Homelessness and low-income resources

We're working hard to provide homes for our residents who face homelessness so that that fewer people are living outside, struggling to survive. 

Unfortunately, creating enough safe, clean, and affordable housing is not a goal that can be achieved overnight and the City cannot do it alone. Through grants, partnerships, and direct outreach, we help provide homeless and under-housed residents with shelter, free or low-cost food, and other services and resources.

We're taking collective action with the Province of BC and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to take a coordinated approach to connecting unsheltered residents to appropriate housing. Find out more about the Memorandum of Understanding we've signed to affirm our commitment to this work (135 KB).

Shelters and winter response strategy

We're committed to ensuring all residents have a safe place to come inside, particularly during cold and extreme weather.

Supportive housing

Supportive housing is affordable housing that provides a range of on-site supports to its residents.

Free and low-cost resources

Download a list of organizations that offer free- or low-cost meals or groceries and clothing to residents in need.

Rent bank

The Vancouver Rent Bank provides one-time interest-free loans to low-income people in temporary financial crisis.

Homelessness Action Week

We join communities and organizations throughout the region to mark Homelessness Action Week in mid-October.

Homeless Count

Learn now to volunteer for our annual Homeless Count and review annual reports back to 2010.

Outreach programs

The outreach team connects individuals experiencing homelessness and needing assistance to supports.

Better Together

Better Together works to collectively problem-solve issues related to poverty, unsheltered homelessness, and mental health.

Community centres for low-income residents

Carnegie

Amenities include a library, cafeteria, art, and recreation programs, adult learning and literacy programs, weight room, and outreach services.

Evelyne Saller Centre

Amenities include social, recreational, and life-skill development programs, showers, laundry, and cafeteria with low-cost meals.

Gathering Place

Amenities include an education centre, reading room, low-cost cafeteria, and programs for arts and recreation, health, youth and volunteers. The centre is located at 609 Helmcken St, Vancouver BC. 604-665-2391.

RayCam

Centre provides personal and family support services, and offers an out of school, pre-school and day-care program for children. The centre has a gym, hobby rooms, and club rooms. Located at 920 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC. Phone: 604-257-6949

Strathcona

Amenities include a fitness centre, gym, games room, and playground. The centre is located at 601 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC. 604-713-1838.

Thunderbird

The Thunderbird Community Centre is located at 2311 Cassiar St, Vancouver, BC. 604-713-1818. Amenities include a fitness centre, gym, games room, computer lab, and playground.

Find help

BC211's Redbook is a complete online directory of programs and services in Vancouver for homeless and under-housed residents.

Metro Vancouver homeless counts

The Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH) oversee the annual Homeless Count , a 24-hour snapshot of homelessness in Metro Vancouver.