The Vancouver research project will focus on people with substance abuse problems and addictions.
Vancouver’s 2008 24-hour homeless count found 1,547 people who were homeless. 761 of those were staying in shelters, and 786 were living on the streets. The metro-wide homeless count found a total of 2,407 people.
From 2005 to 2008, the number of homeless people increased by 19% in metro Vancouver. Over this same period, self reports of mental illness increased by 86% and self reports of addictions, by 63%. Among Vancouver’s intravenous drug users, numerous additional problems are prevalent, including homelessness, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C .
There is great interest and support for the MHCC project in Vancouver from government, community members, and organizations. The Vancouver project team is currently working to secure the needed housing for its participants.
There are elements unique to the Vancouver project:
(1) There will be a focus on people with concurrent mental illness and addictions.
(2) A congregate site with on site supports will be designed.
Partners directly involved in research:
Other Partners:
- Providence Health Care
- BC Ministry of Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
- BC Housing
- City of Vancouver
- Vancouver Foundation
- Streetohome Foundation
- BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development
- Vancouver Police Department