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News & Media
News & Media
June 8– BIRCH housing project continues in holding pattern
June 8– Five years of saving lives at SafePoint
June 1– Affordable housing complex underway in Vancouver
May 26– Over 100 new rental homes coming to Vancouver
May 26– Governments announce $49 million for new Downtown Eastside social housing
April 26– First of two supportive housing facilities opens in Cowichan Valley
April 24– Supportive House Opening in North Cowichan on Monday
April 17– There are still heroes among us
April 15– Message at Delta forum: The stigma must end
April 8 — City of Vancouver eyeing extra social housing density in the Downtown Eastside
April 6– New food pantry set up in Kin Park
February 7– Province, Abbotsford partner to develop new supportive housing
February 7– Abbotsford – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver new supportive housing
February 3– Drug poisoning and overdose advisory issued for Cowichan Valley
January 27– Burnaby shutting down warming centre that was reopened during cold snap
January 26– Mobile overdose prevention site in Abbotsford seeks to meet drug users where they are
January 25– Mobile overdose prevention service opens in Abbotsford
January 21– Take 2 steps and call me in the morning: Exercise as a prescription for depression
January 21– Former Abbotsford hotel to offer ‘complex care’ spaces for homeless people
January 20– New housing model supports people with complex challenges
December 31– Langley may need new location for emergency shelter
December 26– VIDEO: Extreme weather shelter for homeless opens in Langley City
December 23– Extreme weather beds roll out for homeless at North Vancouver shelter sites
December 23– Emergency warming centre activated by Burnaby as winter storm arrives
December 16– City of Duncan gives green light to homeless cabins on Trunk Road
November 23– Another temporary cabin site for homeless proposed for Trunk Road
November 18– Federal government money salvages affordable housing project in Downtown Eastside
November 15– Federal, Provincial, Municipal Governments Support Rapid Housing Projects in Vancouver
November 5– Wellness and Recovery Centre officially opens in Duncan
November 3– Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Extends Humanitarian Mission To British Columbia Homeless Community
November 2– New West considers a 50-bed shelter at the former Army & Navy store on Columbia Street
October 29– Heavy equipment tips off trailer, smashes into New Westminster building
October 15– Temporary supervised drug inhalation site to open next month on Pandora Avenue
September 9– Supportive Housing Drinkwater Road in Cowichan delayed
July 26– Bread of Life partners with Vancouver society to buy Beaufort Hotel
June 11– BC government spends $28 million to acquire Fraser Valley affordable housing
June 1– Burnaby homeless count sees 80% increase and skyrocketing needs amid COVID-19
May 13– Wellness and Recovery Centre now to open in the fall
May 7– John Horn leaving Cowichan Housing Association
May 5– West Vancouver youth committees continue meaningful work during pandemic
May 4– Milner hotel transformed into new social housing by province
February 26– Here’s where people who are homeless in New West can enjoy a hot shower and get a comfort kit
February 25– New Westminster family facing homelessness considers moving into a bus
February 9– North Shore’s extreme weather mat program open for homeless during cold snap
January 25– Public consultations on Duncan wellness and recovery centre coming in February
January 10– The Forest of Miracles: A Spiritual Place for Healing and Hope
December 14– Over 100 stunning Christmas trees are lit up in West Vancouver this month
December 9– Duncan tent sites for the homeless to be winterized
December 4– Here are some of the New Westminster groups that need your support this holiday season – and beyond
December 3– Surrey council earmarks $1.8M in grants for community groups
November 24– New West restaurant donates “little critters” to local charities
November 20– Help fill the streets with song at this New West carolling event
October 26– Emergency shelters open in Metro Vancouver as temperatures drop
October 13– Campus furniture finds new homes in local community organizations
August 27 — Nesting birds delay construction of Surrey supportive housing project
August 6– More than 200 remain homeless on Langley streets
July 25– Community action table initiates overdose response card project to save Langley lives
July 25– Residents at North Cowichan’s supportive housing project will be properly vetted, says BC Housing
July 20– Council meetings to continue virtually to maintain physical distancing
July 14– North Shore councils called out on homelessness
June 18– B.C. building roughly 100 supportive housing units in Cowichan Valley
June 17– Overdose prevention site reopens in Victoria after spike in overdose deaths
June 10– Two new supportive housing buildings on way for Surrey, province announces
June 8– Virtual open house set for Vancouver Downtown Eastside social housing development amid pandemic
June 3– Surrey pushing the poor out of Whalley, public hearing speakers say
May 31– New social housing for Powell Street in Downtown Eastside
May 29– 114 units of social housing proposed next to Oppenheimer Park
April 3– COVID-19: Virus could ‘spread like wildfire’ in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
February 27– Harm reduction cutting Langley drug deaths, say social workers, Radio version
February 1– 980 CKNW Radio Back on the Beat
January 21– Vancouver art-therapy program for mental-health recovery finds new operator
January 14 — Adapt Pharma exec seeks public’s help in bringing Nasal Narcan to B.C.’s overdose-epidemic response
January 9– Sock Rock Disco collects 2,000 pairs of socks for Vancouver’s homeless
Dec 19 — City increases warming centre capacity for Oppenheimer Park campers
Dec 19 — Warming centre near Oppenheimer Park now opening more frequently, city says
Dec 18 — 70 new affordable homes now available in Mission
Dec 7 — Squamish Nation elder blesses Dundarave Festival of Lights nativity scene
Nov 6 — More than 200 books donated to Surrey modular site
Nov 1 — Dine Railtown: Month-long initiative supports Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community
Oct 28 — Organizations team up to tackle homelessness in New West and Vancouver
Aug 15 — Constantly on the move, homeless camps difficult to track in Metro Vancouver
Aug 4 — Festival moves out of Oppenheimer Park to show compassion
July 22 — Surrey council approves modular housing projects for homeless after lengthy hearing
July 17 — Opioid crisis: Feds announce $76M for overdose prevention, treatment
July 16 — Over 200 lives saved in first year at Victoria’s supervised consumption site
July 15 — Unsung Hero: Local man holds inclusive gaming event to others people feel safe
July 9 — ‘FIGHT 4 HOMES’: Surrey homeless call for housing one year after tent city dismantled
July 8 — Campbell River nurse administrator named Health Care Hero
June 29 — Nighttime drop-in location needed for Surrey’s vulnerable women, girls: working group
June 28 — Victoria safe injection site celebrates first anniversary
June 27 — ‘Basic needs are all we ask’: Meet North Vancouver’s hidden homeless
June 24 — Modular housing helped clean up Whalley, say police and neighbours
June 23 — Langley elementary students rushed to hospital after handling discarded vape pen
June 8 — Councillor says Surrey ‘on track’ for getting permanent supportive housing sites
June 5 — Province proposes permanent site for supportive housing project in Surrey
May 31 — Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association Cleans up City Centre
May 19 — Abbotsford’s 2nd modular housing project expected to start tenanting next month
April 26 — A year and a half in, B.C. more than half way to goal of 2,000 modular housing units
April 9 — Abbotsford modular housing named for shelter patron who died of overdose
April 3 — Modular project will visibly reduce Abbotsford homelessness: advocate
March 14 — Argyle Secondary students collect backpacks for charity
February 5 — Toque Tuesday takes over Surrey Civic Plaza
January 29 — ‘Housing is a human right’: Panel talks inequality and gentrification in Vancouver affordability crisis
January 24 — Modular units to start arriving at Riverside site this week
January 16 — Bowen gets a new extreme weather shelter
January 14 — Adapt Pharma exec seeks public’s help in bringing Nasal Narcan to B.C.’s overdose-epidemic response
December 22 — Home for Christmas: Modular housing helps Surrey residents escape cold
December 19 — El Santo restaurant is collecting coats for the homeless this week
December 12 — 20 emergency beds available at Lookout shelter on 2nd St.
December 11 — Burnaby’s first warming centres to open Wednesday
November 3 — Friends reflect on legacy of Surrey’s ‘Guardian Angel’ one year after his death
October 11 — Vancouver Coastal Health buys 2 new drug-checking machines to reduce opioid overdoses
August 27 — Abbotsford modular housing for homeless agreement set for council approval
July 19 — Pandora supervised consumption site has busy first month
July 12 — ‘Homelessness is a housing issue’
July 8 — West Vancouver students dish out good vibes at Lookout Housing and Health Society
July 6 — New container-inspired building with 350 homes opens in Vancouver (PHOTOS)
July 6 — New social housing named after employee who died in hit-and-run
July 5 — Instead of retirement, these two nurses are battling Vancouver’s opioid crisis
June 26 — West Van Christmas tree festival funds affordable housing
June 22 — Tents gone from Surrey’s 135A Street, but not all accepting housing: city
June 19 — New temporary modular housing opens for homeless in Surrey
June 14 — Island Health’s largest supervised consumption service opens next week
June 12 — EDITORIAL: SafePoint injection site is saving lives
June 8 — VIDEO: Fraser Health’s first safe consumption site is one year old today
June 4 — Vets provide care at free pet clinic in Surrey
May 31 — Non-profit offers free used needle recovery service
May 9 — WE Care Vancouver and WE Day Family
March 31 — While Richmond mulls 40 homes for the homeless, 83 modular units head for Abbotsford
March 29 — Grade 12 student learns new life skill…how to detect deadly drugs
March 28 — VIDEO: Plecas praises NDP for housing homeless
March 28 — 83 units of temporary modular housing coming to Abbotsford
March 27 — UPDATE: Two modular housing facilities for homeless coming to Abbotsford
March 20 — CFAX1070 Radio: Shayne Williams, Executive Director, Lookout Housing and Health
March 15 — Contract talks for Victoria’s first supervised drug site about to begin
March 14 — Island Health grants contracts for Victoria’s first approved supervised consumption service
March 13 — Long Night of hope raises $17K in North Vancouver
March 5 — Carson Graham Interact Club donates to Lookout Society
February 22 — North Shore homeless shelter rolls out cold weather beds
February 14 — Night of Hope seeks overnight success in North Van
February 1 — Homelessness and transit are priorities for Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner
January 29 — Emergency shelter plan approved by BC Housing
January 26 — Buy a hat to support Toque Tuesday campaign in New West
January 14 — Reflecting on safety, failing as flu fighter and racing as Big Unknown
January 13 — $14M for modular homes
January 12 — Plus d’une centaine de logements temporaires pour les sans-abri des le printemps a Surrey
January 12 — Province bringing housing to Surrey for people in need
January 12 — Surrey mayor says 160 ’emergency’ houses for homeless will change 135A
January 12 — Surrey to get 160 units of modular housing by ‘early spring’
January 12 — BC announces 160 modular housing units are coming to Surrey
January 12 — $13M announced for 3 Surrey transitional housing project
January 12 — 3 new modular housing sites announced for Surrey’s homeless
January 11 — Housing minister mum on rental zoning
January 7 – Vancouver’s homeless need your compassion
February 15 – New Surrey homeless shelter opens
June 8 — A first look inside Surrey’s safe consumption site
July 6 – Homeless advocate in Vancouver says hot weather also presents challenges
July 10—Dying Hero who saved 130 lives on surrey strip has final wish granted
July 13—Government partners integrate injection-drug rooms into supportive-housing sites around Vancouver
July 19—Dignity village for homeless rejected by Abbotsford council
July 27—NDP’s response to drug death crisis in progress
July 27—New Vancouver supervised injection site hopes to combat ‘year of loss’
July 27—Vancouver’s first new supervised injection site since 2003 opens
July 27 – New Minister of Mental Health and Addition opens PSG SIS
September 28 — North Shore homeless numbers much higher than thought: report
October 2– UBC law students open homeless ID clinic
October 14 — Fred Lee’s Social Network: Port gala raises $250,000; opioid crisis tugs at H’Artstrings; Growing Chefs celebrate
October 16– Lookout Emergency Aid Society raises funds to help tackle opioid crisis
October 22 — Supervised Heroin Injection Facilities Are Lifesavers For Those Who Use Them
October 25 — Toured 135A with Dave Brown LookoutSociety
November 10 — Drug testing machine to be piloted in Vancouver as overdose crisis continues
November 16 — New temporary shelter for older homeless people opens in Abbotsford warehouse
November 20 — Housing key to treating addiction Vancouver-area conference hears
December 6 — Surrey Supervised injection site sees 20K visits in first 6 months
December 6 — Surrey launches opioid data project in partnership with statistics Canada
December 6 — Rental supplements could help house Abbotsford’s homeless
December 7 — Month of Giving Back: Lookout Housing and Health Society
December 18 — MacMillan House offers a place for recovery amid Vancouver’s opioid and housing crises
December 22 – ‘When we’re changing in health care, we’re saving lives’
December 26 — ‘From living to existing’: Tent city doubles in size in B.C.’s ‘other’ Downtown Eastside
December 28 — Miracle tax return turns North Vancouver man’s life around
Funding Extended to Keep Winter Shelters Open – CKNW, December 28, 2016
Lookout is one of several service providers which coordinate winter shelters and extreme weather response shelters during severe weather.
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11 Year Old Boy Organizes “Sock Rock” Dance & Donation Drive for Lookout Society – Delta Optimist, December 24, 2016
A heartwarming story about how anyone really can make a difference and help people in need. Our Deputy Executive Director, Keir Macdonald, shares his enthusiasm for this gift in the holiday season.
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Risk of Fire at Homeless Camps – CBC, December 23, 2016
Shayne Williams, Lookout’s Executive Director, speaks about increased fire risk during especially cold weather as people in makeshift shelters try to stay warm.
Read More
Powell Street Getaway Opens Overdose Prevention Site in the Heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside – Globe and Mail, December 21, 2016
Lookout works with a provincial strategy to combat overdoses at our Powell Street Getaway Drop In. Our Executive Director, Shayne Williams, speaks about employee burnout from responding to overdoses.
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Lookout’s Riverside Shelter Acting as Temporary Overdose Prevention Site – Abbotsford News, December 20, 2016
Fraser Health Authority has designated Lookout’s shelter in Abbotsford as an overdose prevention site to reduce the risks to vulnerable people in the area.
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Burnaby Still Without Year-Round Homeless Shelter – Burnaby Now, December 16, 2016
Lookout operates an Extreme Weather Response shelter in Burnaby during severe weather, but a long-term solution is needed to address the needs of the homeless in Burnaby.
Read More
Lookout Staff Overwhelmed by Overdose Crisis – CKNW, December 7, 2016
Our Executive Director Shayne Williams says Lookout is acting as a first responder in many overdose incidents which reduces our ability to focus on providing housing and health solutions to vulnerable people.
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Lookout Society Named as Potential Partner for Supervised Consumption in Surrey to Combat Overdose Crisis – The Now Newspaper, December 6, 2016
Part of a joint effort to explore solutions in the City of Surrey which is facing unique challenges in the overdose crisis.
Read More
Surrey Releases Community Outreach Plan to Combat Overdoses – Vancouver Sun, December 6, 2016
Story explores joint efforts between Fraser Health and City of Surrey to refer people in need to expanded shelter services provided by Lookout, with application for supervised consumption site operated by Lookout along 135A street in Surrey.
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Lookout Weighs in on Lack of Supports for Teens Aging Out of Foster Care – Global News, December 2, 2016
Video segment features Lookout’s Keir Macdonald as he discusses the service gaps which lead to the tragic death of a young girl who recently aged out of foster care.
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Lookout Opens Extreme Weather Response Shelter Due to Freezing Temperatures – Burnaby Now, December 2, 2016
Extreme cold temperatures and snow launch opening of Lookout’s Extreme Weather Response Shelter in Burnaby.
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Emergency Shelters Along the North Shore See Rising Demand – North Shore News, November 24, 2016
Lookout’s Bailey Mumford, Manager for North Shore Services, discusses extreme weather response shelters and expected increase this year during the winter season.
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Critics Concerned Over Red Tape Which Could Delay Safe Injection Sites – News 1130, November 10, 2016
Discussion from some organizations who see federal legislation slowing BC’s response to the overdose crisis. Lookout’s Drop In at 528 Powell is listed as a proposed site.
Read More
Discussing the Toll of the Overdose Crisis on Frontline Workers – CBC Radio “The Current”, November 14, 2016
Listen to the interview with Lookout’s Surrey Programs Manager Linda Fox, as she discusses some of the challenges of dealing with overdoses so frequently.
Read More
Supervised Injection Sites Proposed by VCH, Including Lookout’s Drop In at 528 Powell Street – Global News, November 2, 2016
A brief interview with Keir Macdonald, our Deputy Executive Director, as he discusses how Lookout may renovate the Powell Street Getaway to include supervised injection to combat the overdose crisis.
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#RoyalCityGems: Lookout Society – Downtown New West Business Improvement Association, October 14, 2016
Background on Lookout’s programs in New Westminster and collection of donations for Sweater Day.
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Extreme Weather Response Shelters Open Early to Prepare for Weekend Storm – Burnaby Now, October 13, 2016
Shelter opens in Burnaby, which is without a permanent year-round shelter, to provide emergency shelter from expected storms this weekend.
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Emergency Grant Saves Rig Dig Program – for Now – CBC News, October 13, 2016
Shayne Williams speaks about the importance of peer-lead programming and needle cleanup in Surrey.
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Surrey Needle Cleanup Program Temporarily Revived – The Now Newspaper, October 12, 2016
Our Executive Director speaks about the proven benefits to the community in needle cleanup as Lookout works to find long-term funding for Rig Dig.
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Rig Dig Programs Resumes Temporary Operations in Surrey – Vancouver Sun, October 12, 2016
Discussion about an emergency grant to resume minimal levels of operations for Rig Dig program while Lookout continues to search for a more permanent funding solution.
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Food Security and H’Arts for the Homeless – Pulse FM: The Kash Heed Show, September 29, 2016
Our Executive Director speaks about our annual benefit H’Arts for the Homeless on October 6, this year raising funds towards providing nutritious food to vulnerable people across the Lower Mainland.
Listen to the Interview
VCH Applies for Supervised Injection Sites, Including a Lookout Location – Metro News Vancouver, September 22, 2016
Vancouver Coastal Health announces Lookout Society’s DTES Drop In Resource Centre as a proposed safe injection site to combat the fentanyl crisis.
Read More
Scenes from the Fentanyl Crisis in BC, Lookout’s Response: Administering Naloxone – CBC News: Investigates, September 13, 2016
As part of CBC Investigates 8 part series “Preventable Deaths: Inside B.C.’s Fentanyl Crisis,” Lookout’s Shayne Williams speaks about front line staff administering naloxone to save lives.
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Fraser Health Responds to End of Rig Dig Program in Surrey – Surrey Now Newspaper, September 12, 2016
Lookout’s Deputy Executive Director, Keir Macdonald, speaks about the termination of the Rig Dig needle clean up program.
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Concern for Public Safety After Lookout’s Rig Dig Program Ends – Surrey Now Newspaper, September 9, 2016
Keir Macdonald, our Deputy Executive Director, discusses the benefits of the Rig Dig needle clean up program as it is scheduled to end.
Read More
Vital Needle Clean Up Service in Surrey Ending Due to Lack of Funding – CBC News, September 6, 2016
Our Executive Director, Shayne Williams, comments about how the Rig Dig program serves the community and has provided opportunities for marginalized people in Surrey.
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Surrey Needle and Garbage Clean Up Program Ending – The Simi Sara Show, CKNW, September 6, 2016
Shayne Williams speaks with CKNW to talk about the Rig Dig program as it enters its final week of operation due to funding cuts.
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Surrey Rig Dig Program Scheduled to Close This Week – Vancouver Sun, September 6, 2016
Keir Macdonald, our Deputy Executive Director, expresses concern that no further funding has been secured to keep Surrey’s peer-lead needle clean up program operational.
Read More
Responding to the Opioid Overdose Crisis – CBC News, July 28, 2016
Our Executive Director, Shayne Williams, interviewed about the Province’s response to the crisis and what more needs to be done to protect people and make lasting improvements.
Watch the broadcast
More Overdoses Expected in Surrey – What is Being Done to Prepare?, Vancouver Sun, July 24, 2016
Lookout’s staff raises concerns that on the upcoming “welfare Wednesday” there is likely to be another surge of tainted drugs and overdoses – which begs the question, what is being done to prepare and offset this?
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Rig Dig Program Looses Funding Even as Need for Needle Cleanup Increases, Surrey Now Newspaper, July 21, 2016
With an annual cost of $50,000 to operate, Lookout is struggling to keep the program operation until September with reduced funding from Fraser Health Authority of only $8,400 per year.
Read More
Supervised Drug Injection Sites: Aid in the Overdose Crisis, CBC News, July 21, 2016
Lookout staff in Surrey administer naloxone and save lives – but at the expense of focusing on what we are supposed to do: provide people with housing and fill service gaps.
Read More
Fraser Health Warning: Fentanyl Found in Crack Cocaine, iNews 880 AM, July 18, 2016
Lookout’s Executive Director, Shayne Williams, discusses the increased potency and demand for Naloxone in light of 43 drug overdoses in Surrey over the weekend.
Read More
Drug Overdose Spike in Surrey and Lookout’s Naloxone Response, CBC News, July 17, 2016
Lookout staff are often first responders to drug overdose incidents in Surrey, notably over this weekend when fentanyl was found in crack cocaine.
Read More
Lookout Surrey’s Rig Dig Needle Cleanup Program Scheduled to End Due to Funding Cuts, Global News, July 17, 2016
Shayne Williams, our Executive Director, discusses reduced operations on this peer-lead program that is scheduled to end after funding reductions from Fraser Health Authority.
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Lookout Society Responds to 17 Out of 36 Overdoses in Surrey, Vancouver Sun & Calgary Herald, July 18, 2016
Fentanyl now appearing in crack cocaine, leading to increased risk to all street drug users – not just heroin users.
Read More
Surrey Rig Dig Program Ending in September Unless New Funding Secured, Winnipeg AM News 680, July 15, 2016
With increased need for safe needle cleanup and disposal, Lookout Society’s funding for Rig Dig program reduced – leading to imminent closure.
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Thousands of Used Needles Collected by Lookout’s Rig Dig Program, CTV News, July 14, 2016
Lookout’s peer-lead initiative cleans up discarded needles and garbage in the Whalley neighbourhood of Surrey, helping to clean and improve safety for the community.
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New Surrey Homeless Shelter Proposal Sparks Resistance, The Province, July 13, 2016
Our Executive Director, Shayne Williams, is among several experts who discuss the need for more emergency housing available in Surrey as part of a long-term strategy.
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Lookout’s Abbotsford Shelter Has Found Homes for 41 People, Abbotsford News, June 25, 2016
6 months after opening our Riverside shelter in Abbotsford Lookout Society celebrates finding housing for 41 people so far.
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Lookout Celebrates COA Accreditation and Welcomes New Deputy ED, New West Record, June 15, 2016
A belated welcome article for Keir MacDonald, new deputy executive director at Lookout; and celebration of COA accreditation.
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Interview with Shayne Williams, “The Kash Heed Show” on Pulse FM Radio, June 14, 2016
Our Executive Director speaks on a number of issues affecting our operations and involvement in Surrey.
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BC Response to Opioid Overdoses: Naloxone, Times Colonist, May 31, 2016
Interview with Surrey local Douglas Nickerson who, along with staff at Lookout Society, respond to overdoses by administering naloxone.
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Lookout`s Perspective on Proposed Revitalization of Pigeon Park, Vancity Buzz, May 16, 2016
Shayne Williams comments on the proposal saying that it needs to stay welcoming and useable to the people living in SROs nearby who access the space.
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Province Commits to Funding to Keep Lookout`s Winter Shelter Open Year-Round, Surrey Now, May 5, 2016
Funding extended until May 2017 for our new 24 hour shelter in Surrey.
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Homeless Face Heat and Dehydration During Summer Months, Vancouver 24 Hours, April 7, 2016
Lookout comments on health issues such as heat stroke and sunburn, which are common to homeless people who do not have regular access to shelter or cool places; and our efforts to combat this by handing out water and sunscreen.
Read More
Deaths of Homeless Up 70%, Vancouver 24 Hours, March 29, 2016
Shayne Williams speaks about the tragedy and loss of life affecting homeless persons, and believes the reports are undercounted.
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Guide to Giving: How you can help others helping those in need in New West, New West Record, Dec. 9, 2015
New Westminster is known for being a generous community where residents and businesses help those in need – at Christmas and beyond.
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RCMP to lead new plan to intervene in high-risk cases in Surrey, The Canadian Press, Dec. 7, 2015
RCMP in Surrey, B.C., are taking the lead in a new intervention plan touted elsewhere in Canada for reducing child protection cases, violent crimes and emergency-room admissions.
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RCMP in Surrey, B.C., are taking the lead in a new intervention plan touted elsewhere in Canada for reducing child protection cases, violent crimes and emergency-room admissions.
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Surrey launches SMART approach to crisis, Surrey NewsLeader, Dec. 6, 2015
A single mom has been living on the street for some time and her child is missing school more frequently.
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A single mom has been living on the street for some time and her child is missing school more frequently.
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Rising number of homeless seniors face crime and disease, TheThunderbird.ca, Dec. 6, 2015
Seniors are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Vancouver, but shelters can be a risky option for them.
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Seniors are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Vancouver, but shelters can be a risky option for them.
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Minister says there’s money for homeless shelter in Burnaby, Burnaby Now, Dec. 1, 2015
B.C. Housing Minister Rich Coleman says there’s money on the table for a homeless shelter in Burnaby, but the province needs Burnaby’s cooperation to make it happen.
B.C. Housing Minister Rich Coleman says there’s money on the table for a homeless shelter in Burnaby, but the province needs Burnaby’s cooperation to make it happen.
LETTER: Thank you for winter homeless shelter, Abbotsford News, Dec. 1, 2015
Our hard working Mayor Braun and city council members deserve to be commended for not only talking about but literally providing a much needed 40-bed winter shelter for the homeless by mid-December before the snow starts flying.
Burnaby homeless camp catches fire, Burnaby Now, Nov. 27, 2015
A fire at a homeless camp in the woods next to the corner of Gaglardi Way and Lougheed Highway early Friday morning highlights some of the dangers of sleeping outdoors in Burnaby, which does not have a year-round homeless shelter.
Abbotsford converting empty lot into pet-friendly temporary shelter, CTV News, Nov. 26, 2015
The City of Abbotsford is partnering with the province to open a temporary shelter to get the city’s homeless population out of the cold this winter.
Dundarave’s Forest of Miracles and holiday festivities, North Shore News, Nov. 25, 2015
The North Shore Dragon Busters are a team of dragon boat paddlers who are all breast cancer survivors. This year, as they did last year, they will decorate a tree at Dundarave Beach as part of the annual Forest of Miracles.
‘Winter shelters make such a difference in people’s lives’: Surrey, Vancouver Province, Nov. 22, 2015
There’s a reason it’s called “sleeping rough.”
North Shore emergency shelter beds open as rains set in, North Shore News, Nov. 12, 2015
There’s a little bit more room at the inn for the North Shore’s homeless population when the weather gets particularly harsh for those outside.
Homeless shelter data critical for planning, Vancouver Courier, Nov. 10, 2015
Until last year, homeless shelter operators were required to gather the information as a condition of their provincial funding.
BC Housing no longer collecting data on homeless shelter turnaways, Globe and Mail, Nov. 8, 2015
British Columbia is no longer collecting information on how many people are turned away from homeless shelters, saying it doesn’t help assess shelter need in a community.
DTES residents tell story through acting, 24 Hours, Oct. 27, 2015
About a dozen people fill the InterUrban Gallery, sitting in chairs that mimic the inside of a bus, running through their script lines, discussing nerves when the director interjects after a mistake is made — preparing in the middle of chaos as often comes before a live show.
Abbotsford plans winter homeless shelter, but has not settled on location, Vancouver Sun, Oct. 16, 2015
The city of Abbotsford is considering setting up its first HEAT (Homeless Emergency Action Team)shelter for its growing homeless population this winter, but is struggling to figure out where to put it.
B.C. to give $400,000 for winter homeless shelter in Surrey, CKNW, Oct. 13, 2015
The BC government will provide $400,000 to the Lookout Emergency Aid Society to run a new temporary winter shelter in Surrey.
New winter shelter in Surrey B.C. funded by province, CBC News, Oct. 13, 2015
The provincial government has announced $400,000 in funding for a new temporary winter shelter in Surrey B.C. just as a recently released report is criticizing it for not doing enough to help the city house its vulnerable population.
Province commits $400,000 to new winter shelter in Surrey, Surrey Now, Oct. 13, 2015
WHALLEY — In the middle of Homelessness Action Week, B.C.’s housing minister Rich Coleman made a visit to Surrey to announce a $400,000 funding commitment for a new winter shelter.
Province helps fund new winter homeless shelter in Surrey, Surrey Leader, Oct. 13, 2015
A 40-bed temporary winter shelter will be opened near the former Dell Hotel site in Whalley beginning in November, the provincial government promised Tuesday.
Wet Shelter Step Closer, Sudbury Star, Oct. 5, 2015
Come today, the city could be one sizeable step closer to a residential managed alcohol program.
Surrey finds location for winter shelter after two years without, Surrey Now, Oct. 5, 2015
WHALLEY — The City of Surrey will have a winter shelter this year, after two years without one.
TransLink needs low-income options: forum, Vancouver 24 Hours, Oct. 4, 2015
TransLink’s current upheaval is being seen as a timely opportunity to talk about the benefits of low-income subsidies like those seen in Calgary and Seattle.
Focus: Surrey’s problem with poverty, Surrey Now, Oct. 1, 2015
“What will you do for Paula?” Paula is a woman living on the streets of Whalley. Dave Brown knows her well.
H’Arts for the Homeless, Miss 604, Sept. 28, 2015
Lookout Society is hosting its 7th annual H’Arts for the Homeless gala on Thursday, October 1st. This special evening includes entertainment, live painting and inspiration that celebrates the joys, successes, strengths and stories of the people Lookout serves.
H’Arts for the Homeless, North Shore News, Sept. 28, 2015
Lori Goldberg is among the artists participating in H’Arts for the Homeless, a gala fundraiser for the Lookout Society, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m., at Vancouver’s The Imperial.
H’Arts gala benefits Surrey Health Centre, Surrey604, Sept. 23, 2015
Get ready for the 7th annual H’Arts for the Homeless on Oct. 1. This gala fundraiser for the Lookout Society is a special evening of entertainment, live painting and inspiration that celebrates the joys, successes, strengths and stories of the people Lookout serves.
Whalley’s Corner: We could do so much more, Surrey Now, Sept. 10, 2015
For Linda Fox, coming back to Gateway Emergency Shelter was serendipitous.
Vancouver shelter leader responds to safety complaints, CKNW, Aug. 6, 2015
A Vancouver man who spent a month in at one of the Lookout Society’s shelters says conditions there are out of control.
Whalley’s Corner: The stuggles and triumphs of the Surrey strip, Surrey Now, Aug. 6, 2015
Santana said it was surreal the first time she stuck a life-saving syringe in someone’s arm at the Front Room on the Whalley “Strip” – aka 135A Street.
DTES-area residents, businesses concerned about street market’s proposed move, Vancouver Province, June 8, 2015
Chuck Manaigre went out of town and came back to find that Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Street Market is about to be relocated to an empty lot beside his apartment.
A ray of sunshine in a troubled place, Vancouver Sun, April 15, 2015
On an early afternoon in Oppenheimer Park, the sun bravely tries to poke through to bless those who slurp free soup here, share war stories and let time drift by as aimlessly as the clouds in the sky.
High risk sex offender located, arrested in Surrey, BCTV, March 11, 2015
High-risk sex offender Darren Wheatley was arrested in Surrey on Tuesday, the day after missing curfew at the Vancouver halfway house where he lives.
How Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents pulled together in an emergency, Vancouver Sun, March. 5, 2015
As the 911 call came in alerting officials to a fire at the port at about 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, Todd Spencer was watching the plumes of smoke go up from a friend’s apartment nearby.
Vancouver officials issue warning after port fire blankets part of the city in thick, chemical-laden smoke, The National Post, March 4, 2015
Symptoms of exposure to the chemical-laden smoke that blanketed portions of east Vancouver and carried into Burnaby could be delayed by as much as 24 hours, health officials warned after a massive container fire at the port Wednesday afternoon.
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Port Metro Vancouver fire: What you need to know, CBC Radio, March 4, 2015
If you’re in the downtown core, here’s what you need to know about the chemical fire at Port Metro Vancouver.
If you’re in the downtown core, here’s what you need to know about the chemical fire at Port Metro Vancouver.
Chemical fire at Port Metro Vancouver prompts police and health authority warnings, Georgia Straight, March 4, 2015
Today (March 3) a four-alarm fire burned inside the Port of Metro Vancouver facility in East Vancouver.
Tim Hortons apologizes after employee dumps water on homeless man, News 1130, Feb. 8, 2015
There’s an online push to boycott a Tim Hortons location in Downtown Vancouver after a store manager dumped a bucket of water on a homeless man and his dog.
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Surrey series tackles drug lies, Vancouver 24 Hours, Feb. 23, 2015
A Surrey education series aims to be an honest look at substance abuse and addiction to rectify what organizers view are ‘lies’ told in drug education classes.
Surrey struggles with surge in homelessness as another tent city is dismantled, Surrey Now, Feb. 4, 2015
For the second time in recent months, a tent city has been cleared out of Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood, and some in the city blame the dismantling of Vancouver’s Oppenheimer encampment for a recent surge in homeless.
Standoff with Surrey RCMP highlights concerns about inmates’ release without meds, Georgia Straight, Feb. 4, 2015
Shortly after 2 p.m. on Jan. 29, more than a dozen RCMP officers surrounded the Grouse Creek Motel on King George Boulevard in Surrey.
Review decisions, council tells feds, province, New Westminster NewsLeader, Feb. 3, 2015
New Westminster council is going to bat for local organizations with a track record of reducing homelessness in the city.
New Westminster council is going to bat for local organizations with a track record of reducing homelessness in the city.
Toque Tuesday hits Vancouver stations, Vancouver 24 Hours, Feb. 2, 2015
Volunteers across particular Lower Mainland’s SkyTrain stations will be hawking toques and socks in an effort to put a “cap on homelessness” on Feb. 3.
New West can support homeless programs on Toque Tuesday, Royal City Record, Jan. 30, 2015
Royal City residents can help put a cap on homelessness on Toque Tuesday.
Royal City residents can help put a cap on homelessness on Toque Tuesday.
Emergency shelters opened after rain storms, CKNW, Jan. 24, 2015
We can expect it to be chilly for the next little while in parts of the Lower Mainland, and for those who don’t have a home, that means trying to find a warm, dry place to spend the night.
Pineapple Express drenches Vancouver, Surrey Leader, Jan. 24, 2015
The Pineapple Express that drenched the Vancouver area is now drifting north, with heavy downpours expected to pummel the central coast of British Columbia.
Pineapple Express drifts north after soaking Metro Vancouver rigion, Vancouver Province, Jan. 24, 2015
The Pineapple Express that drenched the Vancouver area is now drifting north, leaving localized flooding and warm temperatures in its wake.
Is Seattle’s tent city solution right for Vancouver?, News1130, Jan. 20, 2015
As Vancouver struggles to find solutions to homelessness, Seattle is trying to deal with the problem with the help of regulated tent cities.
B.C. embarks on massive divestment of public housing, Vancouver Sun, Jan. 18, 2015
When BC Housing slipped letters under residents’ doors advising in October that Stamps Place is being sold, it marked the beginning of a massive divesting of public property, public assets and responsibility for operating social housing units.
New West deli dishes up community spirit, Royal City Record, Jan. 15, 2015
Greens and Beans Deli is dishing out community spirit – with a helping hand from its customers.
Building a Sanctuary, Capilano Courier, Jan. 12, 2015
“It feels like we have a mop in our hands and we’re mopping up the floor, it’s raining outside and there’s no roof on our building.”
Cold snap welcomed by North Shore ski hills, North Shore News, Dec. 31, 2014
The North Shore’s mountains may not look like white elephants yet but there’s enough cold in them thar hills for tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding.
B.C. shelters preparing for latest cold weather snap, Vancouver Province, Dec. 29, 2014
Extra shelter spaces have been opened to house the homeless throughout Metro Vancouver in expectation of below-freezing temperatures this week.
Former inmate shares his story of B.C. prisons’ revolving doors, Georgia Straight, Dec. 23, 2014
The morning after Chris Trotchie was released from four months in North Fraser Pretrial Centre for an assault charge, he described even personal interactions as “sensory overload.”
Letter: Lookout letter from Shayne Williams, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 19, 2014
For 43 years the Lookout Emergency Aid Society has worked to end homelessness in Metro Vancouver.
Letter: Experience with the Russell House quite different, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 19, 2014
It is not my intention to question the experiences of Lee Smith, owner of Blood & Iron, or his students.
Letter: New Westminster`s Russell House has been a Godsend, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 19, 2014
My father is a tenant at Russell House.
Letter: Blood and Iron should talk to their neighbours more, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 19, 2014
Lee Smith, who operates Blood and Iron Martial Arts, is quoted saying `Threats of violence from drug dealers and criminals are frequent enough that it has become almost a running joke amongst the senior students.”
Here’s how to help a homeless person at Christmas, The Province, Dec. 19, 2014
There is no upfront money involved, just a chance to make someone’s Christmas gift wish a reality.
A tale of two shelters, from Surrey to Vancouver, Surrey Now, Dec. 18, 2014
Walking past Surrey’s Gateway 40-bed barrier-free homeless shelter, it’s impossible to miss. After all, it’s on what’s nicknamed “the strip,” also known as 135A Street.
Letter: Carnarvon Street business should talk to neighbours more, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 16, 2014
Honestly I thought I was reading the newspaper from April 1.
Carnarvon Street businesses and residents complain of abuse, New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 11
The staff and students at Blood and Iron Martial Arts know how to take care of themselves
Numbers up at Burnaby extreme weather shelter, Burnaby NewsLeader, Dec. 11, 2014
The use of Burnaby’s extreme weather shelter has seen an increase so far this year, says Dave Brown of its operator, Lookout Emergency Aid Society.
Feet on the ground of addiction treatment weigh in on Surrey recovery homes, Surrey Now, Dec. 11, 2014
By the age of 10, Michelle Johnston had smoked her first joint and had her first drink.
New homeless shelter in the works for Surrey, Surrey Leader, Dec. 3, 2014
A new homeless shelter in Surrey is in the works, which will greatly expand services for those without housing.
B.C. government off-loading public housing with Stamps Place sale, Jenny Kwan says
NDP MLA Jenny Kwan suggests that the B.C. Liberal government wants shirk its responsibility for public housing.
“Where do we go if you have nothing and nowhere?, Surrey Leader, Dec. 3, 2014
At least 20 people were evicted from a tent city in Whalley this week, but service providers insist they will have warm places to stay.
Lights for Hope, West Vancouver Living, December Issue
Dundarave Festival of Lights raises funds and awareness for homelessness
Keys Housing merges with Lookout Emergency Aid Society to tackle homelessness, Surrey Now, Dec. 1, 2014
Keys Housing and Health Solutions has merged the Lookout Emergency Aid Society in an effort to make larger social impacts together.
Dundarave Christmas festival highlights seniors’ homeless problem, CBC News, Nov. 30, 2014
West Vancouver’s annual Christmas tree decorating contest is shedding light this year on a growing trend of seniors in need of shelter.
Surrey – Action needed on housing plan, 24 Hours Vancouver, Nov. 7, 2014
For the second year in a row, homeless people in Surrey won’t have the safety net of a winter shelter. After investigating 17 potential locations, city staff said they couldn’t find an adequate home for it.
Burnaby, Surrey shirk homeless duties, The Tyee, Oct. 28, 2014
Pity the homeless in Burnaby or Surrey because both municipalities are avoiding their social responsibility by not opening shelters for those in need.
Burnaby, Surrey shirk homeless duties, 24 Hours Vancouver, Oct. 27, 2014
Pity the homeless in Burnaby or Surrey because both municipalities are avoiding their social responsibility by not opening shelters for those in need.
Surrey residents continue to block the construction of a winter homeless shelter, Georgia Straight, Oct. 22, 2014
For the second year in a row, Surrey city councillors are sending additional homeless outreach workers into the streets after failing to find a suitable location for a winter shelter.
Surrey goes without winter shelter for second year in a row, Surrey Now, Oct. 22, 2014
The cold days of winter are nearly upon Surrey’s homeless population, but after failing to find a suitable location for a winter shelter, the city will have to once again go without.
Fear blocks Surrey winter Shelter, 24 Hours Vancouver, Oct. 19, 2014
The Surrey Winter Shelter won’t open for the second year in a row. The program — intended to keep people from sleeping outside in winter — can’t find a home because neighbouring owners don’t want it nearby.
Social housing project generates 729 police calls in 16 months, Vancouver Courier, Sept. 23, 2014
A man in handcuffs lies face down on the sidewalk outside the Marguerite Ford Apartments, a recently opened 147-unit social housing complex on the edge of the former Olympic Village.
Opinion: Improving mental health and addiction services, The Vancouver Province, Sept. 22, 2014
The Vancouver mayor’s task force on mental health and addictions recently presented its report to council. In it were recommendations — all unanimously approved — that could significantly improve the landscape of mental health and addiction services in Vancouver.
Canadian Tire Corp aims to gain more customer data with new digital loyalty program, Financial Post, Sept. 9, 2014
Canadian Tire money stashed in shoe boxes and steamer trunks has been used to pay for everything from hockey skates to riding lawn mowers over the years, but the biggest payoff in the new digital version of the iconic paper rewards program is coming to the retailer itself.
Cuts trigger panic, Royal City Record, June 14, 2013
Members of New Westminster city council are blasting Fraser Health’s plan to cut Lookout Society’s budget, as they fear it could unravel improvements made to get homeless people off city streets.
Council grills Fraser Health over cut, New Westminster NewsLeader, June 13, 2013
Three Fraser Health (FH) representatives were grilled for more than an hour by passionate—and in one case, fistpounding—New Westminster councillors over a recent decision by the authority to reduce funding to the Lookout Society.
Hope in Shadows photo contest coming to the North Shore, North Shore Outlook, June 12, 2013
On Monday, 26 single-use cameras were handed out to the first participants in the inaugural Hope in Shadows North Shore Photography Contest.
Lookout clients drumming up support for therapy, Royal City Record, May 17, 2013
Lookout Emergency Aid Society clients are drumming up support – so they can keep drumming.
Journey from homeless to hopeful – New Westminster NewsLeader, May 1, 2013
The only furniture in Doug Tetroe’s Queensborough apartment is a sleeper couch, a small coffee table and a fuzzy old colour television. But at least he has an apartment.
Homeless people deserve privacy too, says advocate – Vancouver Sun, April 29, 2013
An agency that helps homeless people is waging a battle with government agencies over how much personal information to share about its marginalized clients.
Tenant upset about cuts – Royal City Record, April 26, 2013
My name is Misty Rafferty. I am a tenant in a building called Cliff Block, run by Lookout Emergency Aid Society.
Cuts to Cliff Block ‘quite shocking’ – Royal City Record, April 26, 2013
New Westminster city council is concerned that cuts to a local community service could have far reaching concerns for the city.
Cliff Block outreach cut back – New Westminster NewsLeader, April 24, 2013
Fraser Health’s decision not to fund Cliff Block’s outreach services in New Westminster will mean a regression in the progress the city has made dealing with homelessness.
Support for homeless cut – Royal City Record, April 24, 2013
Homeless people and those at risk of homelessness in New Westminster may have more trouble accessing outreach services through the Lookout Emergency Aid Society as of July 10.
The New Westminster Rotary Club is teaming up with the Cliff Block in New Westminster to serve nutritious meals to Lookout Emergency Aid Society clients and tenants.
Hopes raised for transitional housing – Burnaby NewsLeader, Feb. 28, 2013
Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan expressing support for a transitional housing facility in the city is a very positive step forward, say local advocates for the homeless. In a recent interview for a column by NewsLeader editor Chris Bryan, Corrigan reiterated his opposition to emergency shelters, saying people who use them should be getting help elsewhere, such as addictions treatment, an institution like Riverview for the extremely mentally ill, or group homes.
B.C. deaths totaled 168 between 2007 and 2010 – Vancouver Courier, Jan. 10, 2013
When 49-year-old Rick Hofs died alone behind a dollar store in Marpole two days after Christmas, he became another unfortunate statistic in a city still mired in a homelessness crisis. His death, which came after many in his community helped him with clothing, food and money, would have gone unpublicized had a friend not contacted the Courier.
Let’s work together to address homelessness in Burnaby – Vancouver Sun, Jan. 10, 2013
As Pete McMartin points out, it is very difficult to serve the local homeless in Burnaby. People don’t have bus fare, they don’t like to leave their home area because they know who the supportive businesses and residents are and they know the safe places.
Homeless shelter opened for holidays – Burnaby Now, Jan. 8, 2013
Burnaby’s extreme-weather shelter slept a total of 13 people over the holidays.
“We were open for 10 nights, and we provided space for 13 people,” said Karen O’Shannacery, executive director for Lookout Emergency Aid Society.
Political will needed to prevent more homeless deaths – Vancouver Courier, Jan. 7, 2013
The needless death of a 49-year-old homeless man in Marpole two days after Christmas is why the Lookout Emergency Aid Society believes strongly that we need services to go to the people. Unfortunately Rick Hofs is not the only person at high risk living on the streets. It is an unfortunate fact that many homeless individuals die needlessly, especially in the winter.
A tale of two cities – one big, one small – Vancouver Sun, Jan. 5, 2013
It gets cold in Burnaby. Burnaby is not exempt from winter.
When it does get cold in Burnaby – but only when it gets sufficiently cold, below zero – the homeless needing to get off the streets must go to the Westminster Bible Chapel, which houses an extreme weather emergency shelter. Those using the shelter sleep on the floor on mats. They get a hot meal. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. and closes at 7 a.m. – either out of budgetary concerns or the notion that zero-degree weather is more tolerable during daylight, I’m not sure which.
Finding missing people is a calling – Vancouver Sun, Jan. 4, 2013
Brian is 50. He is short, a bit squat and stutters slightly when he is nervous. When he was younger, he and his father took part in search and rescue operations, and it was during a rescue that Brian fell and suffered a brain injury.
Homeless folks head to shelters – Burnaby Now, Dec. 24, 2012
As word spreads that local extreme weather shelters are opening this month, Burnaby and New Westminster homeless people are starting to filter in from the cold. “There’s been a total of 40 people in New Westminster in the six days we’ve been operating so far, from Dec. 8 to (Dec. 20),” said Dave Suttie from Lookout Emergency Aid Society, which runs extreme weather shelters in Burnaby and New Westminster.
Stories from the side of the road – New Westminster NewsLeader, Dec. 20, 2012
While toxicity from heavy metal poisoning left Diane Haynes stuck in her Queen’s Park home for more than a year the isolating illness was also inspirational.
Haynes felt like she was stuck on the side of the road while everyone else whizzed by with their lives. She needed to talk about what she was enduring, but the only person she could burden with her experiences was her partner.
How To: Give Back This Holiday Season – Vancouver Sun, Dec. 18, 2012
Maybe it’s all those Christmas lights, bells and animatronic reindeer. But something about the holiday season seems to bring out the best in people. Even with our busy schedules in the hustle and bustle of the seasonal rush, many of us would like to reach out to those in need. Here are a few suggestions to make your holiday season even more special by helping others.
15 ways to help Vancouver’s homeless – Georgia Straight, Dec. 18, 2012
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this fall, you’ve heard a lot about a certain Downtown Eastside diner and its famous sandwich tokens. In the lead-up to its second appearance on reality TV, Save-On-Meats was lauded for its new meal token program by politicians, fashion designers, TV news anchors, bloggers, and seemingly everybody on Facebook and Twitter— though there was certainly grumbling from activists.
City groups in need of a helping hand – Royal City Record, Dec. 12, 2012
The need for support continues to grow – both for individuals in need and non-profit community organizations that help on numerous fronts.
Divine Providence, and a movie, come to the Hollywood – Vancouver Sun, Dec. 5, 2012
A couple of months ago, Chris Unwin heard that his old place of employment, the Hollywood Theatre, had become a church.
The theatre had closed in May 2011, and had since been leased to a congregation affiliated with the Pentecostal Church. It had been renamed — logically enough — the Church at the Hollywood.
Burnaby must do more for homeless – Burnaby NewsLeader, Dec. 5, 2012
Burnaby does a great job helping to provide social housing.
For most people of modest means, living with a disability, elderly – or all three – there is a decent array of options. It could always be better, of course, but in general this city’s got it covered.
Dundarave Festival of Lights focused on helping the homeless – North Shore Outlook, Nov. 29
A small army of West Vancouver firefighters set up 100 Christmas trees on Dundarave Beach last week for a fundraiser focused on ending homelessness. Money raised from tree sponsors of the annual event goes to the North Shore Lookout Shelter.
Extreme weather shelter sees first opening of season – Burnaby NewsLeader, Nov. 22, 2012
Burnaby’s extreme weather shelter saw its first opening of the season last weekend, providing a meal and a warm place to sleep for a total of four homeless people.
Burnaby extreme weather shelter preps for opening – Burnaby NewsLeader, Nov. 12, 2012
Burnaby’s extreme weather shelter is gearing up for the season and calling for volunteers and donations to help.
The shelter operates, generally until March 31, only on nights when weather is severe enough that it can create a higher health risk to homeless people.
Extreme weather shelter moves to Cliff Block, Royal City Record, Nov. 7, 2012
The Lookout Emergency Aid Society will be offering a warm and dry shelter to homeless individuals during extreme weather conditions this winter.
New Westminster city council has approved a temporary use permit that would allow the society to operate an extreme weather response program shelter at the Cliff Block until Oct. 31, 2015.
EFry gets third reading – councillor opposed – Royal City Record, Oct. 24, 2012
“We desperately need the housing for the women,” said Karen O’Shannacery, executive director of the Lookout Emergency Aid Society. “Lookout has very few units available for women. We are turning women away because we don’t have resources in our housing.”
Group in desperate need of warm clothes – Royal City Record, Oct. 19, 2012
Lookout Emergency Aid Society is in desperate need of donations to help keep people warm this?winter. The society has launched a Share the Warmth campaign as it is in urgent need of donations for people living on the street. Blankets, sleeping bags and winter clothes are needed for people who are living without shelter this winter.
Affordable housing task force defends action – Vancouver Sun, Oct. 17, 2012
As members of the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing Affordability, we are disappointed with some of the information reported in The Vancouver Sun about the composition and intentions of the Task Force. The task force was comprised of a wide range of people with experience in housing issues: architects, planners, academics, finance and real estate experts as well as not-for-profit and market housing managers and home builders. Of its 18 members, 12 work primarily with non-profit societies or First Nations or are elected officials; five provide services to private sector owners or developers. Only one is primarily a market housing developer.
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Lookout Society Share the Warmth 2012– Miss604, Oct. 16, 2012
With the falling leaves comes dropping temperatures around Metro Vancouver and a need to bundle up. For those who do not have the resources to purchase the the basics like socks and scarves – or for those who do not even have a roof over their head – the Lookout Society is ramping up its Share the Warmth campaign.
Tenant touts new social housing complex – Vancouver Courier, Oct. 12, 2012
Life is much better for Stacey Horbacio these days. Gone are the nights in shelters and living in single-room occupancy hotels. A hospital stay a while back after he attempted suicide is, thankfully, a distant memory. Now the 43-year-old transplanted Winnipeger has his own place, receives medication for his bipolar disorder and is hopeful he can find a part-time job soon to supplement his $906 in monthly income assistance.
Seniors add to homeless numbers – North Shore News, Oct. 10, 2012
This fall, a 75-year-old woman spent her nights sleeping outside at Ambleside Park. The news came from Paul Butler, who spoke to District of North Vancouver council last week on behalf of the North Shore Homelessness Task Force.
She knows the power of housing – Royal City Record, Oct. 10, 2012
Tracey Berry has seen the powerful impact housing can have in someone’s life firsthand.?Years before depression took hold, Berry had been taking a medical office assistance program at Douglas College. “I worked, then I went to Douglas College,” said Berry, who lived in New Westminster on and off since she was a child. “The funds weren’t there, so I didn’t continue, which was really stupid. I was doing really well.”
Housing complex offers mental health, addiction services – 24 Hours Vancouver, Oct. 9, 2012
Ian Woods has fought addiction problems for 20 years – the last eight years of which were?spent without a place to call home. That all changed three weeks ago when he left his single room occupancy hotel to hang his hat at the First Place supportive housing complex on the corner of Main Street and First?Avenue.
Extreme weather shelter could relocate – Royal City Record, Sept. 21, 2012
The Lookout Emergency Aid Society is seeking the city’s permission to operate an extreme weather shelter in New Westminster.
The society has applied for a temporary use permit that would allow it to operate an extreme weather shelter at 28 Sixth St. until Oct. 31, 2015. The permit would allow the society to provide shelter for homeless people in the basement of the Cliff Block during extreme weather events.
Press Releases
2023
January 5 –Lookout Housing and Health Society Sakura So
2017
May 29 – Health Canada Authorizes Two New Lookout Society Supervised Consumption Sites
June 2 – Lookout Foundation Matching Donations from Dundarave Festival of Lights
June 11 – Lookout to Merge with Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia
2016
December 19 – Lookout Society Launches Overdose Prevention Site at Powell Street Getaway
October 12 -Rig Dig Needle Cleanup Program in Surrey Temporarily Restored
2014
Dec. 1 – Lookout Society-Keys merger brings together two leading service providers
Nov. 12 – Disturbing video exploits Lookout Society client
2013
April 18 – Homeless and at-risk individuals affected by reduction to Lookout’s outreach team
April 14 – Rotary grants allows Cliff Block to build dream kitchen
Jan. 31 – Toque Tuesday: Look good, feel good, do good
2012
Oct. 15 – Share the Warmth: Vancouver’s homeless need essential items to survive the winter
Newsletters
Get the latest news about the Lookout, read our client’s success stories and learn about upcoming events and homelessness issues.
Lookout at Large – January-February 2017
Dec 2016 – Happy Holidays E-card from Lookout
January 2018: Modular Housing, The Chilly Chase Run & Volunteer Voices
March 2018: BC Budget Announcement, Be The Change Conference & Volunteer Voices
April 2018: Abbotsford Announcement, H’Arts for the Homeless & Volunteer Voices
May 2018: We Care Vancouver, Hats Off Day & Volunteer Voices
July 2018: The Belcourt Residence, Pride Parade & Volunteer BBQ Crew in Surrey
Lookout at Large – December 2016
Lookout at Large -November 2016
Lookout at Large – JanFeb 2016
Lookout at Large November 2015
Resources
Lookout Housing and Health Society provides photographs, videos and logos for editorial and promotional use. We ask that our images and videos not be used inappropriately or manipulated. Use of our logo is by permission only. Images available on request.
Note: In order to protect the privacy of the individuals we serve, the Lookout Society does not share or publish images or full names of our clients and tenants.
To request images or our logo please email communications@lookoutsociety.ca