Across BC, 30,000 people are either experiencing homelessness today or at imminent risk of homelessness.
For decades, society’s response to homelessness has been to provide emergency services like shelters and soup kitchens. And while these services are important in meeting the immediate needs of people who are suffering, they do not help end or prevent homelessness.
In Metro Vancouver, at least 4,821 people are experiencing homelessness.
That’s 32% more people than before the Covid-19 Pandemic began in March 2020.
While the reasons for homelessness are varying and complex, 71% of individuals in the 2023 Vancouver Homeless Count indicated that they were living with an addiction.
“Most times I was out of jail I was homeless. It was torture. I hated myself for choosing drugs time after time, but I didn’t know how to change.”
- Janco, HFFS Graduate & Staff
In the Tri-Cities, at least 160 people are as experiencing homelessness.
This is a 86% increase from before the Covid-19 Pandemic began in March 2020.
And vastly more are under-housed or at risk of becoming homeless.
*Data from the 2023 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count