More people began sheltering outdoors in the Comox Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic as indoor shelter spaces closed or reduced capacity. This trend continues today because of several factors, including limited shelter spaces, a shortage of supportive and affordable housing, and rising housing costs. Homelessness in the region has increased significantly since 2018.
In 2021, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), in partnership with the City of Courtenay, the Coalition to End Homelessness, the Comox Valley Transition Society, and the Wachiay Friendship Centre (Grant Application Development Group), secured a $1.093 million grant through the Government of Canada's and the Province of British Columbia’s Strengthening Communities’ Services program (administered by UBCM).
The funding supported the Increasing Vulnerable Population Supports and Connections in the Comox Valley project, which helped people experiencing homelessness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This one-time grant provided immediate support for people experiencing homelessness, including access to basic services and essential needs. Long-term solutions such as affordable housing, supportive housing and complex care units remain important. However, this grant focused on immediate support to those experiencing homelessness while navigating the deteriorating effects of COVID-19 on affordability, housing, income and job security, and mental and physical health.
View the Strengthening Communities Grant infographic.
The funding aimed to:
- Improve health and safety for unsheltered homeless individuals living in public or private spaces.
- Reduce community concerns about public health and safety in areas where unsheltered populations seek temporary shelter and services.
- Increase capacity for applicants to collaborate with homeless individuals and Indigenous organizations towards culturally safe and trauma-informed responses.
The funding supported:
- A temporary emergency warming centre.
- A temporary emergency overnight shelter.
- A daytime community access hub.
- Rural outreach on Denman and Hornby Islands.
- Peer-led outreach and clean-up services.
- Community engagement and anti-stigma outreach activities.
- Training and capacity-building activities across municipalities and the community.
Project results:
The provision of temporary and immediate services to people experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley significantly improved health, safety, and well-being—and, most importantly, saved lives. The project provided shelter, food, showers, medical supplies, and other essential services to between 100 and150 people each day. Project partners responded to 799 toxic drug poisonings.
This project was instrumental in raising awareness about homelessness and the factors contributing to it, while also helping reduce stigma. Additionally, 910 individuals, including front-line workers and government staff, attended 48 training sessions aimed at fostering understanding and promoting support for people experiencing homelessness.
The initiative created opportunities for People with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) to:
- have their voices heard
- take on employment
- support their peers
- feel a sense of connection and belonging
Today, PWLLE are actively involved in collaborative upstream systems-change efforts alongside public and private service providers and the broader community. The project has also contributed to the creation of policies aimed at reducing stigma and better supporting vulnerable populations, leaving a legacy of positive change.
Final report:
Read the Staff report.
Support services
The Comox Valley Coalition to end Homelessness created a Street Survival Guide for people experiencing homelessness.