Community Residential Facility

Intake & FAQ.
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How to Apply

Individuals currently incarcerated should speak with their institutional parole officer (IPO) for more information about their specific parole needs and Harbour Light’s requirements for admission.

Potential candidates for acceptance are encouraged to take the initiative to contact Harbour Light by mail. This allows you an opportunity to provide additional information to be considered during the screening process, or ask questions about our facility and programs. Please, no phone calls.

How We Screen Candidates
Applications for our CRF are handled collaboratively between Harbour Light, Vancouver Parole, and the institutional parole officers (IPOs).

When referred to Harbour Light, each candidate is screened individually by our CRF staff. The screening process considers, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

  • reintegration potential
  • institutional behaviour
  • community release history
  • mental health (whether any mental health issues can be adequately accommodated)
  • substance abuse
  • criminal history
Tuesday, 11 AM to 1 PM | Thursday, 11 AM to 1 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I take prescription medications. Can I stay at Harbour Light’s CRF?

    Yes, please disclose as much information as possible during your screening, to ensure that we can appropriately support your medical needs. New prescriptions must be provided to staff for CSC approval. Harbour Light’s pharmacy provider will deliver all prescriptions directly to the facility. All medications, including over-the-counter items, must be stored in the med room (exception: urgent use items, like EpiPens, insulin, or nitroglycerin). Medication times are available four times each day. Medication times are firm, and missed doses will be discarded.

  • Do you allow clients who take opiate replacement therapy (ORT) such as methadone or suboxone?

    Clients who are stable on a prescribed opioid agonist therapy (OAT) are welcome in the CRF. If you will be participating in the treatment program, you will need to meet their requirements for OAT dose limits. All OATs are delivered on-site, daily, by our pharmacy provider.

  • What about medical marijuana?

    Harbour Light is also home to a residential addiction treatment program. To support our residents in recovery, we place strict limitations on the use of medical marijuana. CRF clients awaiting the Residential Treatment Program or who are in the Residential Treatment Program are not permitted to use any form of cannabinoid except for nabilone (Cesamet). The use of any cannabinoids must be prescribed by a physician. The only forms of cannabinoid medication that can be stored in the CRF’s medication room are nabilone (Cesmaet) and Sativex spray. All other forms of cannabinoids must be stored outside the CRF and consumed at least one street block from the CRF. Clients are not permitted to re-enter the CRF presenting with an odour of marijuana, so the use of smokable forms of marijuana is discouraged.

  • How do I get to Harbour Light on public transit?

    We are very centrally located for transit riders. Please use Translink’s trip planning tools to find your best route.

    • Bus: the 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22, 50, and many other buses stop within 1-3 blocks of Harbour Light.
    • Canada Line, Skytrain, or Seabus: we are a 10 minute walk from Waterfront station.
    • Skytrain: we are a 10 minute walk from Stadium-Chinatown, and Main Street-Science World stations.

  • I have a disability or chronic health condition. Is Harbour Light’s CRF accessible?

    Admission is at the discretion of program staff, so please speak to our intake counsellor (for treatment) or to your Parole Officer (for CRF) to discuss your specific needs. This will allow us to work together to explore possible accommodations or adaptations. Generally speaking, clients must be capable of participating fully and independently in our programs. Our facilities are not currently able to accommodate clients who cannot use stairs.

  • Can I use my cell phone?

    Cell phone use is determined individually, based on your release conditions.

  • What kind of amenities do your facilities have?

    Residents in the CRF reside in one of our 32 single rooms or 9 double occupancy rooms. Basic furniture is provided, and most rooms have access to cable TV.

    On evenings and weekends, residents can relax in our rooftop garden, with a designated smoking area. Our recreation room includes cable TV, DVD player, pool table, and table tennis. The library is well stocked with fiction and non-fiction books, and a large collection of board games. Recreational activities, including baseball, hikes, men’s camp, and other outings are offered regularly by our in-house Chaplains. Harbour Light’s Learning Centre offers educational opportunities in literacy, computer skills, life skills, and other areas.

    Three meals are served daily, with snacks in the evening. Laundry machines are freely available on site, and linens are exchanged once weekly.

  • Can I have visitors?

    Yes! Please refer to our Family & Friends page for details on Visiting Hours.

  • What’s the daily schedule like?

    The daily schedule is subject to change for program or operational needs. Generally, residents can expect the following core schedule:

    • 6:50 a.m. – Breakfast
    • 8:00 a.m. (Mon-Fri) or 8:15 a.m. (Sat-Sun) – Morning medication
    • 9:45 a.m. – Brunch (Sat/Sun) or 12:00 p.m. – Lunch (Mon-Fri)
    • 12:30 p.m. – Noon medication
    • 1:30 p.m. – Snack (Sat/Sun)
    • 4:50 p.m. – Dinner (daily)
    • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Daily Check-In
    • 6:45 p.m. – Evening medication
    • 9:00 p.m. – Snack
    • 9:45 p.m. – Bedtime • 12:00 a.m. – House curfew and client count

    House Counts are also conducted three times during the day, and twice more overnight after the count at curfew. Medications are available at four scheduled times each day.

  • What are the rooms like?

    Basic furniture is provided (bed, desk, wardrobe, chair and lamp) and you are expected to look after these items. Bedding and blankets will be provided. You may put up (tasteful!) pictures or posters as long as they don’t damage the paint or walls. Rooms on the 4th floor may have small TVs.

    It is your responsibility to keep your room clean and tidy, including making your bed and emptying the garbage daily. Cleaning materials are provided. Rooms are inspected regularly, without notice.

  • Is there a dress code?

    Yes, but it’s quite simple! You must wear shoes at all times. No sandals or flip flops in the kitchen, dining rooms, or chapel at any time. No sunglasses, hats, or sleeveless shirts indoors, except on dorm floors. No clothing with images/text referring to drugs, alcohol, violence, or sexual content.

  • Is there a curfew?

    Yes – generally speaking, house curfew is 12:00 a.m. (midnight) every night; however, each individual’s curfew is established by their Parole Officer according to their release plan. Curfew lasts overnight until 7:00 a.m. Exceptions for late curfew or early departure only with authorization of Parole Officer.

  • Can I use drugs and alcohol if I don’t have an abstain condition?

    Harbour Light has a zero tolerance policy towards the use of alcohol or drugs and or the distribution of alcohol and drugs on the premises. If you do not have an abstain condition and plan to consume alcohol and/or other substances, you are not to return to the facility inebriated at any time or otherwise presenting with detectable signs of substance use (e.g., smelling of drugs or alcohol). This is a simple way to show respect to your fellow residents in the Residential Treatment program, other clients in recovery and your hosts, The Salvation Army.

  • Can I do my own laundry?

    Yes, your personal laundry is your responsibility. The laundry room is open daily, except during quiet hours. Detergent is provided, and the machines are free to use. Harbour Light is not responsible for lost or stolen clothing so be mindful of the clothing you leave in the machine. We will provide you with basic linens (sheets, pillow cases, towels). You can exchange them once a week.