Community First knows that providing housing is crucial to solving homelessness, and we're committed to taking action.
That's why we're excited to announce New Westminster was chosen to host a site designed to help homeless people off the streets and into their own homes.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from New Westminster residents that they want to see solutions to homelessness, with governments working together, not making excuses or pointing fingers,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “I am glad we are able to work with the province to bring this successful model to New Westminster and get people on the path to secure permanent housing”.
The HEART & HEARTH program is a partnership between the provincial Ministry of Housing and BC Housing. It was announced on February 9, 2026, that New Westminster was chosen as a HEART & HEARTH community, and on February 23, BC Housing provided details of the "Tiny Home Village" planned to open later in 2026 in the West End.
Alongside funding to transition the current downtown shelter to a 24/7 service, this tiny home village model of transitional housing means 30 spaces of wrap-around supportive housing following a model proven effective in cities such as Duncan and Kelowna.
“It's innovative, it's a fast fix, and it's a housing first model that works,” said Johnstone. “When we build homes for unhoused people, it's good for the entire community.”
The tiny home village will be funded by BC Housing with support for the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund.
The additional 30 homes brings the total of supportive and non-market housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness announced or under construction to 180.
“It was a tough Provincial Budget when it comes to affordable housing investments. I’m proud that we were able to secure investment in affordable and supportive housing in New Westminster. We demonstrated the need, and a commitment to getting the work done for our community,” said Johnstone.