Outreach New Westminster

Provides outreach to individuals age 19 and over (youth age 18 and younger may also be eligible) who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or difficult to house. 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 and food. Whether housed or not, outreach works with each individual to ensure they receive necessary supports; offering warm drinks or cold water, harm reduction supplies, socks 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. Serves Burnaby, Coquitlam, and New Westminster. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday. Funded by BC Housing.