Yannick is a 47 year old male, who is a native of Vancouver. He has been homeless for 11 years due to his addiction to crystal meth. He doesn't usually use shelters, but lives by doorways and underground parking lots. He has decided to change his life, and wants to get into recovery in the new year.

She is a 56 year old woman from Toronto but has lived in BC for 50 years. Her biggest challenge is getting food and finding secure shelter.

Tom was born in New Westminster and has lived here his whole life. His biggest challenge is being able to afford food to eat.

Ellie was born in Revelstoke, BC and moved to Vancouver over 20 years ago. Her biggest challenge is people stealing her clothes and having little to wear. She like to take care of herself and look good.

Myke was born and has lived in the lower mainland his whole life. He finds it challenging, trying to keep his head afloat. It's also tough for him to be able to travel to visit his parents in Campbell River and his kids. He likes to help others that are less fortunate than him.

John is 64, originally from Romania. He's been in Canada for 34 years, first to Winnipeg and then the lower mainland. He misses his family very much and finds it challenging that he isn't able to see them as much as he's like to. What helps him the most is his faith in God and Jesus.

Kipp, a 55 year old male is originally from Winnipeg, MB. He loves the west coast and the people. The biggest challenge he faces everyday is to be able to afford food. He feels good knowing that he can volunteer to help his community.

Tim R is 49 years old and originally from East Vancouver, moving back and forth within the region, and currently residing at the Russell. Tim shared that he struggles with pain management and with the pain, he also is challenged by his temper.Tim only requested one thing - he would appreciate receiving a Safeway gift card for Christmas.

Alan D came to Vancouver 30 years ago from Hamilton Ontario. He shared that he lives at home but at 62, he struggles with everything except his faith. He finds encouragement in his faith to get through his difficult times. Alan would appreciate warm footwear-size 11 and a Blue Jean Jacket -size Large.

Roy I is 62 and came to Vancouver from Port Alberni, BC 35 years ago for work. He is currently living at the Russell Housing Centre and has found paying rent and having enough money for rent, food, and warm clothes to be challenging. Roy would really like to receive some thermal underwear (men's size small) and a Safeway Gift Card

Carlos,49, came to Vancouver from Calgary 20 years ago as he heard the weather was better. He lives at the Russell and, because he has a lot of food allergies, he finds it difficult to afford what he can eat. Carlos would like to have a Safeway Gift Card and thermal long underwear (men's size large).

Rick S, 68, moved to Vancouver from Winnipeg when he was three years old. He currently lives at the Russell Housing Centre. Rick shares that paying rent and buying food and supplies is a challenge as he is living on limited income of his OAP (old aged pension). Rick would like to receive a pair of blue jeans (men's size 34, 30 length) and a Save On Foods gift card

Tom B is a 58 year old man originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Vancouver 14 years ago for a fresh start after a hard upbringing and alcohol abuse that saw him spend much of his younger years in prison. He said he did one thing he thought he never could--he quit drinking 14 years ago,! He lived on the street in Vancouver at first but now lives at the Russell for a few years now and he is doing better. He works gathering cans daily to buy food and supplies but is finding it harder on his body. Whatever gifts he receives would make his life better. Tom would like bus tickets and warm foot wear, men's size 9.

Graham C is 65 and moved to Vancouver from London GB 40 Years ago when he came to visit his sister. Graham lives at the Russell and struggles to pay for the essentials of food and supplies. He is most encouraged by meeting good people.

Greg, 62, has lived I Vancouver most of his life but his family. Brought him here from Winnipeg as a toddler. Greg lives at the Russell Centre as he finds financial security is challenging. He is requesting phone card, bus tickets, and a t-shirt (medium size blue or black).

John VL is 60 and comes from Cayuga Ontario. He came to Vancouver 30 years ago for the mountains, fishing, camping, skiing, golf, 10 months of the year. He is in transition housing at Russell as he was challenged with secure housing. John is encouraged by "knowing the difference, sharing the difference, and understanding what matters."

Laurence N,66, came to Vancouver by way of Toronto 35 years ago seeking warmer weather. He finds life most challenging and encouragement when he finds work. Laurence would like cowboy boots (men's size 7) and phone card.

DaveM is 50 years old who came to Vancouver from Montreal 15 years ago after a time in jail due to addiction. Dave lives in Russell Housing Centre since June 2015 and works daily on staying clean and sober with the help and encouragement of his dog Mr Goodboy aka Tiny. Dave would appreciate rain gear and a Walmart gift card.

Jamie Lynn is 52 ands moved here as a child with her family from Edmonton. She finds transportation challenging and great encouragement in kindness and open-mindedness.

Dean is a 50 year old female, born & raised in New Westminster. Her place was recently broken into. They took everything, including her cat, as well as her old laptop that had the only pictures she had of her mom who recently passed away. Her outreach worker helped her by getting her hampers from church, and some bus tickets (hers were also stolen). Her biggest challenge is security.

James is a 44 year old male, originally born from Ontario, but has lived in Vancouver most of his life. He used to do construction work. Food is his biggest challenge. He wants help with food so he & his family can have a good meal for the holidays. His biggest challenge is his brain injury from an accident. Money for food is also a challenge, due to increasing rent.

Zelda is a 63 year old female, originally from Montreal. She has been living in Vancouver for 37 years. She used to be a bookkeeper, and likes to volunteer with animals. Her biggest challenge is making ends meet due to lack of funds & rent increases. Positive thinking helps her feel encouraged.

Eugene is a 32 year old male, originally from Toronto. He came to Vancouver for work. He has a husky, named "Blizzard," who "eats like a horse." He lost his job, and can't find work. He feels worried about his dog, more than anything else.

Jessica is a 19 year old female, originally from Ontario. She moved to BC after an emotional departure from her mother. She moved in with her father, which in turn was not a suitable environment for her. She has a twin sister back home that she misses very much, who still lives with her mother. She doesn't have a way to communicate with her. She's grateful for the support that she has had to get her into a safe house, however, she misses her twin sister, and feels lonely.

Mike is a 24 year old man from London Ontario. He came to Vancouver looking for his Mother. He has yet to find her. He suffers from anxiety and believes he may have OCD, but has not been diagnosed. This has made it very challenging for him to find and keep steady work. He wants to be self sufficient and hopes some day that he can overcome some of these obstacles to better his life.

Brandy is 27 year old woman from Winnipeg. She moved to Vancouver to have a new life. In turn she became addicted to drugs. She suffered an assault which has left her feeling very vulnerable. She tells herself that she has to put one foot in front of the other and move forward. She's taking it one day at a time.

Cory is a 37 year old man from Edmonton Alberta. He moved to BC for work, was laid off, struggled with addiction and ended up on the streets. All his family is in Edmonton so he is feeling lonely at this time of year.

Roberta is a 21 year old woman from Winnipeg. She came to Vancouver with her boyfriend. She did not graduate from high school and has no work experience, so finding work has posed quit as challenge. She shares that it is also scary being a female and having at times to live on the streets. When she has shelter she is very grateful especially for the agencies that have supported her like the lookout society/ Russell.

Lawrence is a 62 year old man from Abbotsford. He has worked hard all his life. He was injured at work and was denied financial support. He was on EI for a short while but now is on welfare. He struggles with understanding how this has happened to him. However, he has had a new found empathy and sees those on welfare under a new lens.

Dennis is a 59 year old man from New Foundland. He is divorced and a single father of a 16 year old son. He has lost everything he had. They have found recently a place to live. He says it is hard starting over with nothing.

Donald, was born and raised in Burnaby BC. He's lived in the lower mainland his whole life (52 years) and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. His biggest challenge is keeping happy .... but the one thing that helps him is his job.

Monica is a 53 Christian and was born in Sapperton, New Westminster. Her biggest challenge in life is being able to afford food.

Krissy F. is a 41 year old woman currently staying at the Russell. She originally came from Winnipeg but she has been living in the Vancouver area for 26 years. Krissy shared with us that she is most encouraged by family and her biggest challenges are money and food. Krissy would really like to receive gifts of white ankle socks and a Safeway gift card.

Chris C is a 48 year old man who moved to Vancouver from Calgary 22 years ago for work. Chris lives at the Russell and is encouraged when he can find work and is challenged to afford food, clothing, etc. He would really appreciate gift cards to help him afford food and clothing.

Kris L is 31 and has lived in Vancouver most of their life but they were born in Prince George. Currently residing in The Russell, Kris is challenged by mental health issues and finds family encouraging. Kris asks for: Whiska Temptatiosn cat treats or Whiskas cat food or a gift card to be able to buy some.

Donald S is 47 years old and has lived in Vancouver most of his life but his family was from Ontario. Donald appreciates living amongst positive people at the Russell. He finds it challenging to afford food and a warm coat & warm boots. Donald's request is for warm footwear, men's size 10 or a warm winter coat size XL (preferred colour black) or food gift cards

Louise B (57) moved to Vancouver 16 years ago as a battered woman with 2 small kids, getting away from her abusive husband in Montreal. She stayed in a shelter most recently and finds it most challenging to find food but she is most encouraged by her kids and grandson. Louise would appreciate: bus tickets or food gift card as her first choices but would like to receive an electric blanket or hat, gloves, scarf. Louise asked to share that she looks forward to this each year and to thank you all so much!

Bob L is a 60 year old man from Cambridge Ontario who has lived in Vancouver for 35 years. Bob came west for work and an easier climate. He lives at the Russell and finds it difficult to supply the basics of food, safe shelter, amend staying well. He is most grateful for staff and friends and a secure home to live in. Bob would like to receive: Safeway Gift Card and thermal underwear black -size medium

Norm is 52 years old from Burnaby who lives at the Russell as he finds secure shelter and affording food most challenging. Norm would appreciate a blanket and pillows to comfort him.

Darryl L is 60 years old and came to Vancouver at age 20, 40 years ago from Nanaimo for the wonderful people here. He is dealing with the boredom of retirement now but enjoys the company of his cat. Darryl would like slippers (size 10, black) and sweat pants (size large) black and sends his thanks.

Sue B. is a 44year old woman who move from Prince Rupert over 20 years ago. She finds it difficult to afford food and transportation and visiting family. She enjoys kids and music and was pleased she could volunteer to volunteer at a walk for Parkinson's this year. Sue would appreciate bus tickets, Walmart gift card, Reader

Jeff C was born locally in Murrayville 39 years ago and has lived in Vancouver for 18 years. He is challenged with transportation and works to maintain feeling good. Jeff would appreciate gifts of warm footwear men's size 9, socks, bus tickets.

Jane is a 57 year old female, originally from Nova Scotia. She was an RN, was married, and had 3 children. While at work, she got a call that her husband & children were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. This resulted into a deep depression, which eventually led to her becoming homeless. Her biggest challenge is breaking the cycle, so she can look for work. She doesn't have clean clothes or shower to find work. She feels encouraged when every once in awhile, she meets a good person.

David is a 60 year old male, born & raised in Burnaby. He used to do carpentry & mining. His biggest challenge is keeping warm. Taking a walk & thinking about things help him feel most encouraged.

James is a 67 year old male, a native of Vancouver. At one point in his life, he supported his ex wife, running a group home. Due to a tragedy, he left that business, and went to work as a territory manager for BASF. During that time, he suffered a brain injury, while at a site visit, and has lived a transient life ever since. He continues to have strokes, and he doesn't know why. But he's very grateful to be in a shelter "that has a health team" to support him. This is his biggest challenge.

Makayla is a 41 year old female, originally from Courtney, BC. She got into the wrong crowd & ended up addicted to drugs. She came to Vancouver to get clean. She has been clean for 4 years, and has gotten her two kids back to her life. My kids are what encourages her. She used to do security work, but has a hard time getting enough hours to support her kids. She wants nothing for herself, and wants gifts for her kids - video games or anything electronic.

Trey is a 52 year old male, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. Everything was "normal" for him until his twin brother died. He usually lives on the streets. His biggest challenge is keeping warm.

Doug is a 65 year old male, originally from Ontario. He is a vet, who served 7 years in the army. His wife was the one who took care of everything, including the bills. When wife died of cancer, he felt lost, and ended up in homeless. He has a daughter, and 2 grandchildren, and is currently looking for affordable housing. His biggest challenge is that he misses his wife everyday. What encourages him are the nice people he's met, his outreach worker, and his grandchildren.

Chris is a 44 year old man, originally from Langley, BC. Chris has struggled for a long time from his addiction with drugs, which in turn has put him in the circumstance he is in today. He struggles to find food everyday, so he collects pop cans to help with his endeavor. He gets sick a lot because there are many times he is unable to find shelter and food, and at times, he finds food in unsavory places. He says, "I just have to tough it out and work towards recovery, and I must find a way."

Kathlene is a 58 year old native of Vancouver. She has suffered much loss as her husband and two children died in a house fire. Her brother was in a vehicle accident leaving him paralyzed. She has beaten cancer twice but it has come back. She is currently on the streets. She says she prays hard everyday and tries to be kind and gentle to all. She struggles to stay positive and strong under so much sadness in her life. Her cha.llenges are staying safe and warm

Shannon is a 37 year old woman from Ontario. She came to Vancouver with her husband and two children. Her husband has since left them and they are being evicted from their place. All her family is in Ontario and they too do not have much. She is scared for the safety and well being of her daughters. She struggles with what they will do and how if at all she can go back to Ontario.

Ken is 68 and from Ontario. He is unable to work due to health issues. He is able to get a pension but it is very little. He has two dogs that are his whole world! It is hard to make ends meet but he tries his best. He would like to give some treats for his pets if at all possible.

Shianne is a 29 year old woman from Ontario. She came to Vancouver to see her Mother and decided to stay. She just had a baby girl but is unable to have her due to mental health issues and no stable housing. She is fighting to change her life and be able to have her daughter be with her. She is the world to her and seeing her encourages her deeply.

Don is from Logan Lake and is 37 years of age. He has lived there most of his life. His girlfriend committed suicide and he found her. It effected him so deeply that he went into a deep depression and subsequently lost his job. He came to Vancouver as there are no shelters in Logan Lake. He is grateful for the counselling he is able to have but struggles with seeing closure and finding peace from it. He would like me to share to those that are considering suicide,please don't do it. Think of the people that love you and how this can destroy them.

Kevin T is 56 and come to Vancouver from St John NB 18 years ago after he lost his kids. He lives at the Russell with his cats and just appreciate living as he finds the basics of affording food tough. Kevin would appreciate a Safeway card, bus tickets, and thermal underwear. (No size specified).

Marnie is a 47 year old woman from BC. She suffers with MS but is a fighter and has yet to require a wheelchair for support. She is a single Mom with two beautiful children Josh 13 years and Jessica 16 years of age who is special needs. She struggles to make ends meet as she is on disability. She dreams of starting a daycare for persons with disabilities and is struggling to obtaining her degree. She is grateful for her family and supports she has received.

Brent has spent the last 11 of his 47 years in Vancover since he moved from Belleville Ontario. Brent is challenged by food and health but encouraged by the love of his wife and family but most importantly his faith in the Lord. He would appreciate long johns, socks, Safeway card, or bus tickets.

Mohamed came to Vancouver 5 years ago to escape the war and torture in Iraq. He has with him his family; his wife and 4 children ( 9,7,4 and 3 months). They live in a one bedroom apartment. Unfortunately the place they live in is infested with bed bugs and they have had to throw out all their furniture. The children have bites all over their bodies and have been teased by other children. Currently they are unable to attend school due to this issue. Mohamed is grateful for the roof over their heads. He wants nothing for himself. He would like something small for his family to brighten their lives even for a little while. He is very grateful for any support he receives.