Community support: food, shelter and crisis help
Where to get help in Prince George: crisis and mental health lines, the food bank, shelters and warming centres, 211 and Indigenous services.
Updated
At a glance
- In danger right now? Call 9-1-1. Thinking about suicide? Call or text 9-8-8.
- The Northern BC 24-hour crisis line is 250-563-1214 or 1-888-562-1214.
- Call or text 2-1-1, or search bc.211.ca, to find free and low-cost community services.
- The Salvation Army food bank is at 3500 18th Avenue (250-564-4000 ext. 1).
- BC Housing lists emergency shelters; warming centres open during extreme cold.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in Prince George, much of it free and confidential. This page lists verified contacts. Services and hours change, so call ahead where you can.
In a crisis
If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
| Line | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 9-8-8 (call or text) | 24/7 |
| Northern BC Crisis Line | 250-563-1214 · 1-888-562-1214 | 24/7 |
| BC Mental Health Support Line | 310-6789 (no area code) | 24/7 |
| 1-800-SUICIDE | 1-800-784-2433 | 24/7 |
| Northern BC Youth Support Line | 1-888-564-8336 (call) · 250-564-8336 (text, 4–10 p.m.) | Calls 24/7 |
| HealthLink BC nurse line | 8-1-1 | 24/7 |
The Northern BC lines are run by the Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre for Northern BC, a Prince George non-profit that serves the north from the Alberta border to Haida Gwaii. It also offers an online youth chat.
For urgent mental health or substance use concerns that aren’t emergencies, the Urgent and Primary Care Centre (250-645-6900) can connect you with clinicians. See health care.
Finding services: 2-1-1
bc211 is a free, confidential directory of community, social and government services. Call or text 2-1-1, or search bc.211.ca. It’s the fastest way to find current food programs, shelters, counselling, legal help, and income or housing support near you.
Food
Salvation Army food bank
Curt Garland Community Support Centre, 3500 18th Avenue · 250-564-4000 ext. 1 · PrinceGeorge.FoodBank@salvationarmy.ca
- Get a food bank card. Drop in Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- Bring ID for every household member and proof of address for each adult 19+. If documents are a barrier, call. Staff will work with you.
- Pick up food once a week. Current pickup times are:
- Seniors 65+ and people with mobility disabilities: weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
- Families with children: Tuesday or Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m.
- All cardholders: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Please don’t line up early. The Salvation Army also supplies food to shelters, school programs and the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in.
Other food help
Community meals, school food programs and hampers are run by churches, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other groups. Call 2-1-1 for current options. In December, the Food for Fare transit event lets riders donate food instead of paying a fare. See transit.
Shelter and extreme weather
- Shelter beds: BC Housing lists long-term, temporary and drop-in shelters (the City links to its shelter map from the extreme weather page). The Prince George Native Friendship Centre also operates shelter programs (see pgnfc.com).
- Extreme cold: the City has listed the AWAC/St. Vincent de Paul Overnight Warming Centre (1220 2nd Avenue, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., 250-617-4794) and the public library branches during open hours as warming spaces.
- Extreme heat: cooling centres are posted on the EmergencyInfoBC map.
See emergency services and alerts.
Indigenous services
The Prince George Native Friendship Centre (Gathering Place, 1600 3rd Avenue) offers programs for all ages, from infants to Elders. These include shelter and emergency resources, a dental clinic, education and employment programs, and the Smokehouse kitchen training program. Members of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation can contact the Nation’s administration at 250-562-0847. See First Nations governance.
Low-cost recreation and learning
- Leisure Access Program: 52 free swims a year and 75% off swim passes and programs for low-income residents. See recreation centres and pools.
- Public library: free cards for city residents, plus free programs, computers and internet. See libraries.
- Transit: kids 12 and under ride free; the BC Bus Pass is available for eligible low-income seniors and people on disability assistance.
Work and income
- WorkBC offers free job search help, training funding and wage subsidies for eligible people.
- Service BC helps with income assistance, disability assistance and other provincial programs.
Scams
The City never texts about parking tickets or bills, and never asks for banking information, your SIN or passwords by phone. Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
How the City supports this work
The City funds community non-profits through community grants (70 to 100 groups a year, on average), permissive tax exemptions, and subsidized facility rentals. It also convenes committees on issues like poverty reduction. If you run a non-profit, see the City’s community grants page.
Related: health care, seniors and accessibility. Find local agencies in the directory.
Common questions
What crisis lines can I call in Prince George?
9-8-8 (call or text) for suicide crisis, the Northern BC 24-hour Crisis Line at 250-563-1214 or 1-888-562-1214, 310-6789 (no area code) for mental health support, and the Northern BC Youth Support Line at 1-888-564-8336. All are free and confidential.
Where is the food bank in Prince George?
The Salvation Army food bank is at the Curt Garland Community Support Centre, 3500 18th Avenue. Card registration is drop-in Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Bring ID for everyone in the household and proof of address for adults. Phone 250-564-4000 ext. 1.
Where can I find an emergency shelter in Prince George?
BC Housing’s emergency shelter program lists shelters across BC, including Prince George. You can also call 2-1-1 for help, or contact the Prince George Native Friendship Centre about its shelter programs. During extreme cold, the City lists extra warming spaces.
How do I find free or low-cost services in Prince George?
Call or text 2-1-1, or search bc.211.ca. It’s a free, confidential, 24/7 directory of community, social and government services across BC.
Is there help paying for recreation?
Yes. The City’s Leisure Access Program gives low-income residents 52 free swims a year plus 75% off swim passes and programs. Library cards and most library programs are free.
Sources
Official links
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