Adapted Therapeutic Communities (ATCs) provide an additional therapeutic choice to individuals seeking support at no-cost, in an accessible location, and conveniently scheduled to fit in with other commitments. It involves ‘Community as Method’ using six core principles to empower groups of people to help each other achieve their goals whether it is pursuing a life free of substance use or crime, recovering from a mental health challenge, or simply seeking personal improvement.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
As you walk into Co:Here, you’re greeted with the chatter of friendly neighbours, a large open space with communal tables, a seating area by a warm fireplace, and a small library. Believing that loneliness is a universal human condition, Salsbury Community Society aims to reduce the experience of social isolation in housing. Salsbury has been providing housing in the Grandview-Woodland neighborhood for over 25 years, and its most recent building, Co:Here, just celebrated its five-year anniversary.
An Opportunity for Shared Living
When Co:Here Housing first started, not everyone was sure the model, featuring mixed incomes and mutual support by tenants rather than wraparound services, would work. “I was at a meeting a few years ago, where an executive from BC Housing was at Co:Here, and he said, ‘You’ve all proved me wrong. I now believe that this model can work well,’” recounts Tim Dickau, Director, CityGate Vancouver.
A Message from the President & CEO
John McLernon, Streetohome Board Chair, is the first to applaud innovation and efficiency. He’s been a fan of Co:Here Housing since its start, recognizing the innovative design for providing communal spaces that promote opportunities of mutual support and a sense of community to flourish among the diverse residents.
The Want2- Life Intentions Action Paper Planner has been updated – now with 500 resources!
Great news! The Want2 – Life Intentions Action Paper Planner has been updated! There are now nearly 500 mostly free, self-referable resources at your fingertips. There are several new resources under Learning, Training & Skills. This includes bursaries and scholarships available as well as assistance in finding, completing and submitting applications.
Addiction Recovery Community Housing
Many people need to leave their home communities, where they have family, friends, and supports and move to a major city in order to find substance use treatment and continuing care. Facing a new and difficult system to navigate, long wait lists, and a lack of affordable housing, many fall through the cracks and out of the care system, off their recovery journey, and become at risk for homelessness. A better option may be accessing care in a familiar system, closer to home where they have a built-in support system.
Learn about the Adapted Therapeutic Community model and a future training opportunity with a free webinar!
BCARA is hosting a free, interactive webinar with international faculty on February 13th from 8:00 am – 9:30 am PST. You will learn more about the Adapted Therapeutic Community model and a future ATC Facilitator Training opportunity.
Let’s Talk January 25th
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Streetohome is proud to come together with our partners, donors, and local services providers to promote enhanced mental health for Vancouverites through new and existing mental health and substance use programming.
Homeward Bound: Olivia’s Story
17 years ago, Olivia moved to Vancouver with her partner, and had a happy, healthy son. A lot has happened since – her family has grown, and she recently separated from her partner. Six months ago, she received an eviction notice from her landlord, who wanted to renovate their home.
A Q&A with Tracey Harvey, Streetohome Administration and Donor Manager
Tracey Harvey has been a part of the Streetohome team for the last eight years, working as the Administration and Donor Manager, and leading our substance use and recovery initiatives portfolio. As she moves onto new adventures, we’d like to take the time to share her journey and accomplishments at Streetohome.
