Community Livability

A thriving community is one where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Community Livability brings together practical supports and community-based initiatives to address well-being barriers, strengthen individual and family stability, and create more accessible opportunities for all residents. By working collaboratively to respond to community needs, providing support during times of vulnerability, and connecting people with the resources they need to move forward, we are building a healthier, safer, and more resilient community. Investing in the well-being of those who face the greatest barriers benefits not only individuals and families, but the entire community.

Understanding housing with wraparound supports

The City of New Westminster, as part of a Health Canada Emergency Treatment Fund grant, retained a consultant to produce a narrated and animated video on supportive housing and its many benefits to those being housed and the larger community. We welcome you to view the video and to share the link, and to engage in a discussion on this housing form with your family members, friends and neighbours. The views expressed are not necessarily reflective of Health Canada's views.

Crises Response Program

Like many municipalities in Metro Vancouver, the City of New Westminster is trying to find compassionate, innovative, and goal-driven ways to address the following crises: homelessness, mental health, and substance use. The goal of the Crises Response Program, is to advance proactive, resilient, and strategic organizational approaches to be used long-term. It prioritizes safety and well-being, and being proactive and responsive. This work is guided by principles of preventing further harm to those experiencing any of the three crises.

One number to call: Community support line

The One Number to Call: Community Support Line (604-527-4502) is the phone number to use to get in touch with the various components of the Crises Response Project, including the community liaison team as well as the homelessness services team. This number is operational 24/7. 

Community liaison officer team

The community liaison team members assist with the impacts from the three crises, such as helping clear blocked doorways or sidewalks, addressing open substance use and drug paraphernalia, responding to behavioral concerns and tents in public places, among other related concerns. They also provide education on local regulations and encourage voluntary compliance. 

To connect with Community Liaison Officers, please call the One Number to Call: Community Support Line at 604-527-4502. This number is operational 24/7. The call-taker may ask you to provide the following information:

  • Your name and your phone number.
  • An address.
  • The reason for the call (e.g., you see a tent/structure in the community).
  • Whether police and/or fire has been notified.
  • Any other relevant details.
  • You can also email crisesresponse@newwestcity.ca. Emails are monitored from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

Learn more about the community liaison team.

Homelessness services team

The Homelessness Services team provides assistance, support and referral services to those experiencing the three crises.

Through relationship building and trust, they make connections and suggestions related to resources that may be applicable to someone's situation, including food and meal programming, health services, identification retrieval, and shelter and supportive housing.

The Homelessness Services Team operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. They do not operate during holidays.

Social planning

Learn more about the City's policies related to social planning.

Healthier communities partnership

The Healthier Community Partnership Committee is a health promotion initiative to encourage the community to eat well, be active, and live tobacco-free. Learn more about the healthier community partnership. 

Where to donate clothing and items in New Westminster

These organizations that serve New Westminster residents and have drop-off locations within the city are currently accepting donations. Items accepted may change depending on the time of year and other factors. Please contact these organizations directly if you would like to donate clothing or other items.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (women's clothing and items)

  • Drop off: Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (drop-off at reception)
  • Address: EFry Maida Duncan Drop-In Centre 402 E. Columbia Street (basement)
  • Phone: 604-523-6749
  • Email: maida.duncandropin@efry.com

Fraserside Community Services (variety of household items)

  • Drop off: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Address: 2nd Floor 519 Seventh Street
  • Phone: 604-522-3722
  • Email: info@fraserside.bc.ca

Lookout Housing and Health Society (new clothing, personal care items, and small household items)

Lower Mainland Purpose Society (clean and gently-used seasonal clothes)

  • Drop off: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm
  • Address: 40 Begbie Street
  • Phone: 604-526-2522
  • Email: mail@purposesociety.org

Monarch Place (WINGS) (good condition clothing, small household items)

Spirit of the Children (seasonal clothing)

  • Drop off: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Address: 768 Columbia Street
  • Phone: 604-524-9113
  • Email: reception@sotcs.ca