Penny Gurstein, founder of the Housing Research Collaborative at UBC, is advocating for more supportive housing in Metro Vancouver to address the rising challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Gurstein emphasizes that the lack of supportive housing not only affects those in need but also strains other sectors of the community, particularly the healthcare system.
Recent data from the 2025 Point-in-Time count reveals a concerning increase in homelessness in Metro Vancouver, with approximately 5,232 individuals without stable housing, marking a nine percent rise from 2023. Vancouver alone has recorded 2,715 unhoused residents, while Burnaby has 205 individuals experiencing homelessness.
In response to the growing need, BC Housing has proposed two projects in Burnaby: a supportive housing development at 5389 Imperial Street and a shelter at 3020 Gilmore Diversion. The housing project aims to provide 50 new homes, including 10 studio units with specialized care services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The shelter, featuring 60 beds, will be housed in a renovated office building.
Despite these initiatives, the community has shown resistance through online petitions and protests, citing concerns about public drug use, safety issues, and crime. However, Gurstein argues that the negative impacts of supportive housing are often overstated, emphasizing that once integrated into a neighborhood, such communities operate without major disruptions.
A survey conducted by BC Housing revealed that 83% of respondents living in modular supportive housing sites reported positive interactions with their neighbors, highlighting the potential for successful integration and community building. BC Housing also noted that initial concerns expressed by neighborhoods regarding supportive housing tend to diminish over time.
Gurstein points out that opposition to supportive housing projects can stem from fear of the unknown and biases against individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. She stresses the importance of dispelling misconceptions and fostering understanding within communities to create inclusive and supportive environments for all residents.