...Continued from "Shelters"

We work with each individual to link them to the supports they need to break the cycle of homelessness

In the 12 months preceeding March 2009, Lookout’s shelters provided emergency housing and services to over 5,539 destitute, adult homeless men and women. These individuals come in off the street or who are referred from such sources as social agencies, community services, hospitals, police, etc.

The occupancy rate is over 100% reflecting, frustratingly, that beds are usually not available, or if they are, it is only at the beginning of the month or midweek. Most nights we turn people away for lack of beds and in the 12 months ending March 2009 we were unable to find 4,992 people alternate shelter. All told 10,537 individuals contacted us for assistance.

In the shelters, the length of stay is determined by each individual’s circumstances, ranging up to several weeks as necessary. The average age is 32-35 but the range is wide: between 17 and over 85 years of age.

It is significant that approximately 20% of Shelter guests have no income at all. On departure, clientele either return to independent housing or go to such specialized resources as hospitals, boarding homes, supportive housing or treatment.

Lookout has operated since 1971 in the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver. Increasingly we have seen people come into the area and get caught up social issues that prevail locally, including rampant open substance misuse.

Many homeless are fearful of coming into the area, choosing instead to sleep in parks in their home communities. In response to these trends, Lookout has sought partnerships outside of Vancouver to encourage the development of shelter, supportive housing and services within each district to better meet local needs of destitute and homeless individuals and to do so within a community environment.