How can I help the Homeless this winter in Vancouver, BC?

The City of Vancouver has many different services and shelters to help the homeless. Here’s the simple rule:

Cold + responsive = call or text 211

211 will:

• Notify local outreach teams

• Check open shelters and warming centres

• Send workers to the person’s location when possible

• Provide real-time info on available indoor spaces

This is the standard, appropriate, non-emergency option for concerned citizens in Vancouver.

When NOT to use 211

If the person shows any signs of medical risk:

• not fully responsive

• confused or slurring

• severe shivering or shivering has stopped

• blue skin/lips

• unable to stand

• breathing very slow→ Call 911 instead.

Why 211 is helpful

• You’re not “getting them in trouble.”

• You’re triggering a welfare check, not enforcement.

• It connects them with outreach staff who know how to approach gently, safely, and respectfully.

• It creates zero record against the person.

If you wish to do something to help or to check if a person is okay? Keep it soft, brief, and neutral. I like to have some change or $5 handy to offer. These 3 questions are good:

• "Hello, how are you?" [wait 15 seconds for a response, give them time to wake and may not respond]

• "Do you want me to call homeless services 211 to come check in on you?” [wait 30 seconds for a response, give them time to process - "They may find you a shelter."

• “Can I give you anything to help you tonight?" [wait 10 seconds for a response, this should not take long] Offer the m change / $5?
  

If they’re barely responsive or not responding at all, switch to 911. Speak louder!

"Is it okay if I call 911 to get you some help?" [wait 10 seconds for a response] - Please be prepared to stay with the person until help arrives.

Alternatives:

On amazon.ca you can find a few items priced reasonable that are very much appreciated.

Ideas:

Mylar blankets, package of 10 costs only $12 here

Hand warmers, package of 10 costs only $8 here

Do not buy these unless you check with a shelter - Homeless Care Package of 12 sets warm 100% Polyester clothing $150 here

Package of 5 Pairs of Merino thick wool socks (size 7-13) $20 here Package of 8 winter wool beanie hats (large) $29 here

What to watch for:

• Avoid anything thin and / or delicate should be avoided.

• Avoid synthetic materials like polyester that do not hold heat when they get wet.

• Expect everything you give to the homeless to become wet, soiled, and damaged.

• Expect lose items to be dropped or lost so should be avoided. (example scarfs and blankets) It isn't that homeless people are careless with their belongings; rather lose items are more difficult to keep track off in dark places and more easily taken others.

My top 10 winter homeless items:

• Socks! Socks! Socks!

• Touque / beannie

• Neck wraps / warmers, gaiters

• Leg wraps / warmers

• Mitts are warmer than gloves

• Long underwear bottoms and tops

• Men's heavy-duty flannel work shirt / coat / jacket / shacket!

• Unbreakable thermos 16oz - 20oz for soup or coffee

• Waterproof drawstring carry bag for spare clothes (my one exception, place lose mitts, shirts, socks, etc inside) Note: If you want to add a hand warmer inside find a mesh or breathable bag to let moisture escape.

• MORE Socks! More hats! More neck warmers!

• Alternate - Tim Hortons gift certificates of $10-$20

Other things!

Find a warm place to get out of the cold at night is not impossible! Tim Hortons often has some stores that offer 24 hour service and seating inside without loitering.

My favourite was the Tim Hortons at 2635 Barnet Hwy that allowed me to loiter from midnight to 5am when other cafes would open! Other locations listed as open 24 hours inside Vancouver but need to be verified:

756 Davie St

108 W. Pender St

1205 Burrard St

1299 Robson St

Lucy’s Eastside Diner was also an option at one time? Open until 1:00 AM

2708 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C7, Canada

(604) 568-1550