Burnaby RCMP and City Team Secure Housing for Longtime Unhoused Senior

On January 20, 2025, the Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that they, alongside the City of Burnaby’s Intervention Support Team, successfully secured temporary housing for a 71-year-old man who had experienced homelessness for the past 14 years. This significant achievement culminated after a series of outreach efforts initiated late last year.

Outreach Efforts Begin

The Police Mental Health and Outreach Team (PMHOT) first visited an encampment located near the 3600-block of Kensington Avenue on December 9, 2025. The visit followed a report from Metro Vancouver Park Rangers indicating that an unhoused individual might be residing in the area. Upon arrival, officers navigated a challenging and overgrown path to reach the man, who welcomed their presence and expressed his willingness to accept assistance.

During their initial interaction, the man requested time to organize his belongings before moving. Recognizing the need for support, the PMHOT engaged the Intervention Support Team to explore housing options for him. In early January, officers returned to the site, providing the man with a warming kit filled with cold-weather supplies and blankets as they awaited confirmation of housing arrangements.

Successful Housing Arrangement

By January 19, 2025, the Intervention Support Team finalized arrangements for the man to move into temporary housing. Plans for a more permanent solution are also in development. Community Programs Officer Inspector Amanda Harnett expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This is the kind of result our Police Mental Health and Outreach Team continually strives for alongside our partners. We are thrilled that this senior is no longer facing the harshness of winter outdoors.”

Graham de la Gorgendiere, General Manager of Community Safety with the City of Burnaby, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Our strong relationship with the Burnaby RCMP’s Police Mental Health and Outreach Team is crucial in our efforts to assist unhoused individuals in our community. Last year, our Intervention Support Team worked with over 200 individuals and provided numerous referrals for shelter and housing.”

PMHOT plays a vital role in addressing chronic social issues, focusing on safety and establishing partnerships with local mental health and homelessness agencies. In 2025, the team conducted 197 outreach visits to support the city’s most vulnerable populations.

The City of Burnaby’s Intervention Support Team implements a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to homelessness. They facilitate connections for individuals to housing, health services, mental health support, addiction treatment programs, and assistance with obtaining identification cards.

This case exemplifies the impactful collaboration between law enforcement and community services, demonstrating how targeted outreach can effectively change lives and provide much-needed support to those in need.