Homeless in the suburbs

A new community group is starting a campaign for more low-cost housing in Maple Ridge to deal with the growing problem of homelessness.

Salvation Army Capt. Kathy Chiu is spearheading the Alouette Home Start Society a newly registered charity that's trying to raise money for affordable housing and transitional housing.

Capt Chiu says there are more and more young people wandering the streets at all hours.

She says they're also bedding down in the city's forested areas because there's no room in the shelters.

"We're full on a regular basis in our 14-bed shelter for men, women and families," she says. "And we have a transitional housing program with 12 beds and its full."

• INTERVIEW: The Early Edition's Rick Cluff speaks with Capt. Kathy Chiu.

Chiu says the face of the problem has changed dramatically, with more women and young families homeless.

And she also notes these are people from Maple Ridge, who should be able to get help in their own community.