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

The City forms partnerships to provide subsidized housing for very low income individuals and families.  A shelter and transitional housing facility is provided at 3030 Gordon Street for people who are homeless in the Tri-Cities.

3030 Gordon Avenue

Council provided and rezoned City-owned land at 3030 Gordon Avenue for an emergency shelter and transitional housing facility that opened in 2015 to serve the Tri-Cities. Project partners included the City of Coquitlam, BC Housing, City Spaces Consulting, DYS Architects, and RainCity Housing Society (operator).  

Thirty emergency shelter beds and 30 transitional (short stay) housing units and associated support services are provided onsite. The building can also provide shelter space for an additional 30 individuals during periods of extreme weather alerts.