Business Details
35 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Community Support and Housing Solutions
Since 1991, PHS Community Services Society has been a pioneering force in providing housing, healthcare, and harm reduction services for vulnerable populations in Vancouver and Victoria. Our mission centers on developing affordable housing and delivering innovative programs that address the complex needs of individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. With a non-partisan, evidence-informed approach, we prioritize operational excellence, community collaboration, and advocacy to create safer, more inclusive environments. Our team of experienced professionals, supported by key partner organizations, has introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as North Americas first legal supervised injection site and safe supply programs.Rooted in principles of social justice and human rights, we serve individuals often excluded from traditional services, offering unconditional support without discrimination. Through continuous adaptation to emerging research and community needs, we strive to strengthen the broader communities we serve while maintaining transparency, ethical standards, and unwavering commitment to client well-being.
Services
Supportive Housing
Health Services
Harm Reduction Programs
Community Transitional Care
Food Programs
Overdose Prevention Sites
Needle Exchange
Social Enterprise
Indigenous Health Services
Mobile Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience pioneering harm reduction programs since 1991.
- Our 24/7 supportive housing serves over 1,700 vulnerable individuals in BC.
- We operate North America's first legal supervised injection site (Insite).
- Our team includes medical directors and specialists in addiction treatment.
- We advocate for policy changes to improve housing and healthcare access.
What people say
Life-saving programs
Compassionate care
Effective housing solutions
Community impact
Innovative approaches
Services
Supportive Housing
PHS provides over 1,700 units of low-barrier supportive housing across Vancouver and Victoria. Our housing options include modular units, single-room occupancy buildings, and transitional housing with 24/7 mental health support. Residents receive assistance with daily living, harm reduction services, and access to primary healthcare, creating stable environments for individuals facing homelessness and complex care needs.
Health Services
We operate comprehensive healthcare clinics offering primary care, dental services, mental health treatment, and addiction medicine. Our Columbia Street Community Clinic sees up to 50 patients daily, while the Portland Community Dental Clinic provides affordable oral healthcare. Specialized programs include opioid agonist therapies and integrated medical support for residents in our housing facilities, addressing both acute and chronic health conditions.
Harm Reduction Programs
PHS pioneered North America's first supervised injection site (Insite) and continues developing innovative harm reduction programs. Services include overdose prevention sites, needle exchanges, mobile outreach units, and the SAFER initiative for safe drug supply alternatives. These programs reduce overdose deaths, prevent disease transmission, and connect individuals with healthcare and housing resources through compassionate, evidence-based approaches.
Community Transitional Care
Our transitional care programs provide acute medical support for hospital discharge patients in residential settings. The Community Transitional Care Team offers IV-antibiotic therapy and post-hospitalization care, while residential recovery programs combine housing stability with medical treatment. These services bridge hospital care and community living, focusing on long-term health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Food Programs
PHS delivers essential nutrition through daily meal programs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Victoria locations. Our food services provide at least one hot meal daily, with some facilities offering three meals, supporting residents' nutritional needs while addressing food insecurity. These programs operate alongside housing and healthcare services to create comprehensive support systems for individuals experiencing homelessness or complex health challenges.
People
Micheal Vonn
Chief Executive Officer
Micheal Vonn leads PHS with extensive public service experience, including roles at Vancouver Coastal Health and the United Nations. He advocates for vulnerable populations and received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers for his DTES work.
Dr. Christy Sutherland
Medical Director
Dr. Sutherland oversees medical operations with expertise in harm reduction and addiction treatment. She has led innovative healthcare programs for marginalized communities and directed clinical services at PHS-operated clinics.
Varun Banthia
Chair
Varun Banthia chairs the board with experience in public administration and auditing. He contributes policy expertise from roles at Deloitte, OECD, and the City of Vancouver's Office of the Auditor General.
Dr. Perry Kendall
Former Provincial Health Officer
Dr. Kendall shaped harm reduction policy as BC's Provincial Health Officer, declaring the opioid overdose emergency in 2016. He supported Insite's establishment and continues advocating for public health approaches to addiction.
Christine Singh
Board Member
Dr. Christine Singh is a family physician with 10 years at Three Bridges Clinic. She focuses on cultural safety, harm reduction, and improving healthcare access for Indigenous communities in the Downtown Eastside.
Questions
What populations does PHS serve?
PHS supports individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and those excluded from traditional services in Vancouver and Victoria.
How can I access PHS housing services?
Contact BC Housing for eligibility assessments and registration. PHS operates over 1,700 units including low-barrier and 24/7 supported housing options.
What healthcare services does PHS provide?
We offer primary care clinics, dental services, opioid agonist therapies, mental health treatment, and overdose prevention sites across our service areas.
How is PHS funded?
PHS receives government funding, private donations, and generates revenue through social enterprises like Community Thrift & Vintage to support frontline services.
Can I volunteer with PHS?
Yes, visit our careers page to explore volunteer opportunities supporting housing, harm reduction programs, and community initiatives in Vancouver and Victoria.
What harm reduction programs does PHS operate?
Programs include Insite (supervised injection), overdose prevention sites, needle exchanges, mobile outreach, and the SAFER safe supply initiative across Vancouver and Victoria.
Reviews (5)
A. Google User
Nov 25, 2021
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Unfortunately had a night mare experience with the small amount of communication I had with PHS. I applied for a job, got the screening call, got an interview scheduled, then received a second screening call after getting my interview which was already done weeks prior. My interview was canceled 2 hours before due to my " lack of qualifications" later to find out the interviewer actually had a medical emergency procedure AND they LOST my application so booted me out rather then calling me to sort it out. It only got worse from here. I am so grateful I did not end up working for this incredibly
A. Google User
Feb 25, 2021
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One of the best non profit grass roots organizations out there. They love the people they take care of, and they advocate for better overall living for the common person, no matter where they are from or who they are. PHS fights for homlessess and for better safer drug supply and harm reduction. One of the greatest place i had the privilege and the honor to work for.
A. Google User
Nov 18, 2020
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Love the service they're always friendly and kind helping every way they can
A. Google User
Feb 01, 2020
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Phs community services are number one in helping the community with housing medical ;social needs this company takes the extra steps to accommodate the needs of the lower East side of Vancouver!
A. Google User
Dec 21, 2019
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I love PHS! They care about people who are struggling with poverty and mental health and addictions! They go the extra miles to make a difference in people's lives!
