Some Stats

* Homelessness nearly doubled from 1,100 individuals (2002) to 2100 (2005) (GVRD) and is projected to hit 3,200 for 2010

* Half of the homeless are unsheltered.

* Over half are not on welfare and the best they can do is "binning", panhandling, part-time employment or crime.

* At least 75% have debilitating health problems, such as addiction, chronic medical condition, mental illness and/or physical disability.

* Street homelessness has grown by 235% since 2002.

* Aboriginals represent 2% of the population, but 30% of homeless.

* Surrey and Langley have experienced the largest increase in homeless since 2002.

* It costs more to leave people homeless than to provide them with permanent housing and support services. A 2001 study by the Province of BC indicated that the public costs for providing services and shelter for one homeless person are up to $40,000 annually compared with up to $28,000 for someone who has housing.

Causes of Homelessness (Most Often Reported)
Lack of access to safe & affordable housing
Difficulty accessing support services
Insufficient income due to ongoing poverty and/or specific financial crisis
Unemployment & limited employment skills
Health, mental health & substance use issues
Family violence, racism & discrimination

Cost of Homelessness
Emergency shelters cost $31 - $85 /day per person
Supportive housing cost $67 - $88 /day per person
Non-market housing cost $25 - $35 /day per person

Homeless People Reported...
Prevalence of childhood physical/sexual abuse
40% report being victims of physical violence
21% of women report being victims of rape
24% risk of traumatic brain injury vs 1% in general population
9x higher risk of being a victim of homicide
Drug abuse 20-30% prevalence
Alcohol abuse 57-63% prevalence
High rate of co-morbidities - diagnostic challenge
Lack of appropriate services

Other Barriers
92% cannot afford market rental costs
Not able to save enough for a damage deposit
History of non-payment of rent
Frequent moves and lead a transient lifestyle
Require assistance to take medications regularly

The Christmas Wish List exists as a means to make the needs of the homeless known.

Browse through the biographies on this site to learn more about the homeless in our cities, then click on the name to view their specific requests. To donate a gift, just print the form and attach it to your gift before bringing it to the appropriate shelter.

You can browse the entries by city, or simply choose to fill an empty stocking, finding those who have recieved the fewest gifts to date