In 2014, with the assistance of CIRA’s Community Investment Program, the Vancouver Community Network launched the Street Messaging System (SMS) allowing social service providers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to broadcast text messages to community members with shelter, food, harm reduction and jobs information. Since then, new features have been added, including available beds at nearby shelters and the option for clients to self-select who they receive information from. Thanks to new funding, SMS will re-launch in Vancouver and expand to Calgary and Toronto reaching many more people in need.
