Prince George, B.C. – Many seniors across Canada are facing increasingly difficult choices as they struggle to make ends meet. In Prince George, a new local initiative is stepping up to provide relief.
The Seniors Emergency Pilot Program (SEPP) has been launched through a partnership between the Prince George Council of Seniors (PGCOS) and the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF). SEPP offers low-barrier financial assistance to local seniors facing urgent and unexpected expenses - providing short-term support to help those with limited income navigate life’s sudden challenges.
Inspired by the work of Miracle Theatre, whose current productions are raising funds to create a long term Seniors Emergency Support Fund, an anonymous donor approached the PGCF seeking a way to make an immediate impact. The PGCF and PGCOS quickly collaborated to develop the guidelines and application process for SEPP. While still in its soft launch phase, the program already received and approved a number of applications—clearly demonstrating the pressing need for emergency assistance in our community.
“PGCOS supports an average of more than 21,000 seniors each year,” says Malhar Kendurkar, Executive Director of PGCOS. “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.”
A key goal of SEPP is reaching seniors who may hesitate to seek help. “There can be stigma around asking for assistance,” says Jenine Bortolon, 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.”
Eligibility for SEPP funding is as straightforward as possible. An individual must be 55 or older, live in Prince George or the immediately surrounding area, and face an urgent, unexpected expense that they cannot pay for right now. 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.
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.
Applications can be submitted through the PGCF’s secure online funding portal. If needed, a trusted support person can help with the application, or seniors can call the PGCOS at 250-564-5888 for assistance from staff.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis by committee, with funding amounts determined case by case depending on individual need and available funds. SEPP is currently confirmed through the end of 2025.
To learn more about the Seniors Emergency Pilot Program and to apply, visit https://pgcf.ca/programs/Seniors-Emergency-Pilot-Program-SEPP
