In January 2009, the Government of Canada renewed funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011. Program funding for the Metro Vancouver area will be approximately $8 million a year.

As the community partner for the HPS in Metro Vancouver, the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH) is responsible for recommending projects to the Government of Canada for funding. Accordingly, in March 2009, the RSCH recommended that the contribution agreements of existing service projects that were funded under the program from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009, be extended to ensure that there were no service disruptions to clients. The extensions to the contribution agreements are expected to absorb approximately $10 million of the available funds over the two-year term of the funding renewal. The remaining funds of approximately $5 million will be considered to fund large and small capital projects that are consistent with three of the region’s Community Plan priorities –– supportive housing facilities, mental health and addiction facilities, and emergency shelter facilities. Of the approximately $5 million available, up to $500,000 will be considered for small capital projects.

For further details on the funding allocation program and requirements for application see the following documents. We are unable to post the applications and financials documents. If you are eligible to apply for funding, please contact Judy Roberts at 604-451-6065 or judy.roberts@metrovancouver.org for the application documents.

2008 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count
The Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH) was established in March 2000 to bring together a range of people and organizations operating and funding facilities, services or programs targeted to people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the region. The Committee arose from the recognition that homelessness is an issue in every Metropolitan Vancouver community. As a result, the Committee identified the need for a regional response to the growing problem of homelessness.

The RSCH now includes over 40 members representing service providers, community-based organizations, business and labour, and all levels of government. The Committee has grown to become the regional voice on homelessness in Metropolitan Vancouver. Metro Vancouver, in partnership with United Way of the Lower Mainland, provides administrative and policy support to the Committee.