Image Credit: Prince George Community Foundation
Support for Seniors

New pilot program aims to give Prince George seniors emergency financial support

Apr 26, 2025 | 10:54 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has partnered with the PG Council of Seniors (PGCOS) to launch a new initiative to support seniors who are struggling to make ends meet.

The Seniors Emergency Pilot Program (SEPP) will offer low-barrier financial assistance to seniors who are facing urgent and unexpected expenses. The idea is to give people with limited income some short-term support so they can weather the situation.

“We supports an average of more than 21,000 seniors each year,” Malhar Kendurkar, the Executive Director of the PG Council of Seniors.

“While we already offer a wide range of services, SEPP is the first program of its kind in our region, providing direct emergency financial relief to seniors facing crisis situations.”

This particular initiative will aim to reach out to seniors who are hesitant or reluctant to seek help.

“There can be stigma around asking for assistance,” added Jenine Bortolon, the Seniors Housing Navigator with PGCOS.

“We want people to know they’re not alone. SEPP is here to help with those unexpected emergencies because no one should have to choose between two necessities.”

People over the age of 55 who live in Prince George or the immediate surrounding area are eligible for the program if they face an urgent, unexpected expense that they can’t pay for.

“Eligible expenses are any urgent and unexpected need that if not met, there will be a risk of harm to the person’s physical or mental health and safety, or that of the other persons or pets who live with them,” the PGCF said.

“Eligible expenses may include but are not limited to emergency housing or utility costs, sudden medical or dental needs, essential home or vehicle repairs, emergency veterinary care, or any situation where delay could risk the individual’s physical or mental well-being.”

All applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis by a committee, with funding amounts determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the need at the amount of money left in the program, which is currently set to run until the end of this year.

Applications can be made online though people can call 250-564-5888 if they need assistance.

You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply here.