Lookout is at the forefront of establishing innovative programs. We currently operate two resource centres: Powell Street Getaway (Vancouver) and Positive Haven (Surrey). These peer-led resource centres support people living with chronic illnesses, addictions, and/or mental health challenges. Both the Surrey and Vancouver locations host federally approved supervised consumption sites and harm reduction services that encourage safer use practices. Lookout staff, peers and many guests are trained in naloxone intervention, helping to curb the number overdose deaths.
A safe and welcome place
Socialization and life-skills opportunities
Connections to health supports
Our Guests
Lookout guests are living proof that the provision of a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment results in improvements to their health and wellbeing. Community kitchens are a popular way to engage guests in nutritional food preparation. Social events at Lookout’s Resource Centres include bingo, karaoke, group games, arts and crafts, music and movie nights. Local salons and schools frequently drop in to provide haircuts and other self-care services.
Powell Street Getaway
The Powell Street Getaway has now moved to 450 E. Hasting Street. Originally known as the LivingRoom it opened in 1993 as a welcoming and safe hang-out for local people living with mental illness. Today, the Powell Street Getaway offers a variety of structured and unstructured peer programs to encourage people to participate in social and life skills development. The goal is to enhance their ability to improve their health outcomes, leading to a better quality of life.
Powell Street Getaway programs and services include: daily nutritious snack program, overdose prevention site, emergency food and clothing supplies, in-house social activities, structured peer training, pre-employment and internship programs, harm reduction and substance use programs, referrals to local community health supports and outreach support.
For Powell Street Getaway location and contact details click here.
Volunteer at the Powell Street Getaway
Volunteers are an integral part of life at the Getaway. Individuals assist with activities, whether playing a game of cards, or helping with meals. Groups may be scheduled to provide help on the weekends – always much appreciated. Contact us at volunteer@lookoutsociety.ca for more information about how to participate.
Lookout provides a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all guests including people of any gender, Indigenous individuals, LGBTQ2S, seniors, and youth. We are continuously expanding our care teams by integrating a continuum of peer based support.
Positive Haven
The Positive Haven Resource Centre, located in Surrey in Lookout’s Health Solutions building, offers support services to individuals living with HIV and HCV. Positive Haven connects with people who need HIV/AIDS and Hep-C support services through advocacy, outreach and peer training programs. Additionally, Positive Haven hosts the annual Hep-C event every July to educate the public about the disease and its prevalence in the community.
For Positive Haven location and contact details, click here.
Peer to Peer
Peers are a key component of our resource centre services. Based on their experience and training, peers are involved in welcoming mentoring, and referring guests to mental health, addictions, primary care, and other community supports. Programming also includes food with a focus on education around healthy eating and cooking.