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Emergency Shelter

Several sleeping rooms are clustered around a comfortable common area. Up to twenty beds can be made available, depending on the need. As well as a safe, clean and warm place to sleep, the shelter provides supper, breakfast, showers, and laundry. The maximum stay is three days, unless special arrangements are made. No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed in the building. Many who stay in the shelter go on to take part in the counselling services and training programs offered by the Salvation Army.
 

24/7 Shelter - September 2, 2008

September 2, 2008 marked the first day of a new era at the Centre of Hope in Abbotsford. The local Salvation Army, in partnership with BC Housing, moved forward with this new model of support and advocacy while still maintaining an emergency component to its existing shelter. Some immediate changes were the presence of two additional case workers, an activities coordinator, a full-time counselor, and a full-time parish nurse, as well as many program changes and additions.

A full hot breakfast is offered seven days a week.  (Saturday breakfast is for shelter guests only. On Sundays, everyone is welcome to brunch at 10:30 a.m.) Opening day saw 70 guests enjoying a warm meal and signing up to access the services available to them. An ample noon meal prepared by our cook is also available seven days a week, now including statutory holidays. (Saturday lunch is for shelter guests only and Sunday is brunch at 10:30, everyone welcome)

Immediate needs that can be met include: hot showers, meals, clothing and furniture needs, laundry facilities (which will be up-graded to commercial units shortly), medical attention and referral if necessary. Case workers and Outreach workers will be on hand and available to provide advocacy and support and establish personal development plans tailored to each individual. Everything from getting I.D.’s replaced to writing resumes, from getting people into treatment centres and getting them the counsel they need, to re-locating family members and housing the homeless – it’s all in a day’s work at The Salvation Army.   

The program component will include such things as the addition of a small library, a computer for client use, art classes, cooking classes, recreational activities, a gardening mentorship program, and field trips, while continuing to provide the programs already in place such as Supportive Independent Living program, counseling,  and many others.

We believe that a safe environment where our clients can remain throughout the day will make a significant difference in their lives and in our community, and that we will truly be a Centre of Hope in Abbotsford. Should you have any further questions or you are interested in a tour of the facility please fell free to contact Deb Lowell by email deb.lowell@shawcable.com.