The growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship in Vancouver is a well-established issue, with trends showing a steady increase year after year. This escalating issue is concerning.
According to the 2023 Homeless Count in Greater Vancouver, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased for the third consecutive year, with a 32% increase compared to 2020. The gender of the individuals counted at the point in time for this report were 69% men, 28% women, and 3% gender-diverse. Women and gender-diverse individuals are more likely than men to stay at someone else’s place before they ever have to sleep on the streets. However, this situation makes women and gender-diverse individuals more vulnerable to living in unsafe situations. This living condition is known as hidden homelessness.
The Shoebox Project for Women, a registered charity since 2013, is dedicated to empowering women and gender-diverse individuals facing or at risk of homelessness. Central to its mission is the belief that raising awareness and educating communities about the underlying causes of homelessness is crucial in providing practical support for these individuals on their journey to recovery. Every act of kindness, such as a supportive word, a helpful action, or an unexpected gift, has the power to improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
For this reason, every holiday season, the Shoebox Project collects gift-filled shoeboxes created by community members and distributes these gifts to shelters, community agencies, and other associations that support vulnerable women and gender-diverse individuals. To create more connected, empathetic, and compassionate communities, the organization also created The Shoebox Project for Schools, a program which, in conjunction with a Shoebox gift drive, is accompanied by lesson plans and educational resources for grades K-8.
A Shoebox gift is a personally crafted package with a $50 value. It contains a mix of essential everyday items, small luxuries, and a handwritten message of encouragement that any woman would love. For the recipient, this self-care package symbolizes the community’s care, love, and support. For the donor, a Shoebox gift represents their support, increased understanding of homelessness, and affirmation of community participation.
Since 2013, RGF Integrated Wealth Management has supported the Vancouver Shoebox Project Chapter by creating gift-filled Shoeboxes and making financial donations to support women in the Greater Vancouver area experiencing homelessness and economic hardship. These Shoebox gifts have been delivered to more than 400 women, giving them a sense of community and instilling hope, even for just one night. In 2023, the Chapter provided gifts to more than 2,000 women, an 18% increase to 2022 (1,700 gifts delivered).
Agencies such as Atira Women’s Resource Society – which is committed to the work of ending violence against women – the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre – which provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for self-identifying women (cis, trans, 2S) from all walks of life – and the YWCA Metro Vancouver – which delivers affordable housing, early learning and child care, training and employment services, and a range of holistic programs to support individual, collective and economic well-being – are the top three charities supported by the Vancouver Shoebox Project Chapter, with the highest number of clients, and are amongst the more than 20 charities that the Vancouver Chapter partners with to distribute Shoebox gifts during the holiday season. This includes seniors, newcomers, and youth who are dealing with the consequences of poverty, domestic violence, and other difficult circumstances.
There are many ways to support women and gender-diverse individuals in such difficult life situations. Monetary and in-kind donations, volunteering, raising awareness, and supporting local businesses are the more tangible examples. Educating ourselves to reduce stigma and to understand the various factors that affect the fabric of our community is one step toward improving the health of our communities, particularly by understanding that despite lacking a home to live in, these individuals affected by homelessness are valued and respected members of our community. ■
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of RGF Integrated Wealth Management, which makes no representations as to their completeness or accuracy.
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