This website attempts to explore this problem in greater depth. Our goal is not to offer simple solutions, but rather to raise public awareness about the issue. Here is a summary of what you will find on this website:

Homeless Population: This section deals with the spatial variability of the counted homeless population in Greater Vancouver in 2002 and 2005. Click on the image on Vancouver, and then run the mouse over your district of choice to find out the population of homeless people within that district (approx).

Shelters: This part explores the geography of homeless shelters in Greater Vancouver. Shelters and services for the homeless are concentrated in Vancouver’s inner city while the need for shelters is throughout the region. Click on your district of choice to find out the address and facility information of shelters within that district.

Housing: Part of the reason why Greater Vancouver suffers from such an acute homelessness problem lies with the region’s housing market. Demand for affordable housing is great while supply is low and has diminished over time. Observe animated maps to better understand the structure of housing the GVRD.

Income: Another causal factor for homelessness is poverty. Incomes in Greater Vancouver simply have not kept up with housing costs. Observe animated and static maps to see the visual representation of income disparities in the GVRD.

How You Can Help: This section lists a number of steps you can take to help alleviate Greater Vancouver’s homelessness crisis. Run the mouse over the presents under the tree to find out simple ways to help the homeless epidemic in the lower mainland.