By Zara Durrani
When we think about homelessness in Vancouver, we often picture people sleeping on sidewalks or seeking shelter in doorways. But for many young people, homelessness is far less visible.
During Homelessness Action Week, October 11–17, I visited the Directions Youth Services Centre in downtown Vancouver to learn how Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is helping vulnerable young people find safety, stability and hope.
According to the latest Greater Vancouver Point-in-Time Homeless Count cited by FSGV, more than 170 youth were experiencing homelessness on a single night. At Directions, 50% of youth accessing services were first-time visitors during the past year, while 22% of new visitors were between 13 and 18 years old.
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Directions provides meals, housing assistance, healthcare connections and life-skills programs for young people facing homelessness or housing insecurity.
During my visit, I spoke with Ariane Fleischmann, Director of Communications and Advocacy at FSGV, about the importance of recognizing progress, however small.
“A lot of it is just small changes,” Fleischmann explained, describing how a young person who initially struggles to communicate may gradually begin opening up. “That can be a win.”
Griffin Dawson, a Housing and Life Skills Worker at Directions, emphasized the importance of finding stable accommodation.
“Housing is one of the biggest factors that can help someone feel more stable long term,” Dawson shared.
In 2025 alone, the Directions Drop-in Centre recorded nearly 23,000 visits, underscoring the ongoing demand for accessible youth services. The figure represents visits, not individual young people.
Beyond the statistics are young people with dreams, ambitions and futures worth investing in.
As Vancouver continues to confront homelessness, organizations like FSGV remind us that compassion, early intervention and community support can make a meaningful difference.
Sometimes, changing a life begins with something as simple as providing a safe place to belong.
To learn more or support Directions Youth Services, visit www.fsgv.ca.
