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What: For a young person experiencing homelessness, early intervention can impact the trajectory of their life.
This Homelessness Action Week (October 11-17), Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is shining a light on Directions Youth Services, its 24/7/365 resource for young people who are unhoused or precariously housed in Metro Vancouver.
The support each unhoused youth needs to increase stability in their lives is unique. Secure housing, income, life skills, and community are some of their basic needs but the path there can look different, especially when youth are in crisis. After all, a crisis can’t be scheduled, making access to help whenever it’s needed especially important. Research shows that early homelessness is linked to a greater risk of chronic homelessness later in life. By providing immediate support, safety, and connection to services, Directions can help interrupt the cycle before homelessness becomes a long-term reality.
Early, youth-centred support can be life-changing. Directions provides young people with a safe place where they can:
- Access onsite medical clinics
- Attend workshops on life skills, health, safety, and other practical topics
- Connect with peers through 2SLGBTQIA+ events and workshops
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Gain work experience, build skills, earn references, and receive same-day pay through the Street Youth Job Action program
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Access two youth-specific safehouses when they need a safe place to stay
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Connect with Directions Outreach for judgment-free support, including harm reduction supplies, free snacks and drinks, and Indigenous culture kits
Homelessness Action Week is a reminder that everyone in the community has a role to play. Being a good neighbour can be as simple as learning more about youth homelessness, amplifying information about available resources, or supporting organizations – like FSGV – working directly with young people.
By the Numbers:
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Directions has been serving the community for more than three decades, providing meals, a safe place to be, and youth-informed supports for young people in crisis.
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More than 170 youth are unhoused in our community on any given night, according to the most recent Point-in-Time Homeless Count in Greater Vancouver.
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50% of youth accessing Directions visited for the first time this past year, highlighting the growing need for accessible supports for young people experiencing crisis.
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22% of new youth coming to Directions are aged 13-18, underscoring the need for early, youth-centred support.
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8% of youth accessing Directions are 2SLGBTQIA+ despite only representing 4% of the general population.
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In 2025, youth visited the Directions Drop-in Centre close to 23,000 times. Note: This figure represents attendances, not the number of unique youth. Many young people return to Directions multiple times after their initial visit.
When: Homeless Action Week takes place October 11-17, 2026.
How: FSGV’s programs rely on support from caring community members. Here’s how you can help:
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Donate. Visit fsgv.ca/donate to make a one-time gift or become a monthly donor.
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Amplify. Help more young people learn that support is available by sharing information about Directions and its 24/7/365 services.
Media Opportunities:
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Onsite filming will be available at Directions Youth Services Centre (1138 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC) exclusively on Wednesday, October 14 from 1-3pm. Media are invited to capture b-roll footage and conduct interviews with FSGV representatives during this window.
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Additional interviews with FSGV spokespeople are available upon request October 5-16.
To confirm filming access or schedule an interview, please contact Gemma Bishop: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com / 604-375-6953.
About Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is a non-profit working to support and empower children, youth, and families. Since 1928, the non-profit has offered programs and services that help people develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create positive change in their lives.
Specializing in supports for families, youth, and survivors, FSGV staff work from an evidence-based and trauma-informed lens to meet people where they’re at and get them where they want to be. www.fsgv.ca
Media Contacts
Gemma Bishop
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
W: www.gatherpublicrelations.com
Annabelle Loi
Associate
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-603-2302
E: annabelle@gatherpublicrelations.com
W: www.gatherpublicrelations.com
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