New Shelter Beds and Recovery Support in Victoria
In Victoria, B.C., The Salvation Army’s Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), in partnership with the city, is expanding its shelter capacity by adding 13 more beds, increasing the total to 66.
With this enhancement, the new Short-Term Engagement Program (STEP) will begin operation, serving individuals in recovery by providing immediate shelter and access to resources that could help them secure long-term housing.
“Our partnership with The Salvation Army expands much-needed emergency shelter beds in the community and supports their STEP initiative’s sober-living, substance-free approach,” says Victoria Mayor, Marianne Alto.
Executive Director of The Salvation Army Victoria ARC, Jonathan Hopkins, says the development is needed locally.
“Last summer, as part of the city’s strategic plan, they released Victoria’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan,” he says. “One of their points was to highlight the need for more sober living housing and that fit well with what we do here.”
“Expansion means we can extend our reach and widen our impact.”
The additional beds are a continuation of a previous expansion at ARC. In 2024, the shelter increased its capacity from 21 to 53 to provide people living in encampments with an opportunity for safe accommodation. Jonathan believes the success of that initial growth helped pave the way for the most recent development.
“Expansion means we can extend our reach and widen our impact,” Jonathan shares. “We have seen our model be successful. We’ve seen people come through our program who later found housing.”
ARC is more than just an emergency shelter. Residents receive support related to recovery, mental health, employment and assistance accessing other services based on their needs.
It’s crucial for us to have spaces where individuals can recover safely.”
According to Jonathan, the community has reacted positively to the expansion.
“People wanted to see something happen because they’re tired of seeing people hungry and neighbours living on the streets during a toxic drug crisis,” he adds.
A survey conducted in 2025 revealed a five percent increase in homelessness in Victoria since 2023. To tackle these growing issues, organizations within the city, such as The Salvation Army, have implemented measures to reduce the number of unhoused individuals.
Although the expansion at ARC is a positive development, community support is always appreciated, as it could lead to further growth in services in the future.
“Recovery is an option and it works. But it’s crucial for us to have spaces where individuals can recover safely,” Jonathan concludes.
By Juan Romero
