Stand Up for Our Community — People Experiencing Homelessness Need Help!

***CW: suicidal ideation***

Homelessness is on the rise, and the need for safe shelter in BC is crucial. There are thousands of people living on the streets, and there is no end in sight for many in this situation.

Because of the surge in homelessness, shelters are forced to turn people away, leading many to spend the night outside in the cold. Nobody should have to experience that. Based on the 2020 Homeless Count in Metro Vancouver, 3,634 people were identified as experiencing homelessness. Of those people, 1,029 were unsheltered, meaning they had no physical shelter overnight and were likely living on the street.

Stuart never thought he'd end up homeless. He had a job, was married with children, and enjoyed hobbies. Sadly, growing up in an unstable home as a child drove him to look for ways to escape. His addiction to drugs and alcohol continued into his own marriage and parenthood. Eventually, Stuart ran away, leaving his family behind. He drove as far as his gas tank would get him, threw his phone out the window, and found a place to jump — but couldn't bring himself to do it.

"I was homeless for about four months… During my final month living on the streets, I gave up the hard drugs. I needed a mental break. I spent a lot of my days walking, and I was just tired and cold. I'd had enough."

It was in that moment that Stuart decided to reach out to Union Gospel Mission.

With UGM's support and resources, Stuart was able to start his recovery journey, find fulfilling work, and reconnect with his children. "I'm starting to feel like myself again. For so many years, I hated the skin I was in, but now, I actually like who I am."

Metro Vancouver is facing multiple crises and they are impacting people more than ever before: growing inflation, a lack of affordable and safe housing, and a lethal drug supply has created a chaotic storm of struggle that's pushing more of our neighbours onto the streets.

Nobody should have to spend the night freezing out in the cold or rain. You can help people facing homelessness find shelter and hope for a fresh start. Please take the pledge — stand up for our community!
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