COVID-19 (Coronavirus): community support

Roundhouse Community Centre will be deactivated as an Emergency Response Centre by the end of June. Each guest will be provided with temporary accommodation, depending on their needs and the options available. Coal Harbour has been deactivated as an Emergency Response Centre.

Activating these spaces as Emergency Response Centres under an expedited timeline was an essential measure to protect all Vancouver residents, including those who are most vulnerable.

We are grateful for the work of our partners, including BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, Community Builders Group, and Lookout Housing and Health Society, for providing a safe and supportive space for residents experiencing homelessness. We would like to also thank the community for their support and feedback during this extraordinary time.

Re-opening dates to be determined

Local community centre associations are collaborating with the Park Board to review programs and services that were closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a goal of safely re-opening as soon as we are able.

There is not a confirmed timeline for re-opening community centres. The Park Board will provide information on re-openings on vancouver.ca as soon as decisions are made. 

Food services

• Carnegie, Evelyne Saller, and Gathering Place community centres offer take-out meals from the entrances.
• Regular meal service hours are maintained in each location with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options provided.
• Hand-washing and sanitizing options are available so patrons can clean their hands before and after receiving their meal.

Hygiene

• Laundry and shower services continue at Evelyne Saller Centre and Gathering Place.
• 16 new handwashing stations are installed across the DTES and additional toilets are available.
  Review a map and list of locations PDF file (165 KB)

Outreach

• The City’s Homelessness Services Outreach office remains open as an essential service at 392 Powell St to assist people in connecting to income, supports, and housing.

Vancouver continues to be at the epicentre of the overdose crisis in British Columbia.

We are working closely with VCH to promote the new guidelines External website, opens in new tab to individuals on how they can access safer drugs.

Community resources are available from Vancouver Coastal Health External website, opens in new tab.

The City’s owned and operated subsidized housing buildings are restricting guest visits. 

Enhanced cleaning protocols are underway in all City-owned or operated housing, including designated cleaners to disinfect high touch points throughout the building such as elevator buttons, handrails, door handles, tables, and mailboxes.

Meals are being prepared in Park Board kitchens are being delivered to approximately 700 tenants.

We are working with our partners on safer distribution options for Income Assistance.

The peer network distributes information ahead of cheque day PDF file (36 KB). Staff and community liaisons work with financial institutions such as Vancity and Pigeon Park Savings to get people signed up for bank accounts.

We're also working to advocate for income security for informal economy workers including peer workers, street vendors, and sex workers who are impacted by the crisis. 

Hygiene

• Handwashing stations and public toilets map External website, opens in new tab
• Handwashing stations and public toilets map – printable map PDF file (157 KB)

Income assistance

• Collect and cash income assistance during COVID-19 PDF file (35 KB)
• Review translated versions

Drug use harm reduction

Map

• Overdose prevention sites map PDF file (145 KB)

Pamphlet

• How to access safe drugs now (878 KB) PDF file
• Review translated versions