We hope you’ll find these answers to some frequently asked questions helpful. You can also find more FAQs for our treatment program and community residential facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all your programs abstinence-based?
Clients in active addiction are welcome in our shelters and community meals, but cannot use drugs or alcohol inside our facilities. We believe in recovery, and our detox, addiction treatment program, CRF, and housing programs are recovery-focused and abstinence-based.
Do you offer harm reduction supplies?
Our staff are trained to administer naloxone (narcan), and we maintain naloxone kits in all our first aid kits. Other harm reduction supplies are available in our immediate neighbourhood at a number of other community services.
Am I welcome at Harbour Light?
The Salvation Army does not discriminate in the delivery of our community and social services. Anyone who comes to The Salvation Army will receive assistance based solely on their need and our capacity to help, regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or religion. We uphold the dignity of all people, believing that all are equal in the eyes of God, and firmly oppose the mistreatment of any person.
Do I have to be a Christian to come to Harbour Light? I follow a faith or spiritual practice other than Christianity. What if I am an atheist or agnostic?
Our staff, volunteers, and clients come from a variety of beliefs, faiths, and spiritual practices. Our addiction services are rooted in the 12-step tradition, which does include personal exploration of a Higher Power; however, this is a deeply individual concept that does not require a specific religious belief.
My gender identity is trans or non-binary.
How an individual self-identifies is a principal consideration in determining which programs are available to them. Some of our programs are for male-identifying clients only. In our co-ed programs, our bathrooms and sleeping areas are single-gender.
Can clients smoke at Harbour Light?
Use of nicotine cigarettes and e-cigarettes is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas only. No smoking of any kind in client rooms. Clients are reminded to be good neighbours if smoking or vaping in the community – staying at least six (6) metres away from doors and windows, and not littering. If you’re ready to quit smoking, support and cessation aids are available.
What kind of amenities are in the neighbourhood?
– Vancouver Public Library – nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona and Carnegie branches
– Carnegie Community Centre
– Army & Navy department store
– International Village mall
– Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas
There are many more service providers, shops, restaurants, and other businesses in our surrounding neighbourhoods. Find out more from our local Business Improvement Areas:
– Hastings Crossing BIA – http://hxbia.com/directory/
– Gastown BIA – http://gastown.org/find/
– Chinatown BIA – http://www.chinatownbia.com/explore/
– Strathcona BIA – http://strathconabia.com/directory/
I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
We may inquire about your citizenship or immigration status during program intake/application. This information helps us provide you with the appropriate resources, program referrals, and funding options. This information is kept confidential.