The passing of Trey Helton has left an immense void in the hearts of those who knew him and in the community he so tirelessly served. As the manager of Vancouver’s Overdose Prevention Society (OPS) and a devoted advocate for harm reduction, Trey was much more than a public health worker — he was a beacon of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to his community. His life was a powerful example of how one person, driven by love and empathy, can profoundly change the lives of others.
Trey’s work at OPS, a peer-led organization in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), was deeply rooted in respect and care for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. He didn’t just manage a space; he cultivated a sanctuary. With his loyal companion Zelda, a dog trained to detect and alert staff to drug overdoses, Trey led efforts to save lives on the front lines of the opioid crisis. The duo became a symbol of dedication and hope in a community devastated by loss and often forgotten by the larger public.
But Trey’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of OPS. His compassion didn’t end when the workday did. He frequently went out of his way to check on those in need, offering transportation to detox and treatment centers, visiting people in hospital, or even welcoming individuals into his own home to ensure they had a safe place to rest. He understood that healing and recovery required more than services — it required dignity, humanity, and love.
A true animal lover, Trey also championed the well-being of the many companion animals that are deeply cherished by DTES residents. He recognized that the bond between a person and their pet could be life-sustaining, particularly for those who felt abandoned by society. In response, Trey launched the Dogs of the Downtown Eastside calendar fundraiser, an initiative that not only raised crucial funds for veterinary services, but also celebrated the deep, often unspoken emotional ties between people and their dogs. The project was as much about storytelling as it was about healthcare — it elevated voices, showcased resilience, and honoured the importance of unconditional love.
Through his collaboration with the Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO), Trey further bridged the gap between human and animal care. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trey helped launch an outdoor One Health Clinic in partnership with CVO, offering free access to both veterinary and human health services for those who needed them most. It was an innovative, compassionate, and practical approach — the kind of work that Trey believed in, and the kind of work he made possible.
Trey’s death is a heartbreaking loss not just for his family, friends, and colleagues, but for the entire DTES community. He was a caregiver, a leader, and a fierce advocate for equity and dignity. His kindness rippled outward — reaching people and pets alike — and his vision for a better, more compassionate society continues to inspire those who carry on his work.
As we remember Trey Helton, we hold close the memory of a man who gave his whole heart to others, who never gave up on anyone, and who reminded us that even in the darkest times, there is always room for care, connection, and hope. His impact will live on in every life he touched, in every person and animal he helped, and in every act of compassion inspired by his example.
Trey is deeply missed — by his community, by his colleagues, and by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
