At Gifted Angels, our mission is simple: to provide hope, dignity, and essential necessities to those who need them most. While we started our outreach in Los Angeles, we knew that homelessness and poverty aren’t limited to one city. That’s why we expanded our efforts to Edmonton, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia, two cities where the challenges of homelessness are just as urgent, yet often overlooked.
Why Edmonton? A City of Harsh Winters and Hidden Struggles
Growing up in Edmonton, I saw firsthand how the freezing temperatures make life unbearable for those without shelter. Unlike in warmer climates, where survival on the streets is difficult but possible, in Edmonton, winter can be deadly.
✔ Extreme cold – Temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower, making frostbite, hypothermia, and exposure life-threatening for the unhoused population.
✔ Limited shelter space – Emergency shelters often reach capacity, leaving many to seek warmth in doorways, transit stations, and tent encampments.
✔ Lack of year-round resources – While support increases in the winter, many struggle with food insecurity, mental health challenges, and lack of access to basic hygiene year-round.
That’s why Gifted Angels brings blessing bags filled with warm clothing, hygiene essentials, and food to those who need them. For many, these small gestures mean survival and hope through Edmonton’s toughest months.
Why Vancouver? The Unseen Crisis Beyond the Skyline
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful and wealthiest cities, yet it also has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. The Downtown Eastside (DTES) and Marine Drive areas are home to thousands of individuals battling poverty, addiction, and mental health issues often with nowhere to turn.
✔ Sky-high cost of living – Vancouver’s real estate market is one of the most expensive in the world, pushing low-income individuals into homelessness.
✔ Mental health and addiction crisis – Many unhoused individuals suffer from mental illness or substance use disorders, with limited access to treatment and long-term housing solutions.
✔ Large senior homeless population – Vancouver has a growing elderly homeless population, many of whom are on fixed incomes but unable to afford rent.
By focusing on Downtown Vancouver and Marine Drive, Gifted Angels reaches those most in need with blessing bags, warm clothing, and hygiene essentials. Beyond just supplies, we offer compassion and human connection, reminding people that they are seen, heard, and valued.
Edmonton & Vancouver: Different Challenges, Same Mission
Though Edmonton and Vancouver face different struggles, they share one heartbreaking reality: too many people are being left behind. Our mission in both cities is to bridge the gap between need and resources, bringing kindness, warmth, and tangible support to the most vulnerable.
How You Can Help
✔ Donate – 100% of all monetary contributions go toward purchasing supplies and food for both cities. You can also donate through our Amazon Charity Wishlist.
✔ Volunteer – Join us in Edmonton or Vancouver to help assemble and distribute blessing bags to those in need.
✔ Spread Awareness – Share our mission on social media, in your community, or at your workplace to help us reach more people.
Gifted Angels is committed to making a difference: one city, one person, and one act of kindness at a time.
