Prince George, BC – As just the second city in the country to adopt Community Voice Mail (CVM), Prince George is now expanding the program to help 500 additional city residents gain access to a phone number and voice mail service.

Based on a successful pilot program in Vancouver, CVM was launched in our city by the Prince George Metis Housing Society in March.  The program enables participants living in poverty, crisis and transition to have a personal phone number where messages can be left for them – they can check those messages when and where they get access to a telephone.

The PGMHS is seeking funding from a variety of sources to support the CVM's annual budget of $88-thousand dollars.  The provincial government has stepped up with a $25-thousand dollar contribution through the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund.

Prince George Metis Housing Society Executive Director, Leo Herbert, says, "After seeing the Community Voice Mail program work so well in the Lower Mainland, I could see clearly how that service could work in Prince George."

"This program can make all the difference for people without a fixed address or phone who need employment, housing, healthcare, or social services," says Herbert.  "We are always looking for support from other agencies and organizations to continue this valuable service in northern BC."