Community Resources

Please click on the individual organization names below for direct links to their respective pages.

Resources for Seniors

211 BC:

The Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program matches seniors (65+) who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help.
411 Seniors Centre Society:

The Centre offers a variety of programs, services and special projects for seniors.
Better At Home:

A program of services that helps seniors with simple non-medical, day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Funded by the BC Government.
C.A.R.P.:

Canadian Association of Retired Persons. Canada’s largest advocacy association for older Canadians promoting equitable access to health care, financial security, and freedom from ageism.
Government of Canada Programs for Seniors:

A variety of resources for seniors from CPP benefits to Identity fraud and everything in between.
Brella Society:

(Formerly Seniors Come Share Society). An organization dedicated to providing older adults and their families with the services, programs, and resources necessary to remain educated, engaged and most importantly empowered members of our community.
Seniors Serving Seniors Association:

Seniors Serving Seniors is a non-profit, non-partisan organization in Victoria whose purpose is to promote the well-being of senior citizens and represent their interests and concerns by collecting, researching and disseminating information, assisting in developing programs for senior citizens, and coordinating a network of organizations serving senior citizens.
SPPC (Seniors Pro Connect):

A network of businesses whose primary purpose is to serve the needs of seniors through various professional services. Accessable is a member.
Surrey Seniors:

City of Surrey’s website on services for seniors in the community.
White Rock Seniors:

City of White Rock’s website on services for seniors in the community.

Other Resources

Family Caregivers Network Society:

FCNS provides many services and products to help family caregivers deal more effectively with the many day-to-day responsibilities including family caregiver support groups, telephone or in-person caregiver support, information and referral to community resources, assistance in navigating the healthcare system, educational workshops, resource library of books, videos and handouts, bi-monthly newsletter, and several published guides and booklets to assist caregivers.
IFRC:

The Individualized Funding Resource Centre assists persons with disabilities with setting up and running their CISL Program (Choice in Supports for Independent Living), hiring caregivers, payroll, finding suitable housing and more.
Plan Institute:

National non-profit and social enterprise based in Vancouver, BC, that supports people with disabilities and their families. A great resource for RDSP’s (Registered Disability Savings Plans).
Disability Assistance:

Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.

Funding

BC Home Renovation Tax Credit:

Now for seniors and persons with disabilities. The Home renovation tax credit assists eligible individuals with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or be more functional or mobile at home. Consult the website for eligible expenses and details.
Canada Revenue Agency – Medical Expenses:

The medical expense tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit that you can be used to reduce income tax. These expenses include a wide range of products, procedures and services, such as medical supplies, dental care. and travel medical expenses. Consult the CRA or a tax specialist for clarification on what expenses may be eligible.
BC-RAHA:

The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations(BC-RAHA) Program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living. The program is open to homeowners and landlords. One of the residents of the house must have a permanent disability or loss of ability. Other qualifications are also required. Funding is not always available. This program was previously known as HAFI.
Vancouver Foundation:

Canada’s largest community foundation, working throughout British Columbia to harness the gifts of ideas, money, time and energy to make meaningful and lasting impacts in communities.
Variety Club:

Children’s Charity steps in where health care ends, providing direct help to children with special needs in BC.
Property Tax Deferment:

If you’re unable to pay your property taxes this year, you may be able to defer them. Seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for the Regular Program.

You may qualify for the Families with Children Program if you’re a parent, step-parent or financially supporting a child.