The City of New Westminster (City) is seeking to retain a non-profit organization with extensive experience in outreach and substance use, particularly as it relates to precariously and unhoused individuals. The contract would be for two years, and the City is seeking a single Contractor.

In September 2024, the City launched its Crises Response Pilot Project (CRPP). This is an evidence-based, two-year pilot project dedicated to addressing the concurrent and inter-related crises of substance use, mental health and homelessness. The CRPP involves three inter-departmental staff teams: the Crises Response Team, the Operations Support Team, and the Policy and Advocacy Team. The Crises Response Team includes active, non-clinical outreach and referral services to directly assist those experiencing substance use, mental health and homelessness issues. Through relationship building and trust, the team makes appropriate referrals to faith-based, non-profit and provincial organizations and services mandated to address the three crises.