Healthcare, Mental Health, Settlement, and Immigration Services:

1. Vancouver Coastal Health

●      Summary: Vancouver Coastal Health provides a wide range of healthcare services including mental health support, addiction services, community health programs, and settlement support for immigrants and refugees.

●      Website: vch.ca

2. Coast Mental Health

●      Summary: Coast Mental Health offers mental health and addiction services, housing support, and employment programs to individuals facing mental health challenges and homelessness.

●      Website: coastmentalhealth.com

3. Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC

●      Summary: The Crisis Centre of BC provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and emotional support services to individuals in crisis or distress.

●      Website: crisiscentre.bc.ca

4. Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

●      Summary: ISSofBC offers settlement, language training, employment support, and other services to immigrants and refugees to help them integrate into Canadian society.

●      Website: issbc.org

5. Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)

●      Summary: PIRS provides settlement and integration support services specifically tailored for immigrant and refugee women and their families.

●      Website: pirs.bc.ca

6. MOSAIC

●      Summary: MOSAIC offers settlement assistance, language training, employment support, and refugee programs to immigrants and refugees in British Columbia.

●      Website: mosaicbc.org

7. BC Housing

●      Summary: BC Housing offers a variety of housing programs and services, including subsidized housing, rental assistance, and support for homeless individuals.

●      Website: bchousing.org

8. Lookout Housing and Health Society

●      Summary: Lookout Housing and Health Society provides housing, healthcare, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or addiction.

●      Website: lookoutsociety.ca

9. RainCity Housing

●      Summary: RainCity Housing offers supportive housing, shelter, and outreach programs for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.

●      Website: raincityhousing.org

Women's Support Services:

10. YWCA Metro Vancouver

●      Summary: YWCA Metro Vancouver provides programs and services aimed at empowering women, promoting equality, and ending gender-based violence.

●      Website: ywcavan.org

11. Downtown Eastside Women's Centre

●      Summary: The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre offers a range of support services for women and children in the Downtown Eastside community, including meals, shelter, and advocacy.

●      Website: dewc.ca

Family and Parenting Support:

12. 13Family Services of Greater Vancouver

●      Summary: Family Services of Greater Vancouver offers counseling, support, and education programs for individuals and families facing various challenges.

●      Website: fsgv.ca

13. Westcoast Family Centres

●      Summary: Westcoast Family Centres provides family support programs, parenting education, counseling, and advocacy services.

●      Website: westcoastfamily.org

Indigenous Support Services:

14. Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society

●      Summary: Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society offers cultural, social, and educational programs and services for the urban Indigenous community.

●      Website: vafcs.org

 General Social Services and Resources:

15. BC211

●      Summary: BC211 provides information and referral services for various community, social, and government resources.

●      Website: bc211.ca

16. City of Vancouver Social Services

●      Summary: The City of Vancouver Social Services provides information on social services, housing, and support programs offered by the City of Vancouver.

●      Website: vancouver.ca

17. Union Gospel Mission

●      Summary: Union Gospel Mission offers food, shelter, addiction recovery programs, and other support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.

●      Website: ugm.ca

18. The Door Is Open

●      Summary: The Door Is Open provides meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Downtown Eastside.

●      Website: thediocese.net/ministries-and-programs/the-door-is-open

19. Watari Counselling & Support Services Society

●      Summary: Watari Counselling & Support Services Society offers counseling, support groups, and outreach services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse, mental health issues, and violence.

●      Website: watari.ca

20. Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA)

●      Summary: DVBIA offers safety and outreach services for vulnerable populations in the downtown area, including homeless outreach and assistance.

●      Website: downtownvancouver.net/safety

Youth and Children's Support Services:

21. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver

●      Summary: Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver provides mentoring programs and support services for children and youth facing adversity.

●      Website: bigbrothersvancouver.com

22. YWCA Youth Education Programs

●      Summary: YWCA offers educational programs and support services for youth, including tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development.

●      Website: ywcavan.org/programs/youth

Senior Support Services:

23. Seniors Services Society

●      Summary: Seniors Services Society provides support services for seniors, including housing assistance, transportation, and social activities.

●      Website: seniorsservicessociety.ca

24. Collingwood Neighbourhood House Seniors Programs

●      Summary: Collingwood Neighbourhood House offers programs and services specifically tailored for seniors, including health workshops, social outings, and volunteer opportunities.

●      Website: collingwoodnh.org/programs/senior

Community and Neighbourhood Support:

25. Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House

●      Summary: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House provides a variety of community programs and services, including family support, seniors programs, and youth activities.

●      Website: mpnh.org

26. South Vancouver Neighbourhood House

●      Summary: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House offers community programs and support services for residents of South Vancouver, including childcare, settlement assistance, and cultural events.

●      Website: southvan.org

 Employment and Skills Training:

27. YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre

●      Summary: YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre offers employment support, skills training, and job search assistance for job seekers.

●      Website: ywcavan.org/programs/employment

28. Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC)

●      Summary: IEC-BC provides employment services, mentorship, and support programs to help immigrants and newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce.

●      Website: iecbc.ca

1. Identify Your Needs:

●      Determine the specific type of assistance or support you require. Whether it's housing, mental health services, employment support, or legal assistance, knowing your needs will help you find the right social service organization. When searching, try to be as specific as possible.

2. Research Social Service Organizations:

●      Use online resources such as search engines, directories, or government websites to find social service organizations in Vancouver that specialize in the type of assistance you need. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local community centers.

3. Visit Their Websites:

●      Once you've identified potential social service organizations, visit their websites to learn more about their programs, services, eligibility criteria, and contact information. Most organizations provide detailed information about the support they offer on their websites, which can be found above. It’s important to look at any restrictions or pre-requisites to accessing these websites such as age, health cards, or any other requirements.

4. Contact the Organizations Directly:

●      Reach out to the social service organizations directly via phone or email. Use the contact information provided on their websites to connect with them. Be prepared to briefly explain your situation and the type of assistance you're seeking. This makes sure that there is no miscommunication or confusion that may hinder and prevent tangible and the best catered change to be actualized.

5. Ask for Assistance:

●      When you contact the organization, clearly articulate your needs and ask for assistance. Provide any relevant information or documentation they may require to assess your eligibility for their programs or services. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask questions. There are many chatbots on these websites or ways to access information. Please do not hesitate to address your queries or your concerns with any representative from these organizations, especially if your concern is not written in the FAQs.

6. Follow Up if Necessary:

●      If you don't receive an immediate response or if you need further clarification, don't hesitate to follow up with the organization. Persistence may be necessary, especially if the organization is experiencing a high volume of inquiries. If not, you can always visit these organizations in person if it is close to you.

7. Attend Appointments or Information Sessions:

●      If the social service organization schedules an appointment or information session with you, make sure to attend as scheduled. Be punctual and prepared to discuss your situation in more detail.

8. Seek Additional Support if Needed:

●      If you encounter challenges or barriers while navigating the social service system, don't hesitate to seek additional support. You can reach out to community organizations, advocacy groups, or government agencies for assistance and guidance.

9. Follow Through with Referrals or Recommendations:

●      If the social service organization refers you to other agencies or resources, make sure to follow through with their recommendations. This may involve scheduling appointments, submitting applications, or attending meetings as necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively reach out to social service organizations in Vancouver and access the support and assistance you need. Best of luck and hopefully your concerns will be addressed.