Organization
Dans la Rue
Location
Mobile unit with 4 stops
Extant
Yes
Who is it designed for?
Dans La Rue is a charitable organization that takes a multifaceted approach to providing support to young people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. Made up of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and volunteers, Dans la Rue provides a number of services which includes mobile outreach, overnight emergency shelter, a day center, family services, workshops, and even permanent supportive housing for 15 young people and two families.
The organization’s mobile support service, also known as “the Van” provides a safe warm space for homeless youth to take a break from the street. Operating five nights a week and making four regular stops, the Van provides homeless and at-risk youth meals and bags of non-perishable food, donations of warm clothing and basic necessities, and someone to talk to who can provide connections to further resources.
Background
Dan la Rue was founded in 1988 by Father Emmet Johns, also known as “Pops” when he bought a used motorhome to help youth on the street. The Van was replaced and upgraded numerous times throughout the 1990s. The current Van, which is a repurposed bus, is the fifth replacement and was acquired in 2005 with the help of several partners.
Description of space
The Van serves approximately 200-300 people a night and is staffed by 4-6 volunteers. A window located towards the back of the vehicle is used to distribute hotdogs, beverages, hygiene supplies, and clothing. All are welcome to access the service window, regardless of age.
The interior of the van serves as a temporary drop-in space for youth 25 years of age and under, where they can access support and referrals. Wooden benches line both sides of the interior space, providing a safe and warm space to take a break. A food preparation station equipped with microwaves is set up in the back of the Van, which is used to distribute approximately 600 hotdogs a night. Finally, overhead compartments are used to store hygiene products, clothing, food, and other supplies
- Care from the window
- Scheduled map of the van's stops
- Clear visual identity
- Inside care for adults under 25 only
- Free hot dogs
- Sanitary products and basic necessities
- Support, guidance, someone to listen
- Clothing distribution
- Care providers reference list
- Safe and warm break from the street
- Limited windows for privacy
How does it work?
Often the first point of contact between youth and the organization, the Van represents an important first step in building trust with youth that are homeless or at-risk. In addition to outreach, the Van provides essential resources such as food, hygiene products, and clothing during the evening hours, when other services are closed for the day. Finally, mobile spaces of care can be more versatile and responsive to community needs because it brings the services to people who need it. The organization reviews its stops regularly to ensure that they are locating their services in areas of need.
Is this space initially designed for care?
The Van is a repurposed bus, adapted to be a space of refuge as well as a place for food preparation and distribution. The interior has been renovated with seating to serve as a temporary drop-in space for youth and a food preparation station was built to distribute food.
How is the 24hr cycle considered in the design of the space?
The Van operates five nights a week except Tuesdays and Saturday from 8:15pm-12:15am.
Is the space publicly accessible?
Yes. Anyone in need can access the Van’s services through the exterior window. Interior space is reserved for youth aged 25 and younger.
References
Chantal Bessette et Isabelle Brisson, interview by Cara Chellew and Alexandre Néron, October 25, 2023.
“A Night on the New Van,” Dans la rue, June 21, 2022. https://danslarue.org/en/news/van/a-night-on-the-new-van/.
"DANS LA RUE : Beau Temps, Mauvais Temps," Youtube, January 14, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ku5_7YqFAs.
“Find the Van,” Dans la rue, July 8, 2024. http://danslarue.org/en/where-to-find-help/the-van/.