Burnaby RCMP, working with the Metropolis of Burnaby, have helped a 71-year-old man who had been homeless for greater than a decade transfer into short-term housing.
In a launch Friday, police mentioned officers with the RCMP’s Police Psychological Well being and Outreach Staff first realized of the person in December after Metro Vancouver park rangers reported somebody residing in an encampment close to Kensington Avenue.
Officers visited the positioning on Dec. 9 and located the person residing alone in a closely overgrown space that was tough to entry.
Police mentioned he was receptive to provides of assist and requested for time to prepare his belongings earlier than leaving the encampment.
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Following the go to, RCMP engaged the Metropolis of Burnaby’s Intervention Help Staff to assist discover housing.
Officers returned to the positioning in early January, offering the person with a warming package that included cold-weather provides and blankets to assist him whereas preparations for his transfer had been being finalized.
On Jan. 19, the person moved into short-term housing, with longer-term housing plans now being explored.
“We’re so blissful this senior is not out within the chilly,” mentioned Insp. Amanda Harnett, a group applications officer with Burnaby RCMP.
Metropolis officers say collaboration between police and outreach employees is essential to supporting unhoused residents.
“Our sturdy relationship with Burnaby RCMP is an extremely necessary a part of the work we do,” mentioned Graham de la Gorgendiere, Burnaby’s common supervisor of group security.
He mentioned town’s Intervention Help Staff labored with greater than 200 individuals final yr and supplied dozens of referrals to shelters and housing.
Burnaby RCMP say their outreach crew carried out 197 visits in 2025 to assist susceptible and unhoused residents, working alongside group companions to attach individuals with housing, well being care and different helps.
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