United for Evacuees

Here, in beautiful British Columbia, we are no strangers to the changing seasons and their impacts, but experiencing wildfires as early as May, as was seen this year in Northern BC, is a new normal. 

Although the evacuation orders are currently lifted, we remember when thousands were forced from their homes and know it could happen again very quickly. With many of those evacuated migrating south to Fort St. John or Prince George for refuge, United Way BC was quick to extend support to local agencies who not only continued their typical work but also went above and beyond to help displaced individuals during difficult times. 

Among these incredible agencies is the Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC). As the largest friendship centre in Canada, their strong roots in the community and countless service offerings contribute to PGNFC being one of the most versatile and accepting organizations in Prince George. With numerous programs offered from pre-natal to elder care, Brandi MacAulay, PGNFC Health Director, describes it best, “Anybody that comes to the door, we probably have a service for you.” 

The variety of services and programs becomes particularly important when assisting displaced individuals on evacuation orders. With their numerous housing units and care shelters, PGNFC provided safe places for individuals to stay. While their healing centre, staffed with dedicated and specialized counsellors, is always prepared to provide much needed mental health support. 

For the staff at PGNFC, this is not just a job. The passionate staff continuously go above and beyond to provide the best support possible, know the need intricately, and are flexible in their practices to make their programs and services as low-barrier as possible.

Supporting Our Community’s Most Vulnerable

Offering easily accessible services is critical to providing quality support to vulnerable individuals, which is incredibly important to PGNFC and a key reason United Way BC invests in their programming during wildfire events through the generosity of our donors. “A lot of the approaches that I try to take and try to instill in my team and programming is definitely low-barrier and easily accessible,” says Brandi. 

When many individuals who seek the support of the PGNFC are unhoused, there are additional factors to consider when planning programs and services, such as location, transportation, and time. Brandi explains, “They aren’t out there checking their watch, so if somebody comes to the centre and they need assistance, it’s not like ‘no you’ve come at the wrong time’.” PGNFC takes a more flexible approach to their programs and services than how they would traditionally be offered. For example, their mental outreach workers go out into centres and spaces to provide support, as Brandi says, “It’s not a reality for people to keep a counselling appointment and show up on time.” 

While flexibility poses its challenges, for PGNFC it’s a way of life. With the dedication and passion of their staff, they can react and adapt to changing needs, including when displaced evacuees need support. 

In Need of Community Support 

Offering this many programs and services to individuals in Prince George can be resource-heavy alone, but adding hundreds of displaced individuals can put an even greater strain on an agency’s ability to do the work they love. 

In the case of PGNFC’s food bank, a highly needed service in Prince George for both evacuees and residents, it can be extremely difficult to keep up with the number of people needing good, quality food. Running a food bank is hard, especially when it’s low-barrier philosophy means supporting many individuals with healthy and culturally appropriate meals. Stocking the shelves is one challenge they face, from donations that often include expired food to the rising cost of food.  

Officially, the food bank is open four days a week for one hour per day. However, if people come outside of these hours they wouldn’t be turned away. As part of their low-barrier service, they do not require ID or proof of residency ensuring they help as many individuals and families as they can.  This is why the food bank needs as much support as possible through grants and generous donors. 

United Way BC is honoured to work with PGNFC to ensure that people in Prince George can receive the necessary support they need. Through the United Way BC Emergency Response Grant, we have supported their food bank with items that evacuated individuals, often staying in hotel rooms, can cook with whatever food storage is available to them.  

Additionally, the funding from the United Way BC Emergency Response Grant ensured that PGNFC could provide personal hygiene products and have mental health counsellors ready for evacuees in need of support. Thankfully, in the recent evacuations, this service was not needed, but they can now extend it to any future evacuees in the case of more wildfires throughout this summer season. 

While the wildfire that impacted this area is now under control and the communities are no longer under immediate threat, the situation in British Columbia remains precarious. More wildfires are expected as the hot, dry weather persists. United Way BC continues to monitor wildfires and connect with communities, to support preparedness and step in to fill gaps when needed.  

Download an Emergency Preparedness Guide on our Emergency Response Resources Page:

• Emergency Preparedness Guide – for Seniors
• Emergency Preparedness Guide – for individuals & families