Looking for a way to help or support persons who are homeless?  Here are some simple suggestions:

1.	Suspend judgement.  Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about the causes and solutions for homelessness.  See Homelessness FAQ
2.	Homeless persons often feel they are invisible - society’s pariahs that are either ignored or reviled by the rest of the community.  So – say “hello”, start a conversation, treat the person as though they did matter.  Be respectful and courteous.
3.	Donate supplies to make life a bit more comfortable and restore some dignity.  The following items are typically required: - canned food with pull-top lids - clean new or used clothing for men and women - socks - underwear - footwear for men and women, including steel-toed boots - medicated skin lotion in small containers To learn what is currently needed and to donate supplies, contact: - Lisa Batista, Outreach Coordinator - Hope for Freedom Society, 604-830-1528 or hffoa@hopeforfreedom.org; - Michael Sims - Northside Foursquare Church, 604-942-7711 or foodbank@northsidechurch.ca - Joyce Lissimore, Volunteer Coordinator, Trinity United Church, 604-612-0778, lissimore@telus.net
4.	Volunteer your time and skills – contact local organizations and ask how you can help. See Tri-Cities Services
5.	Donate funds to local organizations that are making a difference. To learn how, click here
6.	Give to a local food bank.  See Tri-Cities Services.
7.	Support local projects that will provide homes for people who need them.  Current projects in the planning stage include a Tri-Cities permanent homeless shelter and transitional housing facility at 3030 Gordon Ave. in Coquitlam.  Write, phone or e-mail the Coquitlam mayor and councillors to express your support for this facility.
8.	Write a letter to the elected officials that represent your area.  Tell them that more housing affordable to low income households including single persons is essential to reduce or eliminate homelessness.

   To contact your mayor and councillors:

Coquitlam E-mail mayor_council@coquitlam.ca  To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Coquitlam website Port Coquitlam E-mail citycouncil@portcoquitlam.ca  To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Port Coquitlam website Port Moody E-mail council@cityofportmoody.com.  To contact individual councillors, refer to City of Port Moody website

    To contact your local MLA:

    To contact your local MP:

New Westminster–Coquitlam and Port Moody: Fin Donnelly.  E-mail Donnelly.F@parl.gc.ca  Phone: 604 664-9229 Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam: Hon. James Moore.  E-mail Moore.J@parl.gc.ca  Phone 604 937-5650