Shelter program running at more than 90% capacity

As the temperature drops, space becomes scarce at Coquitlam’s temporary winter shelter program.

The 20-bed overnight homeless shelter is generally running at 90 or 95 percent capacity, according to shelter manager Jade Haughian.

“We’re sitting usually with one, maybe two beds open,” she said.

However, as overnight temperatures dip to freezing, demand is increasing, she added.

There have been a few nights where homeless people were turned away. In those instances, outreach staff at Progressive Housing Society generally offer up hot chocolate, food and a blanket, “so that we still can provide some assistance,” Haughian said.

The shelter program rotates between participating churches over the winter. With a new location in February, the program might be able to add five contingency beds.

The community has largely been supportive of the program, Haughian said, describing the response in the Tri-Cities as, “welcoming and inclusive.”

“I’m so grateful that we are in this position that we can all work together to support people in accessing the services and supports that they want to,” she said. “Right now we have more donations than we have room for.”

However, besides perpetually-needed items like fresh fruit, there’s recently been an uptick in requests for suitcases.

“People are asking for suitcases because I think they’re stocking up.”

Coquitlam first approved the program in 2007.

Visitors to temporary shelters are driven to the church at around 8 p.m. and spend the night. Walk-ups are not permitted.