British Columbia residents may face challenges related to housing costs, employment, income or accessing government services. Fortunately, several provincial and community programs can help people understand their options.

This Alpha Community Outreach guide brings important British Columbia resources together in one place.

Start With Service BC

Service BC can direct residents to provincial programs, online applications and government offices.

Contact Service BC at:

  • Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
  • Outside Canada or the United States: 1-604-660-2421
  • TDD within British Columbia: 711
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, excluding provincial holidays

Telephone help is available in more than 220 languages. Wait for an agent to answer and say the name of the language you require in English.

Find Affordable Housing and Rent Assistance

BC Housing provides information about affordable, subsidized and supportive housing.

To look for affordable rental housing, search the BC Housing listings and contact each housing provider directly. Applying to several suitable buildings may improve your chances because one application does not automatically place you on every provider’s list.

BC Housing also operates rental-assistance programs, including programs for eligible low-income families and seniors.

For housing assistance, call:

  • Lower Mainland: 604-433-2218
  • Toll-free within B.C.: 1-800-257-7756

Program eligibility, required documents and waiting periods vary.

Apply for Income or Disability Assistance

Residents who cannot meet their basic living expenses may be able to apply for provincial income or disability assistance.

Use My Self Serve to review eligibility, start an application, upload forms and manage an existing file. Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their income, assets, housing and current circumstances.

People who cannot complete the process online can call 1-866-866-0800 or visit a local office.

Explain any immediate need for food, shelter or urgent medical attention during the application process. Do not leave urgent circumstances out of your application.

Get Free Employment Support Through WorkBC

WorkBC provides free employment assistance through centres located across the province.

Depending on your circumstances, a WorkBC Centre may help with:

  • Résumé development
  • Interview practice
  • Local job leads
  • Career planning
  • Training options
  • Assistive technology
  • Employment support for people with disabilities
  • Referrals to other programs

Use the WorkBC Centre directory to locate the nearest office. Call before visiting to confirm its hours and whether an appointment is required.

Access Newcomer and Healthcare Support

People who are new to the province can use WelcomeBC to find information about settlement, employment, language training, housing and daily life in British Columbia.

For non-emergency health advice, call HealthLink BC at 811. People who cannot dial 811 through their telephone provider can call 604-215-8110. HealthLink BC can also help residents register for the Health Connect Registry when they need a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

For local food, shelter, family, senior and community programs, visit 211 British Columbia or dial 211 during available service hours.

Build a Support Plan Before a Crisis

Do not wait until a situation becomes unmanageable. Keep a written list containing:

  • Your housing provider’s contact information
  • Your My Self Serve login details
  • The nearest WorkBC and Service BC locations
  • Copies of identification and application documents
  • Important dates and confirmation numbers
  • Contact information for trusted relatives or community workers

Alpha Community Outreach encourages residents to use official websites and verify information before sharing personal documents. Government programs do not guarantee immediate approval, but applying early and submitting complete information can prevent unnecessary delays.

Community support begins by helping people understand where to turn next.

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