Concerned? Who to Talk to
All staff and members of the public have the right to be in City spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and safe. If you encounter a person who is experiencing homelessness in the community, it is important to treat them as you would anybody else, with dignity and respect.
If you encounter a situation related to homelessness and would like to contact a City staff member, please refer to the information below to connect with the appropriate City department or staff team.
Requesting Services or Supports
There are a range of teams at the City who may be able to provide support in situations related to homelessness.
I am concerned about someone
Contact the Homelessness Outreach Team:
- To share a concern when an individual may need assistance.
- To request supports or referrals for someone in the community who is experiencing homelessness or may be at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Contact: 604-276-4243 or email homelessness@richmond.ca
I have found a needle
- Contact the City of Richmond Works Yard.
- Vancouver Coastal Health also provides safe needle disposal information.
Contact: 604-270-8721 (24 Hour Public Works Yard Dispatch Line)
I have a concern related to a bylaw infraction
Contact Bylaws if a bylaw infraction has taken place including parking in a no parking zone, improper disposal of garbage, construction of a structure, excessive noise/amplified sound or inappropriate use of gas or propane.
Contact: 604-276-4345 or email bylawrequest@richmond.ca
I need to report a crime
Contact the RCMP non-emergency line if:
- A weapon is found.
- A crime has been committed but no one is currently in danger and the person that committed the crime is no longer at the location.
Contact: 604-278-1212
I need immediate emergency services
Contact emergency services if:
- A person is in medical crisis, injured or seriously unwell (for mental health and RCMP support, request Fox-80 attend; for youth in crisis, request Yankee-30 attend).
- Someone is in immediate danger.
- An individual is acting violently, a weapon is being used or someone is being threatened.
Contact: 9-1-1
Community Conversations
In 2022 and 2023, Richmond residents came together for a series of community conversations about the circumstance of homelessness in Richmond. During these conversations, community members explored the factors that contribute to homelessness, shared hopes for the future and generated ideas about how to create a more connected, inclusive community. For a self-guided exploration about the circumstances surrounding homelessness in Richmond, visit a Community Conversations on Homelessness.
Resources
- Article: Making Eye Contact with People Experiencing Homelessness Is Important (Invisible People)
- Video: Think they don’t notice? Why Eye Contact with People Experiencing Homelessness Matters (Invisible People)