The infographic by the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson’s website reflects key milestones the city has achieved in reducing homelessness in Vancouver since 2008.
In 2009, the city provided annual funding for low barrier shelters, opened 110 housing units at Dunsmuir housing, and took landlords to court to protect low-income housing. In 2010, the city partnered with the federal government At Home/Chez Soi to provide support for people who are homeless or have a mental illness. In 2011, the city opened 9 social housing projects, investing $60 million in affordable housing. In 2012, the city funded a rent bank to provide short term loans, and to prevent evictions. In 2013, the city purchased the Ramada on Hastings to provide more interim housing. Due to these efforts, in 2013 street homelessness dropped 66% from 2008 (811 to 273 persons). As well, 470 people moved from shelters into permanent housing over the five year period.
However, despite these efforts, homelessness is on the rise again in Vancouver. As the infographic illustrates, this is due to:
- the Federal Government ending funding for the At Home/Chez Soi project
- the 9 month delay of the Biltmore’s opening, a temporary housing facility
- the unavailability of 340 SRO (Single-Room Occupancy) shelters
- the delayed construction of 600 social housing units and
- the decrease of winter shelter beds (55 fewer)
Vancouver’s 2013 homelessness Count Report notes the rise of homelessness is an increasingly problematic concern because of the aging homeless population. The report shows the number of homeless persons over the age of 55 has increased from 121 in 2005 to 264 in 2013) and those with addictions has increased from 51% in 2008 to 63% in 2013. The amount of homeless people who report two or more health conditions, 56% in 2013, is up from 35% in 2005. As a result, the limitations of shelter and housing units combined with the health conditions and aging of the homelessness population presents immediate concerns for the city of Vancouver to end homelessness.
What is the plan to end homelessness in Vancouver?
Mayor Robertson’s plan to end homelessness includes opening and providing 600 new shelters throughout the city, 56 units of supportive housing and 100 units of low income housing. In addition, in 2014 the city purchased the Ramada on Kingsway in order to provide additional low-income housing. A more in-depth version of the city’s 10 year plan to end homeless can be found here.
