A New Approach to Solving Vancouver’s Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health Crisis: Focusing on Relationships, Community Integration, and Employment
Vancouver’s addiction, homelessness, and mental health crisis has worsened over the years, partly due to policies that have concentrated vulnerable individuals in a single area. This approach has not only deepened the challenges but also isolated these individuals from the broader community. We propose ending the policy of concentrating people and instead redistributing housing around Vancouver, across British Columbia and to communities across the country where people have supportive networks of family and friends.
The Problem with Concentration
Research shows that most people, including those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, do not want to live in concentrated environments where everyone around them is facing similar difficulties. They prefer to live in healthy, mixed communities where they can thrive. When vulnerable individuals are moved out of these concentrated areas and into more balanced environments with family or other support systems, the results are overwhelmingly positive.
Despite the availability of concentrated services in areas like the Downtown Eastside, evidence shows that well-being declines in these environments. Individuals are more likely to experience worse mental health, reduced social cohesion, and increased interactions with emergency services. In contrast, when people are supported in dispersed housing with strong relationships, their interactions with health and police services drop dramatically, and their overall well-being improves.
Moving Away from Social Housing and Toward Rent Supports
The current model of building social housing is not only expensive but also inefficient. Social housing costs a significant amount to build, is often placed in challenging areas for integration, and takes years to come online—time that vulnerable individuals cannot afford to wait. We do not need to invest in new social housing; instead, we can leverage existing housing stock. By providing rent supports, we can help people live in existing homes within their communities, where they have family or friends who can offer the emotional and practical support that fosters a return to healthy living.
Innovative Employment Solutions
Employment plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. The discipline, self-satisfaction, and relationships that come from work are key to helping individuals regain their sense of purpose and dignity. Innovative employment approaches are needed, including the possibility of temporarily relaxing the minimum wage to help some individuals enter the workforce. What’s more important is finding ways to engage people in meaningful work that helps
rebuild their confidence and re-establishes their role in society.
Building Balanced Communities
Ultimately, everyone is better off when they live in balanced communities. When people are integrated into healthy, diverse neighborhoods—rather than being segregated into areas based on their income or struggles—they experience improved well-being, stronger social connections, and a better quality of life. This approach benefits not just individuals but the community as a whole, as it reduces the strain on public services and promotes social harmony.
A Vision for Change
We are committed to a future where individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, or mental illness are no longer isolated in concentrated areas but are reintegrated into diverse, supportive communities across British Columbia and beyond. By focusing on rent supports, community relationships, and innovative employment solutions, we can break the cycle of dependency and help individuals regain control over their lives.
Through this approach, we will rebuild trust, foster stronger communities, and ensure that people are given the opportunity to live in environments where they can thrive, supported by the relationships that matter most.