Sanctuary
Sanctuary
Sanctuary is a low-barrier program that provides 28 beds for youth, age 16–24, with significant substance use and mental health concerns.
Sanctuary provides them with shelter, services, and supports, so that youth can stabilize and engage with our dedicated team.
There are no similar programs anywhere in the Lower Mainland. The short-term goal of this program is harm reduction and to save lives. The long-term goal of this program is to build trusting and healthy relationships of care that are critical for sustainable and successful engagement. The program also connects young people with services and supports, so that they can potentially transition into other programs in our continuum of care.
To participate, youth can self-refer or be referred by a service provider. Five of the 28 beds are reserved for direct referrals by our healthcare partners. Beds are available on a drop-in basis, and there is no limit to a youth’s length of stay.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
- Sanctuary supports youth through attachment-based and trauma-informed models of care. Attachment-based wraparound support is available 24/7.
- Support is provided by CHV staff that includes youth workers, team leaders, peer support workers, a social worker, an occupational therapist, clinical counsellors, and a spiritual care provider, in a non-judgmental environment.
- Case management support including referrals, assessments, and care coordination.
- Connections to long-term services, including ongoing community and targeted supports like treatment programs.
- Information on safe use, harm reduction supplies, and mental health resources.
- Access to primary care health services, through a partnership with Foundry Vancouver-Granville.
- Direct connections to income assistance and the YMCA Career Zone.
RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT
- Dual-occupancy, fully accessible bedrooms with ensuite, access to a laundry room and clothing room, as well as hygiene supplies.
- A common space with a television, couches, computers, and a small kitchenette, with Wi-Fi available, throughout the building.
- Recreational spaces that include a multipurpose gymnasium, dining room, and patio.
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), with food available at all times of the day.
- Harm reduction supplies and overdose response.
- Accessibility needs: elevators and a fully accessible room.