Homelessness and Emergency Programs

Addressing housing needs across the housing continuum includes providing housing and services for persons with very low income who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The true number of people experiencing homelessness in Coquitlam cannot be easily determined. Many people experiencing homelessness do not appear in available statistics such as the Tri-Cities annual homeless count and shelter data. Available data suggest that a minimum of 86 people experienced homelessness in the Tri-Cities in 2020. This number may be higher, and has been estimated at upwards of 140 people experiencing absolute homelessness.

The City supports residents experiencing homelessness by:

  • Providing partnership assistance to support subsidized housing for very low income individuals and families
  • Supporting the winter shelter program in local churches
  • Implementing Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strengthening Communities' Services Funding to support local outreach programs and mental health support, as well as staff¬ training
  • Providing funding for the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group