In 2015, CitySpaces Consulting undertook the review of the 2007 Emergency Shelter Program Framework on behalf of BC Housing to assess the effectiveness of the Program at intervening the cycle of homelessness. The review considered the context in which emergency shelter services are provided; identified the successes and the challenges of service delivery; and provided strategies and approaches for improving the collective response to homelessness.
The groundwork for this project included a review of emerging and established best practices in shelter provision; a comprehensive questionnaire for emergency shelter providers; and regional workshops held across British Columbia’s six regions. The regional workshop sessions, conducted at BC Housing’s annual regional meetings, took place in late Fall 2015. In addition to consulting with emergency shelter providers, the regional meetings provided an opportunity to consult with the homeless outreach and prevention teams — staff from the Homeless Outreach Program (HOP), Aboriginal Homeless Outreach program (AHOP), and the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP).
The review identified a series of contributing factors to the shortfalls of the Emergency Shelter Program, most significant being systemic barriers to housing placement and a lack of appropriate housing in most communities in BC. Strategies were designed to improve the effectiveness and performance of the sector as a whole.
The review reaffirmed that emergency shelters have, and will continue to have, a critical role in the housing continuum in BC, providing temporary accommodation, food, and comfort as well as an opportunity for emergency shelter users to connect with supports that facilitate stabilization and a move towards housing and improved well-being.
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