A group that helps the Tri-Cities’ unhoused population is losing its leader.
Polly Krier, an Anmore village councillor, is winding down in her role as coordinator of the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group.
The group meets next month and will talk about a recruitment drive, said Claire MacLean, CEO of SHARE Family and Community Services.
"Polly’s departure is a real loss for the task group and the community," MacLean told the Tri-City News.
"She has worked tirelessly to bring together all different members of the community — from elected officials to non-profit providers, faith-based groups and concerned citizens. She has been steadfast in her support of our unhoused community members, and we are very appreciative for everything she has contributed."
The management change comes after a particularly tough year for the organization.
Its two co-chairs, Keir MacDonald and Cristina Pereira, resigned in the spring; it hasn't found a replacement for Port Moody's Kyle Centre to set up an Emergency Winter Response shelter; and the shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave., run by RainCity Housing, has come under increasing political pressure for its operations and the encampment outside of the Coquitlam facility.
Winter shelter
Meanwhile, the winter shelter — previously known as the cold/wet weather mat program — opened on Sunday, Dec. 1, to offer overnight stays to the unhoused.
According to a report that went before Coquitlam city council last month, the lack of Emergency Winter Response shelter for this season “will likely increase demand on the winter shelter program,” wrote Andrew Merrill, Coquitlam’s general manager of planning and development.
Run by the Progressive Housing Society, the 2024–25 winter shelters funded by BC Housing are at:
- Trinity United Church (2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam)
- December 2024
- January 2025
- St. Laurence Anglican Church (825 St. Laurence St., Coquitlam)
- February 2025
- Coquitlam Alliance Church (2601 Spuraway Ave., Coquitlam)
- March 2025
The winter shelter program operates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily, with no walk-ins allowed. Up to 30 people can be hosted each night.
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