Being unhoused is a situation no one wants to find themselves in. Securing adequate shelter, food, and sanitation facilities for unhoused residents of New Westminster is key for ensuring personal dignity, hygiene and public safety—and good news on that front came at the January 12, 2026 city council meeting.

As BC Housing announced at the meeting, the Purpose Society’s shelter in the old Army & Navy space on Columbia is shifting from night-only to 24/7 operation. This expansion means that up to 50 people will now have consistent, 24/7 access to a safe place to sleep, eat, access care, and store their possessions. Residents will have a secure space to gather that is warm, dry, and safe. 

BC Housing is also partnering with the City of New West on a new model of community engagement, centered around a Neighbourhood Inclusion Table where neighbours, business operators, and other stakeholders can work together to address any concerns related to shelter operation. Community First is looking ahead to expanding this model to other community resources, with support from BC Housing and Fraser Health.

The temporary use of the Army & Navy building as a 24/7 shelter is a partnership between the city, Purpose Society, and the province. The space addresses an important part of the housing continuum—allowing people to move from homelessness to permanent and safe housing that meets their needs. It is part of the city’s Crises Response Project that includes a longer-term plan to build 58 permanent and purpose-built 24/7 shelter beds with support services in a different location.