Homelessness Action Week 2024 | How We Can All Contribute to Homelessness Reduction in BC

October 13 to 19 is Homelessness Action Week in BC.

“Homelessness impacts people in every part of British Columbia, and immediate action is needed to help people without adequate shelter, to create access to housing for all and to prevent homelessness before it occurs.” (Source: Homelessness Action Week Proclamation 2024)

This week is an opportunity for us all to learn about the causes and effects of homelessness in BC, and to share ideas for a path forward.

The State of Homelessness in BC

As of 2023, a report by Homelessness Services Association of BC identified 11,352 people in BC (that’s 1 in about every 500 people) who were experiencing homelessness. Multiple factors contribute to the issue, including the affordable housing crisis, income inequality and poverty, mental health and addiction issues, as well as systemic concerns. And the effects are compounding. Homelessness impacts not only a person’s physical and mental health negatively, but it also erodes communities, and puts a strain on the economy.

What Needs to Happen to Reduce Homelessness in BC?

The Government of BC has committed to investments in housing, integrated health and social supports, research, encampment responses, and community-based rent banks. They’re also working towards keeping renters housed by enforcing restrictions on the short-term rental market, providing rent grants and supplements, and implementing the new BC Renter’s Tax Credit and Rental Protection Fund. (Source: Homelessness Action Week Proclamation 2024)

These actions are moving us in a healthy direction, but there’s still more to be done. To reduce homelessness in BC, we believe that individuals, organizations, and government bodies should focus on:

• Continuing the research and uncovering the issues faced by the most vulnerable populations
• Growing networks to share our knowledge and face the problem from a holistic perspective
• Seeking to prevent homelessness before it occurs, by addressing the root cause of the issue

How BC Rent Bank Is Taking Action

“I’m grateful for [my local] rent bank’s help. I would be homeless without it. The last time I checked there were no other options except temporary housing in a shelter. At my age (70) this would likely be the end of me. [The] service was quick and efficient, very friendly and respectful. I can’t imagine it being any better. The service kept me in my home. Thank You!” —Local rent bank client

For many people accessing rent banks across BC, it’s a last resort before looking at temporary shelter options, or living out of their vehicles.

As a backbone organization supporting our local rent bank partners, BC Rent Bank provides technology, resources, and training that improve services for people facing potential homelessness. In return, we emphasize growing and learning from our network. Visiting a rent bank is an incredibly vulnerable moment in a person’s life. Our goal is for each visitor to receive timely support.

As the Government of BC’s Belonging in BC plan reminds us, “The experience of homelessness is not limited to any gender, age, race, place or person – yet many people are disproportionately impacted due to these factors.”

Did you know?

The most recent BC Homelessness Count reported 11,352 people experiencing homelessness (that’s about 1 in 500 people). Of these folks, 81% were from groups representing just 46% of the province’s population.

Strengthening support for the more vulnerable population groups is a top priority this year. We’re working to partner with Indigenous-led housing organizations, and lean on existing partners, to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of rent bank services in the province.

What Can You Do to Help?

Homelessness Action Week is your reminder that awareness, advocacy, and action is urgently needed.

You can take action by signing petitions to advocate for policy changes, or amplifying the voices of organizations that are researching the need and building the structures to create change (for example, send this blog post to a friend or colleague!)

But let’s not forget that homelessness is an ongoing crisis in BC, and it needs our attention beyond a single week in October. If you want to better understand and gain awareness of the issues, stay tuned to the BC Rent Bank blog and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Another option is to become a member of an organization such as the Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC). Finally, consider donating to fundraising campaigns by organizations working to address homelessness in your community.

Other resources to deepen your understanding of the issue:

• BC Housing’s Research Centre – Housing Data. Find the latest data on leading indicators of housing and economic activity, and homelessness in BC communities.
• Belonging in BC. Read about the Government of BC’s collaborative plan to prevent and reduce homelessness (initial phase 2022-2025).
• Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. Discover evidence being gathered to help governments and communities move from addressing homelessness through an emergency crisis response, to preventing it altogether.
• Canada’s Homeless Hub. Navigate the profiles of nine communities across BC to see statistics and access hunger counts, homeless counts, and other reports.
• Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH). Learn about the broader issues surrounding homelessness in Canada.

You can also learn more about what BC Rent Bank is doing to prevent homelessness and how you can get involved.

And finally, if you’re a renter experiencing housing instability, find your nearest rent bank to learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities, and get support.