Connecting People to Community Resources
United Way BC Helpline Services offers live call, text, and webchat services that empower people by providing information about local programs and supports. Learn more below.
Services
1) Helplines
We provide information and referral services through specialized helplines to support community and government programs.
Our Community Resource Specialists answer our helplines 24/7, 365 days a year, by way of call, text, email, and webchat.
Interpretation in over 240 languages and dialects is available by phone.
2) Community Resource Listings
Our comprehensive community resource database contains information about programs and services available across BC and Yukon that help people address needs such as food, financial assistance, health, employment, shelter, and more. The criteria for inclusion can be found here.
A self-serve version of our database is available to the public at bc.211.ca
3) Data Analysis
Our aggregate data includes information about community services (resource records); the needs of individuals seeking help (contact data); community needs that are not being met by exiting resources; and historical trends.
Federal, provincial, and municipal decision-makers use our data to help inform decisions about community investments and refinements to programs and services.
History
United Way BC Helpline Services has a long and proud history of connecting people to community resources for help, where and when they need it.
Originating in 1953 as Vancouver’s Community Information Service, the organization published the Directory of Health, Welfare and Recreation Services that evolved and expanded to become the annual Red Book Directory (1957-2008).
For the next 50 years, the information and referral service cultivated a reputation as the definitive resource for non-emergency human services. Over the years it grew to deliver specialized call answer services for the Victim’s Information Line, Alcohol and Drug TRYLine, Problem Gambling Help Line, Youth Against Violence Line, and Shelter and Street Help Lines.
In 2010, 211 British Columbia Services Society, operating as BC211, was launched and served Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts. The service expanded to the Sunshine Coast Regional District in 2014 and Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in 2017. In March 2020, BC211 was called to service as part of the Province of British Columbia’s emergency response to COVID 19, and service was expanded province-wide.
On April 1, 2022, BC211 integrated with United Way British Columbia further strengthening our ability to connect all British Columbians to vital community programs and services for everyday needs and in times of crisis.
Quotes
“bc211 is a free, confidential information service that helps you find community, government and social services in B.C.
Search online for programs and services that cover everything from mental health services and financial assistance to food banks and emergency shelters.
Phone: bc211 provides support by phone in over 150 languages across B.C, available 24 hours, seven day a week. Access for the deaf or hard of hearing community available at 1-604 875-0885.
Text: Text the name of your city to 2-1-1 in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Squamish-Lillooet, Sunshine Coast Regional Districts, Vancouver Island, or the Gulf Islands to chat with an Information & Referral Specialist, seven days a week between 8am to 11pm.
Chat: Available from anywhere in B.C. through web chat between 8am to 11pm, seven days a week.
bc211 is provided by 211 British Columbia Services Society.”
– HelpStartsHereBC
“I know that our services and my work have had impact by how people express their gratitude at the end of the call. Sometimes it’s when I hear the caller take a deep breath and then a very long exhale…as if some heavy weight or burden has been lifted.”
– Grace, Community Resource Specialist
“United we are stronger: we’re United Way British Columbia!”
– United Way British Columbia
Contact Information
United Way British Columbia
Central Office (Lower Mainland)
4543 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC, V5G 4T4
Helpline Services – United Way British Columbia
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