PHS Community Services Society
@phscss.bsky.social
Housing, harm reduction and healthcare in Vancouver & Victoria, BC
Stephen Ruben never thought he'd end up homeless and sheltering under a tarp in his retirement.
“I’m 66 years of age, no safety net for me at all. . . 44 years, and this is what I have for that,” he said.
tinyurl.com/5468pau5
“I’m 66 years of age, no safety net for me at all. . . 44 years, and this is what I have for that,” he said.
tinyurl.com/5468pau5
November 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Stephen Ruben never thought he'd end up homeless and sheltering under a tarp in his retirement.
“I’m 66 years of age, no safety net for me at all. . . 44 years, and this is what I have for that,” he said.
tinyurl.com/5468pau5
“I’m 66 years of age, no safety net for me at all. . . 44 years, and this is what I have for that,” he said.
tinyurl.com/5468pau5
Special thanks to the team on the CBC show Allegiance who donated clothing from the production earlier this week.
These items will be shared with people in the Downtown Eastside who are in need - people using our shelters and those coming up to the door asking for help because they are cold and wet
These items will be shared with people in the Downtown Eastside who are in need - people using our shelters and those coming up to the door asking for help because they are cold and wet
November 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Special thanks to the team on the CBC show Allegiance who donated clothing from the production earlier this week.
These items will be shared with people in the Downtown Eastside who are in need - people using our shelters and those coming up to the door asking for help because they are cold and wet
These items will be shared with people in the Downtown Eastside who are in need - people using our shelters and those coming up to the door asking for help because they are cold and wet
“What’s killing people? It’s not decriminalization, it’s not prescription programs, it’s the unregulated toxic drug supply fueled by organized crime” - Guy Felicella.
“There’s a lot of counterfeit drugs on the street, a lot of counterfeit prescription drugs on the street."
tinyurl.com/4a3s754v
“There’s a lot of counterfeit drugs on the street, a lot of counterfeit prescription drugs on the street."
tinyurl.com/4a3s754v
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 AM
“What’s killing people? It’s not decriminalization, it’s not prescription programs, it’s the unregulated toxic drug supply fueled by organized crime” - Guy Felicella.
“There’s a lot of counterfeit drugs on the street, a lot of counterfeit prescription drugs on the street."
tinyurl.com/4a3s754v
“There’s a lot of counterfeit drugs on the street, a lot of counterfeit prescription drugs on the street."
tinyurl.com/4a3s754v
Olympic gold medallist and two-time World Champion Camryn Rogers is letting the world know how easy it is to find yourself homeless.
Aged 13, just after starting high school, mom Shari lost their home in the leaky condo crisis and they lost it all.
Read their story: tinyurl.com/jknyy5n8
Aged 13, just after starting high school, mom Shari lost their home in the leaky condo crisis and they lost it all.
Read their story: tinyurl.com/jknyy5n8
November 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Olympic gold medallist and two-time World Champion Camryn Rogers is letting the world know how easy it is to find yourself homeless.
Aged 13, just after starting high school, mom Shari lost their home in the leaky condo crisis and they lost it all.
Read their story: tinyurl.com/jknyy5n8
Aged 13, just after starting high school, mom Shari lost their home in the leaky condo crisis and they lost it all.
Read their story: tinyurl.com/jknyy5n8
Opens today: The Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival brings a sprinkle of gold dust to this unfairly maligned community.
It features more than 100 events across 40 venues between Oct 31 and Nov 8. There's something for everyone
The celebration starts here: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
It features more than 100 events across 40 venues between Oct 31 and Nov 8. There's something for everyone
The celebration starts here: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Opens today: The Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival brings a sprinkle of gold dust to this unfairly maligned community.
It features more than 100 events across 40 venues between Oct 31 and Nov 8. There's something for everyone
The celebration starts here: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
It features more than 100 events across 40 venues between Oct 31 and Nov 8. There's something for everyone
The celebration starts here: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
“Ten or 15 years ago, if you were 40 and in a shelter, you were considered old. Now we’re routinely seeing people in their sixties and seventies.” – Nick Wells, Union Gospel Mission.
Older adults are losing housing faster than ever due to Vancouver's soaring rents.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3b66uz7p
Older adults are losing housing faster than ever due to Vancouver's soaring rents.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3b66uz7p
October 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“Ten or 15 years ago, if you were 40 and in a shelter, you were considered old. Now we’re routinely seeing people in their sixties and seventies.” – Nick Wells, Union Gospel Mission.
Older adults are losing housing faster than ever due to Vancouver's soaring rents.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3b66uz7p
Older adults are losing housing faster than ever due to Vancouver's soaring rents.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3b66uz7p
“Human connection changes direction” - Guy Felicella.
One of the first through the door at Insite in 2003, Guy regards harm reduction as a vital first step in his subsequent recovery.
It was the human connection that enabled him to begin seeing his own value.
Read how: tinyurl.com/2p9vve72
One of the first through the door at Insite in 2003, Guy regards harm reduction as a vital first step in his subsequent recovery.
It was the human connection that enabled him to begin seeing his own value.
Read how: tinyurl.com/2p9vve72
October 25, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“Human connection changes direction” - Guy Felicella.
One of the first through the door at Insite in 2003, Guy regards harm reduction as a vital first step in his subsequent recovery.
It was the human connection that enabled him to begin seeing his own value.
Read how: tinyurl.com/2p9vve72
One of the first through the door at Insite in 2003, Guy regards harm reduction as a vital first step in his subsequent recovery.
It was the human connection that enabled him to begin seeing his own value.
Read how: tinyurl.com/2p9vve72
“I am fortunate enough to live in a vehicle” - April Lushaw.
April lives on disability assistance and can't afford rent, so she sleeps in her car.
Sidney, where she lives, has voted against opening an extreme weather response shelter.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3azu24ad
April lives on disability assistance and can't afford rent, so she sleeps in her car.
Sidney, where she lives, has voted against opening an extreme weather response shelter.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3azu24ad
October 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“I am fortunate enough to live in a vehicle” - April Lushaw.
April lives on disability assistance and can't afford rent, so she sleeps in her car.
Sidney, where she lives, has voted against opening an extreme weather response shelter.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3azu24ad
April lives on disability assistance and can't afford rent, so she sleeps in her car.
Sidney, where she lives, has voted against opening an extreme weather response shelter.
Read on: tinyurl.com/3azu24ad
Dignity in Community: the Heart of the City Festival celebrates 22 years in the Downtown Eastside.
The neighbourhood-rooted festival features more than 100 events across 40 venues between October 31 and November 8.
Info: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
The neighbourhood-rooted festival features more than 100 events across 40 venues between October 31 and November 8.
Info: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Dignity in Community: the Heart of the City Festival celebrates 22 years in the Downtown Eastside.
The neighbourhood-rooted festival features more than 100 events across 40 venues between October 31 and November 8.
Info: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
The neighbourhood-rooted festival features more than 100 events across 40 venues between October 31 and November 8.
Info: www.heartofthecityfestival.com
PHS runners finished well ahead of our ambitious $25,000 goal, making it our most successful Under Armour Eastside 10K ever.
Together the runners, volunteers, donors and supporters raised $32,364 towards PHS frontline services. Thank you all.
Pics: Jeremy Lefebvre and Erin Kry.
Together the runners, volunteers, donors and supporters raised $32,364 towards PHS frontline services. Thank you all.
Pics: Jeremy Lefebvre and Erin Kry.
October 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
PHS runners finished well ahead of our ambitious $25,000 goal, making it our most successful Under Armour Eastside 10K ever.
Together the runners, volunteers, donors and supporters raised $32,364 towards PHS frontline services. Thank you all.
Pics: Jeremy Lefebvre and Erin Kry.
Together the runners, volunteers, donors and supporters raised $32,364 towards PHS frontline services. Thank you all.
Pics: Jeremy Lefebvre and Erin Kry.
“Our housing system is no longer providing housing that meets the needs of the people who live in our communities” - Lorraine Copas, Greater Metro Vancouver Community Advisory Board.
Greater Vancouver: 5,232 people homeless - nearly half on the streets due to eviction
Read on: tinyurl.com/32nz4hbh
Greater Vancouver: 5,232 people homeless - nearly half on the streets due to eviction
Read on: tinyurl.com/32nz4hbh
October 4, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“Our housing system is no longer providing housing that meets the needs of the people who live in our communities” - Lorraine Copas, Greater Metro Vancouver Community Advisory Board.
Greater Vancouver: 5,232 people homeless - nearly half on the streets due to eviction
Read on: tinyurl.com/32nz4hbh
Greater Vancouver: 5,232 people homeless - nearly half on the streets due to eviction
Read on: tinyurl.com/32nz4hbh
Today - Sunday, Sept. 28 - Clothing Drive Day 2.
Weather-appropriate clothing provides more than comfort: it’s wellness, dignity and a pathway to strength and quality of life.
Join us at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
Weather-appropriate clothing provides more than comfort: it’s wellness, dignity and a pathway to strength and quality of life.
Join us at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
September 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Today - Sunday, Sept. 28 - Clothing Drive Day 2.
Weather-appropriate clothing provides more than comfort: it’s wellness, dignity and a pathway to strength and quality of life.
Join us at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
Weather-appropriate clothing provides more than comfort: it’s wellness, dignity and a pathway to strength and quality of life.
Join us at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
Today & tomorrow - Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28 - please support the PHS Clothing Drive for people experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside.
The team will be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
The team will be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
September 27, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Today & tomorrow - Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28 - please support the PHS Clothing Drive for people experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside.
The team will be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
The team will be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Share your used clothing and show you care!
PHS Community Services Society has a Clothing Drive to support people in crisis in the community - this weekend.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Sat, Sept. 27 and Sun, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Sat, Sept. 27 and Sun, Sept. 28.
September 27, 2025 at 2:00 AM
PHS Community Services Society has a Clothing Drive to support people in crisis in the community - this weekend.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Sat, Sept. 27 and Sun, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Sat, Sept. 27 and Sun, Sept. 28.
PHS Clothing Drive - this weekend. Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the DTES.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
September 26, 2025 at 2:01 AM
PHS Clothing Drive - this weekend. Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the DTES.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
Next weekend: PHS Clothing Drive. Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the DTES.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
September 22, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Next weekend: PHS Clothing Drive. Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the DTES.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
We're asking for donations of gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
“The confiscation of belongings during street sweeps disrupts people’s ability to survive and to access life-saving care” - Kanna Hayashi, SFU.
The associate health sciences professor studied street sweeps in the Downtown Eastside and concludes they put lives at risk
Read on:
The associate health sciences professor studied street sweeps in the Downtown Eastside and concludes they put lives at risk
Read on:
September 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“The confiscation of belongings during street sweeps disrupts people’s ability to survive and to access life-saving care” - Kanna Hayashi, SFU.
The associate health sciences professor studied street sweeps in the Downtown Eastside and concludes they put lives at risk
Read on:
The associate health sciences professor studied street sweeps in the Downtown Eastside and concludes they put lives at risk
Read on:
Staff and supporters are running in the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, Sept. 21.
We aim to raise $25,000 towards frontline programs that give marginalized people independence and dignity.
Please support us: tinyurl.com/3rw9yzaa
We aim to raise $25,000 towards frontline programs that give marginalized people independence and dignity.
Please support us: tinyurl.com/3rw9yzaa
September 20, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Staff and supporters are running in the Under Armour Eastside 10K on Sunday, Sept. 21.
We aim to raise $25,000 towards frontline programs that give marginalized people independence and dignity.
Please support us: tinyurl.com/3rw9yzaa
We aim to raise $25,000 towards frontline programs that give marginalized people independence and dignity.
Please support us: tinyurl.com/3rw9yzaa
"We need thousands of units of dignified non-market housing that rents at about $500 a month, which is all that folks on welfare, disability, basic pensions and part-time wages can afford" - Jean Swanson.
"And we need shelters and tiny home villages in the meantime."
tinyurl.com/4wpk8cer
"And we need shelters and tiny home villages in the meantime."
tinyurl.com/4wpk8cer
September 14, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"We need thousands of units of dignified non-market housing that rents at about $500 a month, which is all that folks on welfare, disability, basic pensions and part-time wages can afford" - Jean Swanson.
"And we need shelters and tiny home villages in the meantime."
tinyurl.com/4wpk8cer
"And we need shelters and tiny home villages in the meantime."
tinyurl.com/4wpk8cer
Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the Downtown Eastside
The PHS annual Clothing Drive is two weeks away. We're looking for donations of gently used adult clothing
Our team will be accepting donations at 561 East 16th Ave, Vancouver, 10am - 4pm on Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28
The PHS annual Clothing Drive is two weeks away. We're looking for donations of gently used adult clothing
Our team will be accepting donations at 561 East 16th Ave, Vancouver, 10am - 4pm on Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28
September 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Clear out your closets to support marginalized people in the Downtown Eastside
The PHS annual Clothing Drive is two weeks away. We're looking for donations of gently used adult clothing
Our team will be accepting donations at 561 East 16th Ave, Vancouver, 10am - 4pm on Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28
The PHS annual Clothing Drive is two weeks away. We're looking for donations of gently used adult clothing
Our team will be accepting donations at 561 East 16th Ave, Vancouver, 10am - 4pm on Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 27/28
“Don’t ask ‘why the addiction,’ but ‘why the pain?’” - former PHS medical director Dr. Gabor Maté.
“People are desperate to soothe their pain, so desperate that they’ll take the risk of taking lethal (illicit) medications. Well, what is that if not despair?”
Read on: tinyurl.com/4smkwn8v
“People are desperate to soothe their pain, so desperate that they’ll take the risk of taking lethal (illicit) medications. Well, what is that if not despair?”
Read on: tinyurl.com/4smkwn8v
September 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“Don’t ask ‘why the addiction,’ but ‘why the pain?’” - former PHS medical director Dr. Gabor Maté.
“People are desperate to soothe their pain, so desperate that they’ll take the risk of taking lethal (illicit) medications. Well, what is that if not despair?”
Read on: tinyurl.com/4smkwn8v
“People are desperate to soothe their pain, so desperate that they’ll take the risk of taking lethal (illicit) medications. Well, what is that if not despair?”
Read on: tinyurl.com/4smkwn8v
Support the PHS Clothing Drive by donating gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
It's four weeks away - Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 - but we want to give you plenty of notice.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.
It's four weeks away - Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 - but we want to give you plenty of notice.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.
September 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Support the PHS Clothing Drive by donating gently used adult clothing, shoes, blankets and towels.
It's four weeks away - Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 - but we want to give you plenty of notice.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.
It's four weeks away - Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 - but we want to give you plenty of notice.
We'll be at 561 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.
Big shout out to Hyatt Regency Vancouver for donating sheets, towels and blankets for our shelters in the Downtown Eastside community.
Clean, comfortable bedding gives comfort, dignity and rest to some of Vancouver’s most vulnerable people, many who require high acuity care.
Clean, comfortable bedding gives comfort, dignity and rest to some of Vancouver’s most vulnerable people, many who require high acuity care.
August 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Big shout out to Hyatt Regency Vancouver for donating sheets, towels and blankets for our shelters in the Downtown Eastside community.
Clean, comfortable bedding gives comfort, dignity and rest to some of Vancouver’s most vulnerable people, many who require high acuity care.
Clean, comfortable bedding gives comfort, dignity and rest to some of Vancouver’s most vulnerable people, many who require high acuity care.
"The current city council has been harsh on people living on the street without FIFA … so with FIFA, I suspect it will be even worse.”
Anti-poverty campaigner Jean Swanson suspects the City will prioritize aesthetics over people’s well-being for next summer's World Cup.
More: tinyurl.com/4e2c47na
Anti-poverty campaigner Jean Swanson suspects the City will prioritize aesthetics over people’s well-being for next summer's World Cup.
More: tinyurl.com/4e2c47na
August 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"The current city council has been harsh on people living on the street without FIFA … so with FIFA, I suspect it will be even worse.”
Anti-poverty campaigner Jean Swanson suspects the City will prioritize aesthetics over people’s well-being for next summer's World Cup.
More: tinyurl.com/4e2c47na
Anti-poverty campaigner Jean Swanson suspects the City will prioritize aesthetics over people’s well-being for next summer's World Cup.
More: tinyurl.com/4e2c47na
“People dying of overdoses is preventable. It doesn't need to happen and the only way we're going to prevent people dying is to say that the war on drugs doesn't work."
Jan Mahoney, organized a memorial in Victoria in the build-up to International Overdose Awareness Day, next Sunday (August 31).
Jan Mahoney, organized a memorial in Victoria in the build-up to International Overdose Awareness Day, next Sunday (August 31).
August 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“People dying of overdoses is preventable. It doesn't need to happen and the only way we're going to prevent people dying is to say that the war on drugs doesn't work."
Jan Mahoney, organized a memorial in Victoria in the build-up to International Overdose Awareness Day, next Sunday (August 31).
Jan Mahoney, organized a memorial in Victoria in the build-up to International Overdose Awareness Day, next Sunday (August 31).