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Kinbrace Community Society
Kinbrace supports refugee claimants in Vancouver with transitional housing, legal navigation, and settlement support while they go through Canada's refugee system. Housing is accessed only through a referral from a partner agency such as BC211, ISSofBC, MOSAIC, or Options - Kinbrace does not accept self-referrals or keep a waiting list for housing. Call 604-255-9691 or email info@kinbrace.ca for other questions.
S.U.C.C.E.S. - United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is a large multicultural social service agency in Metro Vancouver, with newcomer settlement services and a range of programs for seniors in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Senior-specific programs include Better at Home (help staying independent at home), adult day programs, assisted living residences, the Seniors Academy social program, and Simon K.Y. Lee Seniors Care Home. Each program has its own eligibility and cost. Call the head office at 604-684-1628 or visit 28 West Pender Street to find the right program.
Help in these languages:- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
Services & Programs (2)
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A membership activity program for Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking seniors 55 and older, run from the SUCCESS head office, with classes and social activities to stay connected and well. SUCCESS membership is $20 a year, or $10 for people 60 and older. Call 604-684-1628 for the schedule.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
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Outreach program for Cantonese and Mandarin speaking seniors age 55+ living in Vancouver. Provides social activities, workshops, conversation groups, exercise classes, games, and local outings to support connection, wellbeing, and community participation. For information or to register, call 604-408-7274 ext. 1088.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
Tonari Gumi Japanese Community Volunteers' Association
Tonari Gumi supports Japanese-speaking seniors and families in Metro Vancouver with culturally specific programs in English and Japanese. Services include Meals on Wheels with Japanese bento lunches, medical transportation for seniors 55 and older, help with pension, tax, and BC Housing paperwork, and separate English and Japanese caregiver support groups for people caring for someone with dementia. Medical transportation costs $55 for two hours plus parking, and needs an assessment interview and advance booking. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Help in these languages:- English
- 日本語 Japanese
Services & Programs (5)
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Free help filing a simple tax return for seniors 65 and older with a single income of $35,000 or less, or $45,000 for a couple. It runs in tax season, call ahead for dates.
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Rides with an escort and interpretation to medical appointments, or help getting to the grocery store, for seniors 55 and older. Medical trips cost $55 for two hours plus parking, and need an assessment interview and advance booking. Call to book.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
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A volunteer calls, visits or writes to a senior regularly to check in and keep them company, for older adults who are isolated or would like a regular friendly contact. Call the office to be matched with a volunteer.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
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Japanese-style bento meal delivery for home-bound seniors, people recovering from illness or injury, and their caregivers, run by Tonari Gumi. A person must be home to receive the meal, and an in-person visit is required before starting. Costs $7 per meal for Tonari Gumi members, $8 for non-members. Sign up at tonarigumi.ca/mow.
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Free support groups by Zoom for people caring for a family member, led by clinical social workers: a Japanese-language dementia group, a general Japanese group and a group for English-speaking Japanese Canadians. Contact Nao to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 日本語 Japanese
Multicultural Helping House Society
Nonprofit settlement agency in South Vancouver helping newcomers, permanent residents and citizens find employment, learn English, and connect with their community. Offers CELPIP and IELTS test preparation, immigration consulting, a social program for seniors 55 and older, a support program for women, and a free tax clinic. Services are free for eligible clients. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, closed 12 to 1pm for lunch. Call ahead to confirm which programs you qualify for.
Services & Programs (2)
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A free income tax clinic for eligible low-income clients at the Fraser Street office, which is wheelchair accessible. It starts in March and is by appointment only. Call 604-359-1809 or email to book.
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A social program for seniors 55 and older, with gentle fitness such as Zumba and yoga, memory games, digital skills workshops and outings. Call 604-359-1809 or email to ask about the schedule and any cost.
Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic
Free legal advice and limited representation for low-income people in BC with immigration or refugee law matters, prioritizing people facing imminent removal from Canada or without legal status. Handles refugee claims and appeals, Federal Court judicial reviews, humanitarian and compassionate applications, and requests to defer or stay a removal. Complete the intake form on the website, or contact by phone, WhatsApp, or email. Free, but capacity is limited and the clinic cannot guarantee it can take every case.
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in Hastings-Sunrise with staff who help connect residents to community resources and navigate a range of issues. Seniors programs include walking clubs, art groups, ESL classes and more. Also operates two subsidized housing buildings and can help people navigate that system. Drop in or call during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4pm.
Services & Programs (3)
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Beginner, intermediate and advanced English classes for older adults, held weekly at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. The fee is $10 for three months. Contact the Senior Programs Coordinator to find the right level and register.
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A low-cost hot lunch for seniors on the first and third Friday of the month, followed by bingo. It costs $5 to $7. Call Kiwassa to ask about a seat.
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A Cantonese-language class that teaches older adults how to use an iPad or iPhone, on Friday mornings. Ten sessions cost $10. Contact the Senior Programs Coordinator to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
Lotus Light Charity Society (LLCS)
Multicultural charity in the Downtown Eastside offering free ESL classes, a seniors club with social activities, and a free income tax clinic for low-income residents, seniors, students and newcomers. Appointment required for the tax clinic. Also collects and distributes food, clothing and other donated goods through its Food Recovery Program. Services are offered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, with interpretation available. Open Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 4pm.
Help in these languages:- English
- 中文 Chinese
Services & Programs (3)
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Free English classes for low-income residents, seniors and newcomers, with help in Cantonese and Mandarin. Call or email the office for the schedule and to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
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A social club for seniors with group activities such as painting, baking and laughter yoga, in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Call 604-685-5548 or email to ask about the schedule and cost.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
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Free help filing a tax return for low-income residents, seniors and newcomers. Appointment required: call 604-685-5548 or email to book.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
MOSAIC Engage English Classes
Location focused on English language learning and communication skills, offering classes for newcomers at all levels, including those not eligible for federally funded programs. Helps improve everyday communication, understanding services, and confidence navigating life in Canada. Services are available in person and by appointment, with additional support to connect learners to other MOSAIC programs if needed.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Community-run neighbourhood house in Mount Pleasant with programs for all ages. Offers dedicated activities for older adults (55+) and a Caregivers Connect program for family caregivers, alongside childcare, youth, newcomer, literacy, and food security programs. Most activities are free or low-cost. Call or visit to find the current schedule for seniors programs.
Services & Programs (4)
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Newcomer settlement program run by Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Helps newcomers learn about health care, the legal system, education, employment, finances, housing, and child care, with one-to-one settlement counselling and help filling out forms. Offers English conversation circles, groups for women in Arabic and Spanish, computer and tech help, and community connection activities. Settlement participants get a free first year of Neighbourhood House membership. Call or visit Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- Tiếng Việt Vietnamese
- Español Spanish
- العربية Arabic
- Wolof làkk Wolof
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A free, informal group where older adults practise speaking English together every Thursday afternoon at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Email seniors@mpnh.org or call the front desk to join.
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Weekly lunch and bingo program for seniors at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. A hot meal and bingo are offered every Tuesday, 12pm-2pm, at 800 East Broadway. Cost is $5 per meal, or $20 for a 5-meal punch card. Drop in, no registration required. The neighbourhood house also runs other programs for people 55 and up, including Better at Home meal delivery, chair yoga, and digital literacy support - call 604-879-8208 for details.
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A free monthly drop-in where older adults bring a phone, tablet or laptop and get patient help with everyday tasks like email, apps and video calls. No registration needed. Email seniors@mpnh.org to confirm the date.
South Granville Seniors Centre
A dedicated seniors centre offering a wide range of programs and services that support health, independence, and social connection for adults 55+. Provides low-cost meals, fitness classes (such as yoga, Tai Chi, and fall-prevention programs), educational workshops, and social activities to help seniors stay active and engaged. Also offers practical supports including information and referral services, help with government benefits and forms, digital literacy training, and access to basic health services like foot care, hair care, and massage therapy. The centre focuses on reducing isolation and helping seniors maintain well-being through a strong, community-based support network.
Services & Programs (2)
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Spanish-language program at South Granville Seniors Centre for Spanish-speaking seniors 55 and older. Offers a social space to connect and make friends, peer-supported information and referral in Spanish, a hot lunch, workshops, and cultural and recreational activities. Members register through the centre and non-members can call to register for programs. Open Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm.Help in these languages:
- English
- Español Spanish
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Volunteer-run information and referral service at South Granville Seniors Centre. Volunteers explain and help with government programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), disability pension, Medical Services Plan, and the BC Bus Pass, and can help fill out government forms. One-on-one sessions are by appointment only, Thursdays, for a $5 donation from members and non-members. Call 604-732-0812 to book.
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Neighbourhood house in South Vancouver offering programs and support for seniors, in partnership with the South Vancouver Seniors Hub. Services include community lunches, social and wellness groups, ESL classes, caregiver and grief support groups, tech help, and Better at Home support such as light housekeeping, transportation, and grocery delivery for people 55 and older. Most programs require a free SVNH membership, and some services use a sliding scale (community lunch $7, ESL one-time fee $5). Call or visit to register. Staff are available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Hindi.
Help in these languages:- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
- 한국어 Korean
- हिन्दी Hindi
Services & Programs (7)
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A beginner English class taught in Cantonese for older adults, on Wednesday afternoons. A one-time $5 fee covers the class. Call or email Frank Lin to register.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
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A weekly group that gives seniors support and information after the death of someone close or another loss. Free with membership, registration required. Call or email Alex Hill to join.
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One-on-one appointments to help seniors understand government programs and find the right local service, in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi or Hindi depending on staff. Free with membership. Call to book a time.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
- हिन्दी Hindi
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One-on-one help with phones and computers by phone, email or Zoom, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Free with membership. Call or email Frank Lin to book a session.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
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A hot lunch for older adults every Wednesday at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, for $7. Registration is required. Call or email Alex Hill to book a spot.
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Prepared frozen meals delivered to seniors’ homes every Thursday, for $6 to $7 a meal. There is a waitlist. Email frozenmeals@southvan.org or call to be added.
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An online support group, by Zoom or WeChat, for family and friends caring for an older adult, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Free with membership. Contact Ping Chen to join a language group.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
WelcomeBC
Online hub run by the Province of British Columbia for people moving to or newly arrived in BC. Lists settlement programs and services, and offers the free Newcomers Guide in English and several other languages including French, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic, and Tagalog, with online translation available for many more. For help by phone, call Service BC at 1-800-663-7867, Monday to Friday 7:30am-5pm.
Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver
Historic Chinese Canadian community association in Vancouver’s Chinatown, established in 1906. Organizes the annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, Lunar New Year celebrations, and civic ceremonies, and connects Chinese community groups across the city. Contact by phone or email for information about events. The website does not list direct social services or set hours for individual visitors.
La Boussole Centre Communautaire Francophone
Community centre for French-speaking people in Metro Vancouver, including newcomers and anyone in a precarious situation. Staff help with housing search, employment support including computer and English classes, government and legal paperwork, and referrals to health and social services. Weekly food bags and hygiene items are given out Wednesdays at 1:30pm, with additional monthly food help for low-income members. Most services are in French. Email laboussole@lbv.ca or call to ask about eligibility and book an appointment.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
Yarrow Society – Chinese Seniors Programs
Chinatown nonprofit for low-income Chinese-speaking seniors in Chinatown and Strathcona, with help in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Its Nourishing Hearts program delivers frozen, culturally familiar meals to homebound seniors and hands out free tofu at the office and programs. Caseworkers help one-on-one with government forms, benefit applications and translation, and volunteers can go with seniors to medical appointments. Also runs a Chinese Seniors Hub with workshops and social activities. Call or email info@yarrowsociety.ca before visiting, as the outside door may be locked.
Help in these languages:- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
BC Francophone Immigration Program – Vancouver
Free settlement and integration support for French-speaking newcomers to Canada, run by Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (formerly branded as the BC Francophone Immigration Program). Eligibility is limited to certain newcomer groups not covered by federal settlement programs. Permanent residents already getting full federal settlement services may not qualify. Offers orientation, help with immigration paperwork, short-term crisis counselling, employment coaching, and English conversation groups. Based at the Maison de la Francophonie. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Call ahead to check eligibility.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) – Head Office
Main office of a large settlement agency helping newcomers with language, employment, and family sponsorship.
Services & Programs (2)
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Temporary housing and settlement support for government-assisted refugee families and individuals newly arrived in Canada, run by ISSofBC. The Welcome Centre includes supervised housing, language classrooms, a licensed preschool, a youth drop-in centre, and employment services, with other community agencies also offering services on site. Open only to refugees referred through the federal resettlement program. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call ahead.
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ISSofBC program for refugee claimants, asylum seekers, and other newcomers who do not qualify for federally funded settlement services, including some Ukrainian arrivals, international students, and provincial nominees. Helps with the refugee claim process, government forms, health care and legal aid access, housing and job search, and English classes. Free. Drop-in and appointment-based support is available in Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Arabic, and English. Call the Welcome Centre to connect with a worker.Help in these languages:
- English
- فارسی Farsi
- Español Spanish
- العربية Arabic
- دری Dari
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Federal government department that handles immigration, citizenship, passports, and permanent resident cards. Useful for seniors or caregivers renewing a PR Card, applying for citizenship, or replacing immigration documents. Visits to the Vancouver office are by appointment only. IRCC contacts applicants directly if an appointment is needed. Call the national helpline for most questions, or use the online application system.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
MOSAIC - Main Office
Main service hub offering multilingual support to help newcomers understand and access government programs, healthcare, and community services. Provides one-on-one assistance with forms, benefits, and navigating systems, along with interpretation and translation services in many languages. Also offers settlement support, counselling programs, and specialized services for vulnerable populations, including seniors, refugees, and individuals needing help communicating with service providers.
Services & Programs (3)
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Helps people in Canada privately sponsor a refugee family member or friend to come to BC, and supports current sponsors through the process. Also offers workshops on refugee sponsorship issues. Run by MOSAIC, a nonprofit, and free to access. As of October 2026, new sponsorship applications are not being accepted. Call to check on an existing application or ask about workshops.
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A free tax clinic at the MOSAIC main office each spring for permanent residents and protected persons with modest incomes (about $45,000 for one person, $60,000 for two). Appointment required: bring your tax slips, receipts and photo ID. Many languages. Call 604-254-9625 to book.
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A free social club for newcomer and refugee seniors 55 and older, with English conversation, digital skills, Tai Chi and yoga, knitting, field trips and a choir. It meets at the MOSAIC main office and in Burnaby and Surrey. Call 604-362-4318 (604-671-7281 for Cantonese or Mandarin) or email for the schedule.Help in these languages:
- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
Philippine Consulate General
The Philippine Consulate General provides consular services for Filipino nationals, including passports, dual citizenship, civil registry, travel documents, visas, and police clearances, along with cultural events and community outreach. All services require an appointment, booked online at appointment.vancouverpcg.org. Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, closed on Philippine and Canadian holidays.
Help in these languages:- English
- Tagalog
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS)
Nonprofit multicultural organization based in Surrey serving immigrants and refugees across Metro Vancouver, including seniors. Offers newcomer settlement support, English language classes, employment programs, free income tax clinics, housing help including assisted and independent living, and legal advocacy for workers. Programs and locations vary. Call the main office to find the right program for you.
Rainbow Refugee Association
Peer support and practical help for LGBTQ+ people seeking refugee protection or resettlement in Canada, including seniors. Offers case navigation, referrals to immigration lawyers, help with refugee claims and private sponsorship, and peer-led support groups. Walk-in sessions run on set days each month, listed in the hours above. Services are free. Contact by email to connect with a program.
Vancouver Community College – ESL Programs
Free adult English language classes at Vancouver Community College, Downtown campus, for immigrants and newcomers, including English as a Second Language Pathways and government-funded LINC classes for permanent residents and protected persons. ESL Pathways courses are tuition-free, though a small application and student fee applies. LINC classes are free for eligible newcomers. An assessment places students at the right level. Call 604-871-7000 to ask about assessment and registration.
Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver
Francophone cultural centre offering French classes at all levels, a French-language library, and cultural events for French speakers and learners in Metro Vancouver. Hosts concerts, theatre, literary and philosophy cafes, game nights, and an annual summer francophone festival. Welcoming to French-speaking seniors and newcomers. Some activities need membership or a fee, others are free. Call or check the website for the current schedule.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
Settlement and newcomer support for immigrants and refugees, based in Surrey and reachable by phone from across Metro Vancouver. Offers help with government forms, referrals for English language classes, and connections to community services for newcomers of any age. Some senior-specific programs, such as Better at Home, are only available to Surrey residents. Free for eligible newcomers. Call to find out what applies to you.
English Language Training – LINC Program
Free English classes for newcomers to Canada, known as LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) and funded by the federal government. Open only to permanent residents and protected persons. Other immigration statuses do not qualify. Classes run at settlement agencies across Vancouver, from basic literacy through advanced levels, and some locations offer childcare or transportation help. To join, contact a settlement agency directly or call 2-1-1 to be assessed and matched to a class.
Vancouver Japanese United Church
Vancouver Japanese United Church is a Japanese-language Christian congregation in East Vancouver, holding weekly services in Japanese and a monthly bilingual, English and Japanese, service. Minister and volunteers from the church visit seniors in hospital and at Nikkei Senior Home, and hold prayer sessions with seniors by Zoom. Everyone is welcome regardless of faith background. Call ahead to confirm service times or to request a visit.
Help in these languages:- English
- 日本語 Japanese