The Vancouver Community Network piloted a project titled Street Messenger.
 
The objective of this 12-month project was to pilot and implement a text message-based communications tool that service providers can use to communicate with their clients. Service providers will be able to communicate directly to clients with access to a cell phone. Communications can range from meeting reminders, events, and affirmations, to shelter information, pop-up health clinics, and health and harm reduction alerts.
 
Developed in 2014 by the Vancouver Community Network (VCN), the Street Messaging System (SMS) showed early success within Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Since January 2016, the SMS has been refining the platform in response to the needs and recommendations from the community. One key update includes an interactive map where users can find shelter bed availability.

This project was funded by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy’s Innovative Solutions to Homelessness program. The opinions and interpretations provided in the publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.