Nearly two dozen social service programs for the homeless are in danger of shutting down because of a federal funding gap resulting from a bureaucratic snag, says the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

The old federal funding program that supports them ends in March. But the replacement program isn't up and running yet, and won't be for a few more months.

The GVRD's Dan Garrison said that the Supporting Communities Partnership Strategy used to fund the 23 programs, but it has been axed, and the money runs out at the end of March.

Ottawa's new Homelessness Partnering Strategy was established in its place, but it's not clear when it might start funding local groups that help the homeless.

Garrison met with federal officials this week seeking clarification, specifically how the 23 programs apply for funds after their funding is gone in March. But he said he didn't get the answers he was hoping for.

"It is a rapidly approaching deadline and it's still unclear when we'll know when that funding and if that funding will be available for those projects."

Garrison said the GVRD has been assured the projects will be funded later this year, but noted that will be too late, as the money is needed by April.

"If we were to lose these projects it would be a very serious situation. They serve a lot of homeless people."

Among the groups affected are the Aboriginal Mothers' Centre in Vancouver and the Iron Horse Youth Shelter in Maple Ridge.

The GVRD is now hoping other branches of government can help with short-term funding to cover the time until the new program begins.