What to do about Whalley? Homelessness in Surrey's city centre.

Homelessness is forefront on the policy agenda in British Columbia, particularly in large urban centers such as Vancouver and, more recently, the Whalley area of Surrey. This study aims to understand the nature of homelessness in Whalley, to develop policies for alleviating homelessness and related issues. Twenty homeless or formerly homeless individuals and nine local stakeholders participated in qualitative interviews. Results of the study highlight two key issues: the stigma of homelessness as a barrier to housing and employment, and the need to address chronic homelessness among individuals facing multiple barriers such as substance abuse or mental illness. The results of this study, along with relevant literature, inform the development of policy options for addressing these key issues. The project concludes with an analysis of these options and policy recommendations, including the development of low-barrier supportive housing and increased funding for support services.