The Salvation Army Victoria Adult Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) has added 13 new emergency shelter beds to their current stock through a partnership with the City of Victoria.
The new beds are being funded by a two-year partnership running until March 31st, 2028.
According to the organization, the new beds will be overseen by the recently launched Short-Term Engagement Program (STEP). This program is a recovery-oriented model aimed at providing unhoused Victorians immediate and safe shelter while connecting them to longer-term housing solutions.
STEP participants will have access to support staff who will aid them with accessing long-term housing, pursuing recovery options and connecting with specialized services to help break the cycle of homelessness.
“This expansion means 13 more people in our city won’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep tonight or where their next meal will come from—they’ll be welcomed into a dignified space with the support they need to move forward. A sober-living environment makes all the difference,” said Jonathan Hopkins, executive director, Victoria ARC, The Salvation Army.
“Getting sober is literally a life-or-death struggle, and our commitment is to make the ARC a refuge—a place where people can remove themselves from constant triggers and be surrounded by a community working toward the same goals.”
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto echoed Hopkins’ sentiment, stating that the emergency shelter bed expansion was much needed and supports building sustainable new paths forward for unhoused Victorians.
“This initiative, focusing on safety, stability and pathways to housing, aligns with the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, and is funded by Council’s initial $10.35 million investment in the plan,” said Alto.
With these new beds, Salvation Army ARC’s total emergency shelter capacity has been increased from 53 to 66 beds.
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