The Bridge House, Garfield House and Stevenson House are Salvation Army facilities for men, located in New Westminster, and are operated by The Salvation Army New Westminster Citadel Community Ministries.
The Bridge House is a residence for males who have completed an addiction program and require a supportive and caring environment while they reintegrate into the community. Residents are expected to make 30, 60, or 90-day goal plans on their road to recovery. Thus, each individual is responsible for his own recovery and is expected to follow his own Recovery Plan, which was developed by the individual with his counselor during treatment. It is the mission of the Bridge House to support him in doing what he needs to do. A house supervisor is available to assist in the evaluating of a plan and to offer feedback. The house supervisor also is responsible for facilitating group meetings. The Bridge House provides meals and other necessities during the rehabilitation process. The Bridge House encourages its residents to seek employment to gain their financial independence as soon as possible.
Both the Garfield House and the Stevenson House are 10-bed shelters for men. Garfield House offers bath and washroom facilities and two meal vouchers daily. Garfield House’s bed mat program provides one-night shelter to self-referred clients provided during the winter months. Stevenson House offers bath and washroom facilities, job and house searching assistance, three daily meals, laundry services, and alcohol and drug counseling. Maximum length of stay at both shelters is 10 nights. Clients are referred to the shelters by the Ministry of Human Resources or Social Services. A bed mat program providing one-night shelter to self referred clients is provided during the winter months out of the Golden Ears Hotel.
History
The Salvation Army, New Westminster Citadel has been serving the communities of New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody since 1886. The first Bridge House was an old house located at 260 East Avenue. This house was small and lacked common areas for the men so a new location was purchased – a 4700 square foot house on Marine Drive. The Bridge on Marine is more ideally situated and equipped. It is located in a residential neighborhood; a short bus ride away from the Skytrain. It has plenty of common areas, a large kitchen, dining room, living room, music room, library, laundry room and deck. Each of the seven private bedrooms has its own bathroom. There is also a wheelchair accessible shower, and a tub room.
Fast Facts and Statistics
1282 people stayed in New Westminster shelters in 2003.
The average age of shelter users is 36 and average length of stay is 2.65 days.
13% of shelter users are between the ages of 18 and 24, while 36% are between the ages of 35 and 44.
Contact Information
Captains David and Aliza MacPherson
6293 SE Marine Drive
Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y2
Tel: 604-523-1505