Policy & Planning


The City of Richmond and its partners are committed to collaborative and integrated work to reduce the number of people in Richmond who do not have a safe and affordable home to call their own. In order to do this, the City is taking action to prevent and reduce poverty in Richmond, increase affordable housing options and the appropriate supports for those who need them, and foster the well-being of its residents, including those who are vulnerable or experiencing challenges in their lives.

Homelessness is a complex issue and the reasons people may experience homelessness are also complex and personal. Individuals may experience homelessness due to a range of unique or combined factors including untreated mental and physical health conditions, substance use and addiction, and intergenerational and chronic experiences of poverty or trauma. These factors, accompanied by high housing costs in the Lower Mainland, have led to an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region. 

The City of Richmond is committed to working with senior levels of government and the private and non-profit sectors to help meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Richmond. Recognizing that senior levels of government have the primary responsibility for providing funding for homeless prevention programs, services and affordable housing, the City is committed to remaining a local leader that works with community organizations to prevent and respond to homelessness in Richmond.

Richmond Homelessness Strategy

On Sep 9, 2019, the Richmond Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 was adopted by City Council. This strategy was developed through extensive public engagement and continues to guide City staff and community organizations regarding homelessness service provision over the Strategy’s 10-year period. The Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 provides the following vision statement:

"By 2029, homelessness in Richmond will be rare, brief and non-recurring. Richmond is an inclusive community that works in collaboration to provide a continuum of housing and support services.”

To achieve this vision, the strategy provides five strategic directions and 32 related actions. The five strategic directions are:

  1. Prevent pathways into homelessness.
  2. Support residents who are experiencing homelessness.
  3. Provide pathways out of homelessness.
  4. Foster collaboration and capacity-building among community partners.
  5. Communicate, research and monitor homelessness.

The City partners with numerous community members and organizations to undertake the recommended actions outlined in the Homelessness Strategy. Annual update reports to City Council highlight ongoing progress in implementing this Strategy.

Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 - 2024 Update
Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 - 2023 Update
Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 - 2022 Update
Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 - 2021 Update
Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029 - 2020 Update

Statistics

Homeless Counts are conducted across Metro Vancouver at regular intervals. The most recent count took place over a single 24-hour period in March 2025 with results anticipated to be released in fall 2025.The 2023 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count (13MB), the most recent count for which we have data, identified a minimum of 162 individuals experiencing homelessness in Richmond. Between the 2020 and 2023 Homeless Counts, there were significant increases in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Richmond. These increases are consistent with trends seen across Metro Vancouver.

Resources

Contact Information

Manager, Community Social Development
Community Social Development homelessness@richmond.ca 604-204-8621