NO YOUTH EVER CHOOSES TO BE HOMELESS
At Directions Youth Services, we support some of the region’s most vulnerable young people. We know that the pathways to homelessness are numerous. Youth may come from low-income families, have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and neglect, or struggle with addiction. Many are marginalized by their race, gender, or cognitive impairments.
Significantly, many of the youth we serve at Directions have low self-confidence and question their sense of belonging—in their family, school, or community. The systems in their lives have failed them.
However a young person became unhoused, they deserve compassion, respect, autonomy, and access to resources. That’s where we come in.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) plays a unique role in providing youth-informed support to unhoused youth. We believe that as a society, we are responsible for our children and youth. Responsible for their health and wellbeing. Responsible for their futures. It is our responsibility to ensure our children and youth are safely housed.
WHAT WE DO
Drop-In Centre
The Centre is a safe place for youth ages 13-24 to be, open 24/7/365. We’re downtown, across from St. Paul’s with hot showers, laundry, a daily food program, personal care and harm reduction supplies, art and community events, workshops, and more.
Shelter & Housing Supports
At the Drop-In Centre we operate an overnight shelter and an emergency weather response shelter. For more support, we also run two emergency safehouses as well as the 10K program and connections to rent subsidy resources.
Food Program
For youth ages 13 to 24 who are unhoused or don’t have stable housing, we’re here with snacks available 24/7, breakfasts each day, a hot dinner every night at 8pm, and a pantry you can visit each week.
Employment & Education Supports
Directions at FSGV offers a range of employment and education supports for youth. From financial education to pre-employment workshops, we’re here to help you build the confidence and skills you need for your next steps.
Outreach
You’ve probably seen our Outreach team out and about carrying their big orange backpacks. They walk around Vancouver with snacks, drinks, harm reduction kids, hygiene products, and an open offer to connect you with more Directions programs.
Transitions for Youth to Adulthood
TYA is here to support youth transitioning out of Ministry care. In TYA, you work with a Transition Worker, someone who’s in your corner as you figure out what’s next. You get to set your own goals—ours is simply to support you as you work toward them.
OUR IMPACT
Stories from Our Backyard
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FSGV 2026 Recommendations to the Standing Finance Committee
At the beginning of June in 2026, leadership from Family Services of Greater Vancouver spoke to the Standing Finance Committee of BC to give recommendations for investments to support British Columbians.
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Room to Learn about Yourself: Stories from the Directions Pre-Employment and Life Skills Program
Jennie from the Pre-Employment and Life Skills Program at Directions Youth Services (of FSGV) shares stories about what her program does and what the impact is for youth who attend her workshops.
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More Than Food and a Bed: Care with Dignity at the Core
When we first walked in the door, a youth worker asked us if we were hydrated. Sitting down in the staff office to start the interview, a different youth worker asked if we wanted water, tea, or coffee. About 20…
CAMPAIGNS & ADVOCACY
There’s More Support for Youth
We’re spotlighting the vital role that round-the-clock support plays. You simply cannot schedule a crisis.
Whenever a youth needs support: Directions is open. With nutritious food, a safe place to sleep and hang out, the chance to have fun and get creative, affirming supports, pre-employment and housing supports, and more: Directions is here for youth whenever they need us.
