Homeless Count

The Homeless Count logo is provided by the Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC) . HSABC was established through a merger of GVSS and Shelter Net BC.

Its mandate is to strengthen and unify services across BC that are addressing the needs of persons experiencing homelessness.

Homeless counts have taken place across the Metro Vancouver region every three years since 2002. We started conducting an annual count in 2010. Each year, the count takes place throughout the city over a 24 hour period in March, inside shelters during the evening, and on the streets the next day.

Although counts do not give us a full picture of the extent of homelessness, the counts provide critical information on the number and characteristics of the homeless population, and how this population has changed over time.

Volunteers play a key role in homeless counts. Each year we recruit and train over 400 volunteers to participate in the count. This involves conducting a brief anonymous survey with people who are homeless.

2018 Homeless Count: March 13 and 14

This year's homeless count took place in shelters on March 13 evening, and on the street on March 14 during the day. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, we couldn't do the count without you.

The Homelessness Services Department presented the 2018 Homeless Count results to City Council on May 1.

View the staff presentation PDF file (2 MB)

This year saw a 2% increase in homelessness since the 2017 count.

The 2018 count found:

2,181 residents are facing homelessness in the city.
659 people were living on the street.
1,522 people were living in sheltered locations, including emergency shelters, detox centres, safe houses and hospitals, with no fixed address.

People and programs

Homeless Count

2018 Homeless Count: March 13 and 14

Past Homeless Count reports

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