What is being done to meet the needs of homeless persons in the Tri-Cities?
For some of the services currently available to homeless persons in the Tri-Cities, see Tri-Cities Services. The Cold Wet Weather Mat Program is again available to homeless persons over the 2008/09 winter, operating nightly from November 1st 2008 – March 31st 2009. This is a basic program which provides a mat and blankets overnight in a host church facility, with an evening meal prior and a breakfast and bag lunch the following morning. Through contact with Hope For Freedom outreach workers, the program does provide an opportunity for homeless persons to be connected with services and resources currently available in the Tri-Cities and beyond. Planning is currently underway for a 24 hour/day, full service permanent emergency shelter and transitional housing facility at 3030 Gordon Ave. in Coquitlam. This facility will have 24 – 36 shelter beds and 25 transitional housing units. The target date for opening is early 2011.
