Ending Women’s Homelessness

Women and children in crisis have a stable and secure place to stay at Powell Place and Springhouse as they rebuild their lives. Women retain their autonomy and cultivate the resiliency, skills and strengths to overcome their challenges, progress to permanent housing and move forward in life.

We don’t judge. Every woman, regardless of her circumstance is welcome.

Our all-women staff provides a stable foundation for women and women-led families with 24/7 services that are inclusive, accessible, respectful and promote self-confidence and independence.

Powell Place Emergency Shelter for Women:

Opened in 1977 and reopened after renovations in March 2015, Powell Place was the first women-only shelter in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. We serve women living with the intersecting challenges of violence, abuse, poverty, mental illness and addiction. Our innovative, strengths-based approach encourages women to make their own choices and supports them as they reach toward their goals.

Services and Features:

  • 52 women-only beds; must be 19 years and older and self-identify as a woman
  • Self referral – beds are available on a first come, first served basis
  • No fee for services
  • 24/7 on-site staff support
  • There is no curfew
  • Home-like environment with basic amenities, meals, laundry and personal care items
  • “In-reach” workers provide one-on-one support, including assistance securing permanent housing
  • Client-directed individualized support and goal-setting
  • Referrals and advocacy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Provision of harm reduction supplies (condoms, new needle distribution, information)
  • Accompaniments to appointments and community resources

Re-opened after renovations in March 2015, the new facility doubles our capacity from 26 to 52 beds and expands our support services.  Powell Place now includes:

  • Secure street-level entranceway and reception
  • Medical room
  • Classroom and workshop space
  • Counselling rooms
  • 1-on-1 support rooms
  • Commercial-grade kitchen
  • Residents’ kitchen
  • Residents’ lounges
  • Dining room

Read more about the Powell Place expansion.

Powell Place Contact Info:

  • 24 hour line: 604-606-0403

Springhouse Emergency Shelter and 2nd Stage Housing:

Springhouse is the only women’s shelter in Vancouver that accepts male children over age 12, which helps keep women-led families together as they find permanent housing. Children and youth receive one-on-one emotional staff support in a child-friendly environment and families are connected with community resources, including schools and clinics. Family-building activities include community kitchens, crafts, games, movie nights, reading circle, group outings and gardening. Parenting support is available to moms, including assistance accessing Ministry of Children and Families Development services.

Services and Features:

  • Shelter:
    • 32 beds for single women and women-led families (families offered the privacy of their own room); must be 19 years and older and self-identify as a woman
    • Self referral – beds are available on a first come, first served basis
    • No fee for services
  • Transitional Housing:
    • 10 second-stage supported family housing units for women-led families (4 suites equipped for individuals with mobility impairment)
    • Self referral – units are available on a first come, first served basis
    • Fee: Income-assistance rate housing
  • 24/7 on-site staff support
  • There is no curfew
  • Home-like environment with basic amenities, meals, laundry and personal care items
  • “In-reach” workers provide one-on-one support, including assistance securing permanent housing
  • Child and Youth Program offering parental support, youth activities and after-school support
  • Skills and parenting-enhancement workshops and support
  • Client-directed individualized support and goal-setting
  • Referrals and Advocacy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Provision of harm reduction supplies (condoms, new needle distribution, information)
  • Accompaniments to appointments and community resources
  • Length of stay determined on a case by case basis

Springhouse Contact Info:

  • 24 hour intake line: 604-606-0420
  • 2nd Stage Housing Inquiries: 604-813-1227

Accessibility

Springhouse and Powell Place shelters do not currently have parking that can accommodate individuals with a disability. Please contact Handydart if you require transportation assistance.