Information service website expands to Northern BC

The United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) is partnering with a healthcare website which finds immediate support for local communities.

bc211.ca stays up-to-date with online services that are connected to government contacts, social and mental health needs, housing options, and legal assistance.

Please to announce @bc211Help is available to folks in #NorthernBC https://t.co/R2MrCamPll #community #help

— United Way NBC (@unitedwaynbc) June 15, 2017

CEO Roberta Squire says the 24-hour helpline and 15-hour online chat-room allows United Way to link agencies to clients.

“It’s our aim as a movement to build up starter communities so that Northern British Columbians have a better chance to do well and be well. bc211 is a one-stop shop for reliable sources that our funded agencies can better serve local residents.”

This is the first expansion of bc211.ca, which originated out of the United Way of the Lower Mainland in 2010.

She says it’s already tough for the North to have that extra step.

“No one should have to face any hardship in the North, but they do! With our rural areas and such long distances, it is really hard for those powers and they just haven’t had the ability. bc211 and United Way now fill that gap.”

We've launched our new online BC-wide directory of community services! https://t.co/8Yao8RiFRH Check it out! https://t.co/d0xPPTxvbx pic.twitter.com/ziyo3bKjzM

— bc211 (@bc211Help) June 14, 2017

The website is also set to break barriers for youth and single families who struggle financially.

Squire is confident this expansion will increase the website’s use and realization of the need for better care.

“United Way touches one-in-three people in Northern BC; that’s over 30,000 people. Well, I have a feeling bc211 will probably get double or triple that in the first year.”

More than 287,000 people have visited and utilized the website, with a 22% increase in inquiries over that past year.