BC Housing funds outreach and support programs that help people who experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
About the program
The Homeless Outreach Program is enhanced by the Homeless Prevention Program and by culturally appropriate services to Indigenous individuals.
Outreach workers meet their clients where they are—on the street, in a shelter, or in a temporary place.
There is no cost for the services available in the Homeless Outreach Program.
Am I eligible?
Outreach services are available to you if:
- You are an individual or family that does not have a fixed address.
- You are living and sleeping in public spaces, including on the street.
- You need a place to stay in extremely wet or cold winter weather.
- You haven’t found a place to stay since you left a hospital, rehabilitation centre, treatment centre, or correctional facility.
- You need a place to stay so you can leave a situation where you are financially, sexually, physically, or emotionally vulnerable
- You are living in a temporary situation where you don’t know how long you can stay, for example, sleeping on a couch at a friend’s house, or in a place without a rental agreement.
- You have found temporary housing, but need to find something more long-term
- Your landlord gave you notice to move out and you need assistance to find a new place to stay.
You may qualify for the Homeless Prevention Program, which assists with access to housing and community-based services.
Age
- Outreach services are for anyone aged 19 years and older
- Youth 18 or younger may be eligible, connect with an outreach worker for further information
Services available for Homeless Outreach Program participants
In both urban and rural regions of British Columbia, outreach workers can meet with you to determine your housing needs, connect or introduce you to required services, and try to connect you with housing that’s appropriate and available.
Outreach workers can offer:
- Immediate outreach help, which may include a referral to an emergency shelter for a place to sleep, wash, and eat
- Case-planning help to assist you get identification, receive income assistance, and set housing goals
- Connections with culturally appropriate services and/or Indigenous community linkages
- Assistance with finding housing options and provide support with the application and move-in process (rent supplements may be available to support this process). Outreach workers may accompany you to appointments and/or housing viewings
- References to support services such as health care, counselling and addiction recovery
- Help with more permanent housing options, including supportive housing and subsidized housing
- Being a resource for housing providers or landlords and being able to answer their questions and concerns
- Ongoing support as required
Who to contact
Contact a Homeless Outreach Program Service Provider or go to the nearest Emergency Shelter and ask to speak to staff.