Homelessness
One of the most important issues to our community members, and one that they want their local government to actively address, is homelessness. Tackling homelessness is complex; there is no single solution that will resolve the issue. It requires a multi-faceted approach, and the work involved is not a one-time effort but rather a sustained and evolving commitment. We are dedicated to finding long-term solutions that take into account the needs and concerns of both the housed and unhoused residents of Vancouver.
In 2021, we launched the first of our four Safe Stays as a pilot program. Its purpose was to test an innovative approach to providing safe, supportive spaces for those experiencing homelessness. In 2024, recognizing the program’s success and effectiveness, we extended the duration of sites 1 and 2. Over the last three years, our four Safe Stays have served 424 individuals, providing them with critical support and a pathway toward stability.
In 2024, 54 unhoused individuals tragically lost their lives in our community. One way we addressed this was by expanding Winter Shelter capacity, utilizing City buildings to offer safe, warm shelter for more than 175 individuals.
In 2025, the City will continue working on the development of a Bridge Shelter. This service-rich space will help bridge the gap between homelessness and housing by offering additional shelter capacity and comprehensive wraparound care. We are fortunate to have an experienced operator on board who will collaborate with us to shape the shelter's design and scope, ensuring it meets the needs of individuals seeking stability and support.
At the core of our response to homelessness is our HART team, the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team, which recently received a much-needed expansion thanks to a generous donation of $1.9 million. This contribution has allowed us to increase the size of the team and fund up to eight outreach workers for the next two years.
