Housing & Support Services
Victoria ARC offer a range of shelter and transitional housing programs for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. In partnership with BC Housing, services include year-round emergency shelter, transitional housing, and temporary shelter for those moving out of encampments. Guests receive basic needs support, case management, and help securing long-term housing. The ARC also operates as the city’s primary Emergency Weather Response site during winter, providing additional shelter and meals during extreme weather. These services aim to provide safety, stability, and pathways to independence.
1 Emergency Shelter Program
In partnership with BC Housing, our Emergency Shelter Programs provide safe and compassionate lodging for 21 individuals in urgent need of housing. We operate year-round. Guests are able to have their basic needs met
(a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals, access to daily hygiene supports, and laundry services) with the help of caring staff. ARC deliver an array of psycho-social activities and supports inhouse and provide case management to guests. This includes helping guests with employment, social assistance applications, and securing longerterm accommodations.
2 Transitional Housing Program
The ARC provides 41 transitional housing beds in for guests transitioning out of the shelter programs who continue to experience housing insecurity. THP guests are provided with an affordable, safe and supportive living environment. Individuals in THP work with caseworkers to navigate barriers as they seek long-term accommodations in the community. The housing navigator provides guests with follow-up support while they transition to their new homes.
3 Homeless Encampment Action
Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH)
The HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT ACTION RESPONSE TEMPORARY HOUSING (HEARTH) is a BC Housing initiative to provide emergency shelter and support services to individuals currently living in encampments downtown. Through this initiative, the ARC provides 32 shelter beds to meet the immediate needs of people seeking accommodations and services as an alternative to the encampments. Guests will have access to all of the services currently available to shelter guests, and the ARC participates in Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) to assist with placement.
4 Emergency Weather Response
The ARC is the primary Emergency Weather Response site in the city. We make room for an additional 30 emergency shelter spaces at the ARC between November and March when winter weather threatens the health of those experiencing homelessness. Our space in the chapel and community dining room open when an extreme weather alert is activated. Guests can come in from the cold for dinner and remain overnight. In the morning, they are provided with breakfast. This past EWR season, the ARC hosted the EWR Coordinator position – responsible for enacting EWR protocols when the weather gets cold and notifying other EWR sites and services in the city.