The Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness was established in January 2005 to address the needs of Burnaby people dealing with the issue of homelessness.

The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness leads local initiatives to END homelessness in Burnaby.

The Task Force is represented by a variety of social services agencies such as the Salvation Army, Progressive Housing Society, BC Housing Lookout Emergency Aid Society, the City of Burnaby, provincial ministries, Fraser Health, RCMP, members of the Faith Community, and concerned citizens.

The four primary areas of focus are

1. Outreach Worker
2. Support Services
3. Extreme Weather
4. Shelter/Housing and Community Awareness.

The Outreach Worker has made over 2000 contacts with people who are dealing with the issue of homelessness. And 2300 contacts with people at risk of homelessness. The Outreach Worker estimates there to be 250 people in Burnaby dealing with the issue of homelessness. The Outreach Worker has assisted 140 people in obtaining housing and supports 11 people permanently placed with BC Housing. Two additional Outreach Workers have recently been hired.

The Outreach Resource Centre was established at the end of November 2006. It provides weekly access to health care, outreach worker, food, donated clothing, and toiletry items It services an average of 65 people per week and has served over 4800 meals.

The Task Force on Homelessness has also opened an Extreme Weather Response. This winter to date the extreme weather shelter has been open for 41 nights. 785 bed nights have been utilized. The numbers of people utilizing this service has tripled since last year.

With respect to enhancing community awareness, The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness has hosted a Burnaby Reaches Out To The Homeless event in accordance with the 2006 Homelessness Awareness Week. October 16-22 was declared Homelessness Awareness Week by Mayor Corrigan.

In 2007 the Burnaby Task Force hosted a North Burnaby Reaches Out To The Homeless event and a Day of Action in support of Homelessness Action Week. Oct 15-21 was declared Homelessness Action Week in Burnaby by Mayor Corrigan.

 

The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness is actively preparing for Homelessness Action Week 2008 Oct 12-19, 2008.

The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness continues to support the work of the Regional Steering Committee On Homelessness. We believe the homeless count is important because it will provide trends and numbers which will help us plan for the future and advocate for change to end homelessness.