By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wildfire evacuees from Alberta seeking local resources and support – such as accommodation, food, and prescription services – can now contact 211 BC for more information. 211 BC is a nonprofit funded in part by the B.C. Ministry of Health, and can refer callers to community, government and social services throughout the province.
According to a release from the Village of McBride, 211 BC has joined forces with 211 Alberta, which offers a similar directory for Albertans, to support those having to evacuate their communities due to wildfire.
211 BC staff have access to 211 Alberta’s Wildfire Resource list to support Albertans contacting 211 BC. They are currently working on sharing contact data related to out-of-province evacuees.
The two organizations are also working on setting up a direct transfer between provincial contact centres. As of now, residents who contact 211 when outside their home province are given a phone number to contact their home province’s 211.
The Village release reminds those who’ve evacuated and are looking for resources and support to call 211.
