Announcement: New Stewards for I’s on the Street (IOTS) Program

2026-03-30

The New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society (NWHCS) is excited to share that Lookout Housing and Health Society, in partnership with Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, has been selected as the new stewards of the I’s on the Street (IOTS) Program.

After reviewing submissions through our Expression of Interest process, this partnership stood out for both the experience it will bring to overseeing the program and its thoughtful approach to growing the program.

Lookout has been part of IOTS for over 15 years, working directly with participants and helping deliver the program on the ground. They bring strong community relationships and a solid understanding of how to oversee the program’s day-to-day operations. Partnering with the Elizabeth Fry Society, which also has experience with the IOTS program, creates opportunities to be more inclusive of women and gender-diverse populations, thereby expanding the program’s reach and impact.

What really stood out is this partnership’s shared commitment to doing this work in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and grounded in real relationships. Their vision keeps the heart of IOTS intact, while also looking ahead to how it can grow — including expanding into other neighbourhoods and building new partnerships over time.

For those less familiar, IOTS was launched by the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition in 2010. The program offers paid, supervised street-cleaning work alongside wraparound supports for people who are unhoused or at risk. It plays an important role in keeping public spaces clean, while also creating low-barrier opportunities for people to build confidence, skills, and connections. It is based on a proven model with over 30 years of success in Metro Vancouver and is designed to serve as a “stepping stone” to regular employment.

Lookout and Elizabeth Fry Society will be working closely with NWHCS over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, with a focus on maintaining consistency for participants and partners.

We are looking forward to seeing where this partnership will take IOTS, and we are grateful to be able to support this transition.