City of Vancouver pilots Tiny Shelter Project to address homelessness

Vancouver City Council approved a pilot project today in the ongoing effort to address Vancouver’s unsheltered homelessness crisis. 

The Tiny Shelter Project Pilot (TSPP) is the first of its kind in the city’s history, and will provide 10 tiny shelter structures for up 20 people for a period of two years. It will be co-located adjacent to an existing shelter operated by an experienced non-profit provider, and is anticipated to open by fall 2022.

The creation of the TSPP is a new approach for us. It will provide another shelter option for people currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness and more warm and safe indoor shelter spaces.  

Tiny shelter features

Each tiny shelter structure will consist of one room with space for a couple or one person to sleep and store belongings.

The structures will have power, heat, and air conditioning, but will not have kitchens or washrooms, as these amenities and other services will be provided on-site in the main shelter building. Staff will complete an evaluation to assess the health and housing outcomes for individuals sheltering in these structures once the pilot is complete.

Background

Since the first official Homeless Count in 2015, Vancouver and the region continue to observe a steady, measurable growth in people experiencing homelessness. The last count in 2020 identified 2,095 Vancouver residents who were either sleeping outside, without any shelter, or staying in shelters.

From 2010 to present, more than 1,700 permanent supportive homes have been built in Vancouver to house individuals at risk of homelessness. We continue to partner with BC Housing to create more safe, secure and affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness. 
 
In partnership with senior government, we are committed to connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with housing, access to income and support services, as well as continuously improving service delivery to all residents through the effective and efficient use of our limited resources. 

While emergency responses, such as shelters and approaches as provided through the TSPP, continue to be needed for individuals in crisis, access to safe, secure, and affordable housing, income and necessary supports are the key long-term solutions to homelessness. 
 
View the report staff presented to Council PDF file (1.5 MB)

Quotes

Mayor Kennedy Stewart

“Bold action is required to address the homelessness crisis in Vancouver. The Tiny Shelter Pilot Project will create an alternative option for those who are experiencing homelessness. It is an approach we are undertaking to ensure that fewer people are living outside, struggling to survive,” says Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “The City is committed to ensuring shelters and other services are in place to support people in crisis and continues to work in partnership with senior levels of government on longer-term options such as social and supportive housing.”