FAQs

An emergency shelter provides temporary accommodation in the form of mats or beds to individuals who are unsheltered. It can take several forms, including an Extreme Weather Response Program shelter, which is operational from November 1 to March 31 and is activated during extreme weather events, such as periods of sub-zero temperatures, or an Emergency Response Centre shelter, which is operational 24/7, often provides support services, typically makes beds available as opposed to mats, and may offer additional amenities such as meals and shower facilities.

Based on the 2020 Homeless Count, 52 unsheltered and 71 sheltered homeless people were identified in New Westminster, for a total of 123 homeless people. In September 2021, City staff reached out to local service providers that have a mandate to address homelessness and asked them to provide an update on the estimated number of unsheltered homeless people in New Westminster. Based on the responses received, it is estimated that the unsheltered homeless population is now in the hundreds, and likely three to four times the pre-pandemic number.

BC Housing will fund the operation of the emergency shelter, and the Lower Mainland Purpose Society will operate it. Purpose Society was established in 1983 and is headquartered in New Westminster. It has over 100 employees, and operates a variety of educational, health, and social services. In New Westminster, it operates the Health Contact Centre, which includes an overdose prevention site; a Mobile Health Van; a Rent Bank Program; and the WINS Local Immigration Partnership Council.

The City is committed to addressing homelessness and working towards longer-term strategies in response to this issue. The City, in partnership with the senior levels of government, is proposing to develop 110 units of new supportive and non-market housing, which will provide affordable and secure accommodation to those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. This housing, if approved, will take 18-months or longer to achieve occupancy. In the interim, new emergency shelter mats/beds will enable people to come inside, particularly with the onset of winter, and access services and supports. This will reduce business and resident concerns regarding homeless encampments, and human waste and litter, which are often associated with a lack of shelter.