People experiencing homelessness will benefit from continued day-space drop-in services, as the Province extends funding to Watari Counselling and Support Services (Watari) and Aboriginal Front Door Society (AFDS).

“Many people experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside struggle to get basic comforts that we can take for granted, like a fresh meal or hot shower,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Both Watari and AFDS provide core services, providing relief for many vulnerable people, as well as building important community connections, and I'm thrilled to see these services continue.”

The Province’s funding, which will flow through the City of Vancouver to each organization, is being extended until March 31, 2026. This investment means people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will continue to have services they rely on, ensuring there are places for people to go during the day that provide connection and access to supports.

Watari will receive more than $1.2 million and AFDS will receive approximately $625,000 from the Province. Additionally, the City of Vancouver is contributing by providing access to the two city-owned spaces where the services operate (320 Alexander St. for Watari and 390 Main St. for AFDS), and $142,500 in 2025 to support AFDS’s storage program at 390 Main St.

“Everyone deserves access to safe, welcoming spaces where they can find support, connect with community and take care of their basic needs,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “With this funding, we are proud to work with the Province and partners like Watari and Aboriginal Front Door to provide services that vulnerable residents can count on and that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Watari’s daytime drop-in centre offers laundry and shower facilities as well as kitchen and meal services. AFDS provides storage, washroom facilities, daytime drop-in services, as well as kitchen and meal services.

“People in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside need support, such as warm meals and washing clothes, helping them when they need it the most,” said George Chow, parliamentary secretary for the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown. “We’ll continue to work with local government and community groups to get people the services they need.”

Recognizing that addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility, the Province is working closely with the City of Vancouver, community members, Indigenous partners and service providers to respond to the unique needs of the Downtown Eastside community. 

The Province is implementing Supporting the Downtown Eastside: Provincial Partnership Plan, which guides co-ordinated action to improve access to housing, health, social and cultural supports. 

Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 11,700 homes in Vancouver.

Quotes:

Heather Scarff, executive director, Watari Counselling and Support Services –

“This extension allows us to continue offering culturally safe, low-barrier, wraparound mental-health, addiction and food-program services in the Downtown Eastside, walking alongside those who access them. Together, we are building trust, resilience and connection as we work toward long-term sustainability.”

Chris Livingstone, executive director, Aboriginal Front Door Society –

“This funding provides stability for people as it allows us to offer hot meals, coffee and a secure place to store belongings. For people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, these services are critical. Without secure storage, people can’t attend appointments, access services, or find shelter. This program removes those barriers and opens the door to essential supports.”

Quick Facts:

• Through the Belonging in B.C. plan, the Province, with First Nations, local governments and non-profit organizations, is investing as much as $1.5 billion, with an additional $90 million from Budget 2025 to expand access to housing and supports, helping people move from homelessness to stability and dignity. 
• This investment supports rapid-response initiatives, including outreach and delivering housing and shelter spaces. This also builds on more than 9,400 supportive homes and nearly 1,200 temporary spaces delivered or underway since 2017 to move people out of homelessness.

Learn More:

To view the Downtown Eastside Provincial Partnership Plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Strategy_DTES_provincial_response_plan.pdf

To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf 

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/