2-1-1 Help Starts Here
211 is a free, confidential, multilingual service that links people to resources for help, where and when they need it. We provide information and referral for a broad range of programs and services, including:
- basic needs like food and shelter
- mental health and addictions support
- legal and financial assistance
- support for seniors, and much more.
Help is available to people anywhere in British Columbia, 24/7 by calling or texting 2-1-1.
Search the online directory at bc.211.ca
VictimLink BC – 1-800-563-0808
VictimLink BC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across BC and Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-563-0808. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.
Gambling Support BC - 1-888-795-6111
The Province’s Responsible Gambling Strategy exists to help reduce or prevent the harmful impacts of excessive or uncontrolled gambling. The mandate includes providing free support and treatment services and promoting responsible gambling practices through education and policy development.
The BC Responsible Gambling Strategy involves the Province, through the Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch and Gambling Support BC, and the BC Lottery Corporation.
Youth Against Violence Line – 1-800-680-4264
The Youth Against Violence Line is a safe, confidential and anonymous way for young people across BC to report crime or violent incidents, or to talk through any type of problem with a supportive person. We offer non judgmental support in many languages, and will provide you with options, information and referrals to services that can help.
Parents, teachers, caregivers, service providers and others can also call for information about youth-related resources.
The Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service
Lower Mainland: 604-660-9382, BC: 1-800-663-1441
Worried about drug and alcohol use? Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about, you can call us for information, options and support. We can refer you to a full range of counselling and treatment services across BC.
Services on the Alcohol and Drug Line are confidential, multilingual, free, and available 24/7.
The Shelter and Street Help Line – 2-1-1
The Shelter and Street Help Line assists people who are affected by homelessness in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regional districts, as well as in Greater Victoria. We understand that a wide range of circumstances can result in homelessness so we provide information on a variety of programs and services.
The Shelter Lists detail available shelter beds and mats for women, men, youth and families. The lists are updated twice daily at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm.
Call or text 2-1-1 to find available shelter beds and services in the Lower Mainland and Victoria.
Safe Seniors, Strong Communities
A program that matches seniors (65+) who need support with non-medical essentials to volunteers in their community who are willing to help.
Available services include:
- Grocery shopping and delivery
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Prescription pickup and delivery
- Phone and/or virtual friendly visits
When you register as a senior or a volunteer, your contact information is shared with the United Way’s Better at Home agencies. Those agencies make the connections between seniors and volunteers in the community.
Register by Online Form or by calling 2-1-1.
