The Powell Street Getaway, a key initiative of Lookout, is a resource center located at 450 E. Hastings Street in Vancouver. Established in 1993 as the LivingRoom, it has evolved into a vital support hub for local people living with mental illness. The Getaway is renowned for its welcoming and safe environment, offering a variety of structured and unstructured peer programs that focus on social and life skills development. These programs aim to enhance the participants’ abilities to improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.

The services and programs at Powell Street Getaway are comprehensive and tailored to meet the needs of its guests. They include a daily nutritious snack program, an overdose prevention site, emergency food and clothing supplies, in-house social activities, structured peer training, pre-employment and internship programs, harm reduction and substance use programs, as well as referrals to local community health supports and outreach support.

Volunteers play an integral role at the Powell Street Getaway. They assist with various activities, ranging from playing card games to helping with meals. The center welcomes both individual volunteers and groups, especially on weekends, to contribute to its mission of providing care and support to those in need.