A welcoming community where families can begin again

Springhouse provides safety, support, and hope for women-led families or in a housing crisis.

Our program includes both emergency shelter and transitional housing. It offers a pathway from immediate safety to longer-term stability. Every woman and child is welcomed with compassion, respect, and the practical help needed to begin again.

Springhouse shelter

We’re the only women’s shelter in Vancouver that accepts male children over age 12. We take pride in helping women-led families stay together as they find permanent housing.

In addition to beds, our shelter has private rooms for families. Staff are available 24/7 to help residents meet their immediate needs, access community resources, and plan next steps toward secure housing.

Residents can stay for a maximum of 100 days.

How to request a bed

  • Beds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You don’t need a referral to stay with us. Availability is limited.
  • Once you’ve been assigned a bed, you’ll need to arrive at the shelter within two hours. We’ll give you a welcome letter when you get here, explaining how the facility runs. It explains meal times and the services we offer to support you during your stay.
  • We don’t have a curfew.
  • If you stay with us and leave, we can hold the bed for up to 72 hours, subject to our missing persons protocol.
  • To help keep everyone safe, we may need to refuse service to anyone who endangers staff and other guests.

Springhouse transitional housing

Our transitional housing (also called second-stage housing) bridges the gap between emergency shelter and independent living. It provides safe, stable, and affordable suites for people who are ready to move beyond crisis but still need some structure and support before living on their own.

Rent is charged at an income assistance rate for housing.

We give families more time and space to recover, heal, and prepare for long-term housing success. And we help them rebuild stability, offering case management, life skills training, and connections to community resources.

Residents can stay for a maximum of two years, are required to sign a program agreement, and must be ready to articulate and set goals that will become a requirement of their stay.

What we offerEmergency and transitional housing.
Who is eligible
  • People who are experiencing violence or at risk of homelessness, are 19 and older, and self-identify as a woman
  • Must have children (including males 12+) under their care
Units/bedsShelter: 32 beds for women-led families.
Transitional Housing: 10 family units (4 mobility accessible) rented at an income assistance rate
Facilities
  • Private rooms
  • Child-friendly spaces
  • Communal kitchen and living areas
Support services
  • 24/7 staff
  • Individualized support and goal-setting
  • Referrals and advocacy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Harm reduction supplies
  • Escort to appointments
Child and family services
  • Child and youth program
  • Parenting support and youth activities
  • After-school support
  • Family-building activities (e.g., outings, crafts)
AccessibilityElevator
PetsOne pet with prior approval
SmokingNo smoking
Funding partner(s)BC Housing

Support for children and youth

Children and youth are an important part of the Springhouse community.

We offer a safe, welcoming environment where they can relax, learn, and take part in activities that encourage connection and healing. Staff provide one-on-one emotional support and help families access schools, clinics, and other community programs.

Activities such as crafts, games, reading circles, and family outings help children build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Family-building activities include community kitchens, crafts, games, movie nights, reading circle, group outings and gardening.

Parenting support is also available. It can help mothers strengthen family relationships and access services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, when needed. We can provide child care for a limited time once a care agreement is in place. The agreement’s terms are strictly enforced.

How to apply for transitional housing

You can contact us directly to ask about one of our self-contained suites. You don’t need a formal referral. We have a waitlist so you need to contact us regularly to check your status.

What to expect from Springhouse

When life is uncertain, we can help you avoid being overwhelmed. Here are some helpful things to know about staying in our shelter:

Food

  • The shelter provides two cooked meals and access to a communal kitchen
  • Transitional housing residents are expected to supply and prepare their own food
  • We can make referrals to food banks or other programs

Health needs

  • Health teams may visit or deliver medication to you. Our staff will help them contact you.
  • We do not hold or dispense medication

Identification and privacy

  • We don’t require your ID to stay with us but we’ll take a copy if you have it and are willing to share it
  • If you need ID, we’ll help connect you to the appropriate government agency
  • We won’t disclose your name to anyone other than when responding to an authorized request such as a police warrant or ACT team

Other support services

  • Guidance and information sharing about community resources
  • Paperwork: We can assist you with communication with various agencies but aren’t able to act as advocates or complete paperwork for you.
  • Financial matters: We can provide referrals to community services

Personal belongings

  • You can bring up to two bags
  • Carts are not permitted
  • We can hold possessions for up to two weeks if you leave temporarily

Visitors

  • Shelter: No visitors allowed.
  • Transitional housing: For privacy and security reasons, we’re not able to allow visitors overnight. Any guests must receive our prior approval and we reserve the right to refuse admittance.

Contact Springhouse

Shelter

24-hour line

604-606-0420

Transitional housing

604-606-0412

General information
Coordinator

Patricia

604-606-0411

Fax: 604-606-0366

Email: springhousecoordinator@thebloomgroup.org