Understanding Housing & Service Needs for Vulnerable Populations in Quesnel
The City of Quesnel, alongside the Lhtako Dene Nation, Nazko First Nation, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation, and ?Esdilagh First Nation, is facing an increasing housing and service crisis for vulnerable populations. With rising homelessness, mental health and addiction challenges, and a lack of accessible and affordable housing, there is an urgent need for targeted, Indigenous-led, and community-driven solutions.
This Quesnel Service and Housing Options Review, prepared by HelpSeeker Technologies, identifies critical service gaps, unmet housing needs, and strategic recommendations to ensure a sustainable, culturally responsive, and community-based approach to supporting vulnerable populations.
Key Findings: Housing and Support Service Gaps in Quesnel
1. Rising Homelessness and Lack of Housing Options
- Hidden and visible homelessness is increasing, particularly among Indigenous people, youth, and seniors.
- Chronic homelessness is projected to rise by 28% by 2028, with limited emergency and transitional housing options available.
- Extreme core housing need is rising, with many paying over 50% of their income on rent, leaving them vulnerable to eviction and homelessness.
2. Insufficient Mental Health and Addiction Services
- There are no long-term treatment facilities in Quesnel, forcing individuals to seek services elsewhere.
- Overdose prevention sites have been established, but gaps in harm reduction, detox, and rehabilitation persist.
- Limited culturally appropriate mental health care means Indigenous populations struggle to access trauma-informed and land-based healing services.
3. Geographic Barriers Limit Access to Services
- Most services are concentrated in central Quesnel, making them inaccessible to remote and Indigenous communities.
- Lack of reliable public transportation prevents vulnerable individuals from accessing healthcare, housing, and employment services.
4. Systemic Challenges in Coordinating Support Services
- Many organizations operate independently, creating gaps and duplication of services.
- Limited government funding and reliance on non-profits threaten service sustainability.
- High levels of discrimination and stigma prevent marginalized populations from accessing mainstream services.
Projected Housing & Support Needs (2028)
By 2028, Quesnel’s at-risk and unhoused populations will require:
- 450 new affordable housing units, including rent-geared-to-income options.
- 210 permanent supportive housing spaces for individuals with complex needs.
- 200+ additional intensive case management placements for individuals exiting homelessness.
- Increased Indigenous-led housing projects to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in homelessness data.
Strategic Recommendations: Building a Coordinated Housing & Support System
1. Expand Affordable & Supportive Housing
- Develop affordable rental units and transitional housing for low-income individuals, seniors, and Indigenous families.
- Establish Indigenous-led housing initiatives to support culturally appropriate, community-based housing models.
- Increase rental subsidies and homelessness diversion programs to prevent individuals from falling into homelessness.
2. Strengthen Mental Health & Addiction Supports
- Build a long-term addiction treatment and detox facility in Quesnel to reduce dependency on external services.
- Expand low-barrier, harm reduction services for individuals with complex needs.
- Develop peer-led and Indigenous-led mental health programs to increase access to culturally appropriate care.
3. Improve Transportation & Service Access
- Implement mobile outreach services to reach remote and Indigenous communities.
- Expand public transportation routes to connect outlying areas to central services.
- Strengthen coordinated access systems, ensuring individuals receive wraparound supports.
4. Address Workforce Gaps & Economic Barriers
- Recruit and retain mental health and addiction specialists to fill service gaps.
- Expand employment training programs for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
- Create community-driven economic opportunities, including social enterprises and Indigenous-led businesses.
5. Enhance Service Coordination & Funding Models
- Develop a centralized service hub to streamline housing, healthcare, and employment supports.
- Secure sustained funding for housing-first and harm reduction models.
- Strengthen partnerships between First Nations, municipal leaders, and service providers to ensure long-term, community-led solutions.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate & Coordinated Action
The housing and service crisis in Quesnel is at a breaking point, requiring bold, coordinated, and culturally responsive action. By implementing affordable housing expansion, mental health and addiction service improvements, and stronger regional partnerships, Quesnel can:
- Reduce homelessness and housing instability.
- Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable populations.
- Strengthen economic and workforce opportunities for at-risk individuals.
- Build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community.
For a detailed analysis of service gaps, projected housing demand, and policy recommendations, read the full Quesnel Service and Housing Options Review (2023).
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