find yourself in any of these situations:
- You’re out of work or not earning enough to meet your basic needs
- You’re waiting for other sources of money to arrive
- You can’t work at all
- You urgently need food, shelter or medical attention
- The ministry can only give available resources to people who meet eligibility criteria. You must look for and use all other sources of income and assets before you apply.
Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.
Housing
BC Housing
Call: (604) 433-2218, Toll-free: 1-800-257-7756
Walk in: Suite 101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8
Website: bchousing.org
Service Description:
Learn about subsidized housing options available in B.C. Find opportunities for affordable rentals in the private market.
Rental subsidies to help low income working families and seniors in the private rental market. Financial aid for those in need of a housing adaptation to live safely and independently.
Find a shelter or outreach worker. Get information about the range of programs and services available in BC.
For low-income individuals or those who need assistance in order to live independently.
Helpful info for tenants, plus community programs and services.
Help for women fleeing violence in B.C.
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)
The HAFI program provides financial assistance for home modifications that help eligible low-income British Columbians with mobility or health issues continue to live in their home.
BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership
Learn how to repay your loan and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Vancouver Housing Support and Assistance
Call: (604) 709-5720
Email: byrc@pcrs.ca
Service Description
Assists youth ages 16 to 24 in obtaining safe, secure, low-income housing in the lower mainland. Offers workshops and one-on-one support for housing searches and referrals; staff liaise with landlords, assist with dispute resolution, facilitate moving, and provide skills needed to successfully obtain and maintain housing. Maintains a list of housing options for youth including one-bedroom apartments, suites for young parents and families, shared accommodation, and shared accommodation with live-in staff. Also helps youth to find free furniture and household items. Serves the lower mainland. Centre hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday; housing drop-in hours are 2 pm to 5 pm Tuesdays.
John Howard Society of the Lower Mainland of BC
Call: (604) 872-5471
Email: vancouvercso@jhslmbc.ca
Community Living Residential Services
Our Community Living Residential Services provide a twenty-four hour supported living environment for adults with developmental disabilities under the care of Community Living BC (CLBC). Individuals served may also have concurrent disorders, or be impacted by the criminal justice system.
Supportive Living & Community Inclusion
Our Supportive Living and Community Inclusion programs include Outreach Support, Miller Block Cluster Living, Employment, Community Based, and Skill Development programming, and support individuals under the care of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) who are eligible for both the Developmental Disabilities and Personal Supports Initiative funding streams.
Home Share Program
The Home Share program is a residential option in which an adult with developmental disabilities under the care of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) shares a home with a care provider who provides ongoing, individualized support.
Food Banks
Food Banks BC
Call: (604) 498-1798
Email: info@foodbanksbc.com
Website: https://www.foodbanksbc.com/find-a-food-bank/
Agency Description
Works towards province-wide distribution of goods to 96 member food banks in BC. Provides opportunities for networking and sharing of fundraising ideas, and also collects statistics. Maintains a directory of food banks across the province. Does not provide direct service to food bank clients. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30 am to 12 noon Fridays. Nonprofit society.