1. Learn more about the issues

Suspend judgement. Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about the causes and solutions for homelessness. See Homelessness FAQ.

Homeless persons often feel they are invisible – society’s pariahs that are either ignored or reviled by the rest of the community.

So – say “hello”, start a conversation, and treat the person as though they did matter. Be respectful and courteous.

2. Donate clothing

The following items are currently required at the Coquitlam Shelter & Transitional Housing Facility, 3030 Gordon Ave:

• New:
  • Men’s underwear, medium & large
  • Women’s underwear, small, medium & large
• Gently Used:
  • Warm socks
  • Men’s and women’s coats
  • Men’s and women’s gloves
  • Running shoes
  • Belts

If you are able to provide any of the above items, please call the 3030 Gordon Ave. front desk, 24/7 at 604-474-0435, prior to drop-off.

Give to a local food bank. 

3. Volunteer

You can offer time to support the residents of RainCity Housing’s 3030 Gordon Ave. emergency shelter & transitional housing facility?  RainCity welcomes a community presence in the facility to reduce the social isolation of its residents. There are opportunities for community members, businesses and organizations to assist in the operation of the facility and to organize social activities which will help connect shelter and transitional housing residents to the wider community. To find out more, click here.

Do something nice for someone in need – if you see someone experiencing homelessness – buy them a sandwich, give them a smile, have a chat and let them know they can call 211 to get more access to help.

Other opportunities become available from time to time. Please reach out to Polly – Task Group Coordinator at Polly@PollyK.ca

4. Speak up to elected officials

Support local projects that will provide homes for people who need them.

Write a letter to the elected officials that represent your area. Tell them that more housing affordable to low-income households including single persons is essential to reduce or eliminate homelessness.

To contact your Mayor and Councillors:

Coquitlam
E-mail mayor_council@coquitlam.ca
To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Coquitlam website

Port Coquitlam
E-mail citycouncil@portcoquitlam.ca
To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Port Coquitlam website

Port Moody
E-mail council@portmoody.ca
To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Port Moody website

To contact your Provincial MLA:

Coquitlam-Burke Mountain:
Fin Donnelly.  E-mail fin.donnelly.mla@leg.bc.ca  Phone 604 942-5020

Coquitlam-Maillardville:
Selina Robinson.  E-mail selina.robinson.mla@leg.bc.ca  Phone 604 933-2001

Port Coquitlam:
Mike Farnworth.  E-mail mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca  Phone 604 927-2088

Port Moody-Coquitlam:
Rick Glumac.  E-mail: rick.glumac.MLA@leg.bc.ca  Phone 604 936-8709

To contact your Federal MP:

New Westminster–Coquitlam and Port Moody:
Bonita Zarillo.  E-mail Bontia.Zarillo@parl.gc.ca   Phone: 604-664-9229

Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam:
Ron McKinnon. E-mail  Ron.McKinnon@parl.gc.ca Phone: 604-927-1080