In the face of exacerbated challenges from the cost-of-living and housing crises, there has been a 32% surge in homelessness in Metro Vancouver since 2020¹. Your donations have played an indispensable role in addressing these pressing needs. Thanks to our generous community, we’ve expanded our services significantly.

Our commitment to addressing rising needs led to unprecedented youth engagement in new programs, facilitated by caring staff in our new spaces. Art therapy sessions, life skills classes, and both on-site and off-site recreational activities represent our dedication to holistic support for youth. The demand for our programs has risen sharply, with mental health services experiencing a 30% increase in demand from 2022.

Community Support Services (CSS), including Drop-In and Outreach teams, often serves as the first point of contact for youth seeking refuge and support. This year, we enhanced CSS in multiple ways, including extended Drop-In hours. The result has been the highest attendance in a decade, providing increased opportunities to connect with and support youth.

Our Crisis Program, a short-term accommodation program, witnessed a stark increase in lengths of stay due to the housing crisis. The average stay doubled to 96 days, fostering deeper relationships and a 10% increase in youth transitioning to stable housing. The momentous move to our new Drake building was instrumental in expanding our capacity to deliver these essential services.

Rights of Passage, our long-term program providing safe, affordable housing and support for youth transitioning to independence, is undergoing significant expansion. Renovations at 326 West Pender Street aim to offer more semi-independent homes and additional services, nurturing growth and fostering essential life skills. The comprehensive renovation, including a fitness room, teaching kitchen, and redesigned patio, is made possible through the generosity of our community of donors and public funding.

To address the hidden challenges of human trafficking, we embarked on a three-year research project funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada. The resulting toolkit, Pivoting Practice: Building Capacity to Serve Youth Impacted by Trafficking, is actively used to train our team and service providers throughout the sector.

Covenant House Vancouver extends our gratitude to you. Your generosity has empowered us to adapt, grow, and continue providing vital support to resilient young individuals which they justly deserve. Together, we are breaking the cycle of homelessness, ensuring these challenges are but a fleeting chapter in their incredible stories. We eagerly anticipate launching the expanded Rights of Passage program, furthering our mission to provide sanctuary, guidance, and a sense of belonging to more young people.