Community Outreach Program

An outreach worker connects individuals age 19 and over who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or difficult to house with support services. Outreach workers meet with individuals where they are - on the street, in a shelter, or in a temporary place - to determine housing needs, and provide referrals to services to meet immediate needs such as emergency shelter, food, clothing, and blankets. Also provides help with obtaining identification and income assistance. Connects individuals to housing options by providing support with the application, move-in process, appointments and/or housing viewings, and liaison with landlords; rent subsidies may be available to support this process. Provides links to culturally appropriate services, as well as referrals to other support such as health care, counselling, and addiction recovery services. Works with a homeless prevention worker who looks for ways to prevent homelessness for people who are at risk of losing their homes because of poverty, special needs, addictions, or mental illness. Focus is on people of Indigenous descent, women who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence, youth transitioning out of foster care, and individuals leaving the correctional or hospital systems. Serves Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Outreach and office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Sunday to Saturday; closed on statutory holidays. Funded by BC Housing as a Homeless Outreach and Homeless Prevention Program (HOPP).