The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has launched a new pilot program aimed at providing assistance to seniors in need.
The Seniors Emergency Pilot Program (SEPP) was developed in partnership with the Prince George Council of Seniors (PGCOS) and will offer low-barrier financial aid to local seniors facing urgent, unexpected expenses. The program is intended to provide short-term relief to those with limited or unstable incomes.
The PGCF said it was inspired by the work of Miracle Theatre, whose current productions are raising funds for the creation of a long-term Seniors Emergency Support Fund.
Soon after, an anonymous donor approached the PGCF with a desire to make an immediate impact. The foundation and PGCOS quickly collaborated to develop the guidelines and application process for SEPP.
Although still in its soft-launch phase, the program has already received and approved several applications — something the PGCF says clearly highlights the pressing need for emergency support in the Prince George area.
“PGCOS supports an average of more than 21,000 seniors each year,” said 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.”
Jenine Bortolon, seniors housing navigator with PGCOS, said a key goal of the program is to reach seniors who may hesitate to seek help.
“There can be a stigma around asking for assistance,” said Bortolon. “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.”
The PGCF noted that it is working to ensure the funding process is as straightforward as possible.
To be eligible, individuals must be 55 or older, reside in Prince George or the surrounding area, and be facing an urgent, unexpected expense.
Eligible expenses include any unexpected need that, if unmet, could jeopardize a person's physical or mental health or safety — or that of others or pets in their household.
Examples of eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Emergency housing
- Utility payments
- Sudden medical or dental needs
- Essential home or vehicle repairs
- Emergency veterinary care
Applications can be submitted through PGCF’s secure online funding portal. A trusted support person can also assist with the application process, or seniors may call PGCOS at 250-564-5888 for staff assistance.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by a dedicated committee, with funding amounts determined on a case-by-case basis depending on individual needs and available resources.
SEPP is currently funded through the end of 2025.
To learn more about the Seniors Emergency Pilot Program and to apply visit the PGCF website
