Transitional Housing Longer-Term for Women and their Children

 Haven Gardens

Haven Gardens is a second-stage transitional housing program for women and their children who have experienced violence or abuse and are seeking support beyond what first-stage housing can provide. To be ready for second-stage housing, applicants should be able to live independently and have had their immediate crisis needs addressed so that they feel stable and able to participate in programming.

Haven Gardens offers safe, affordable housing for up to 18 months, along with the support of trained staff. During their stay, women work toward building healthy life skills and connecting with community resources that will help them successfully transition to independent living, free from violence. Haven Gardens has been providing this support since opening in 2010.

Program Goal Philosophy

The goal of Haven Gardens is to provide a safe, supportive environment where women and their children can focus on healing, stability, and growth. Services are tailored to each participant’s individual needs and goals, and typically last up to 18 months.

Our service philosophy is based on respecting each woman’s right to make her own choices, guided by her personal circumstances, values, and goals. Staff provide support, resources, and advocacy while honouring each participant’s autonomy and strengths.

Haven Gardens is a secure, 18-unit apartment-style complex that serves women and families from Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, Golden, Creston, Fernie, Sparwood, and surrounding areas. The complex includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, as well as one fully accessible unit.

Who is eligible to apply to the Haven Gardens Second Stage program?

General Eligibility

• Application Review: Admission is considered once enough referrals or background information have been gathered to ensure that Haven Gardens is a suitable fit, while also maintaining the safe and secure environment promised to all participants.
• Highest Needs Basis: The program prioritizes women with the highest level of need and is primarily designed for those who have completed first-stage transitional or safe-home programming.
• Who May Apply: Adult women who have experienced, or are at risk of, abuse, threats, or violence, along with their dependent children.
• Mental Health and Substance Use: Women who are managing significant mental health or substance use challenges may still be eligible, provided there is an ongoing commitment from the participant and external support service providers. In these cases, a support partnership agreement will be developed and signed by both the participant and the service providers to ensure consistent care throughout the program.
• Final Decisions: In situations where eligibility is unclear, the program supervisor will make the final determination after carefully reviewing all available information.

How do I apply to Haven Gardens?

Women and their children can be referred to Haven Gardens if they have been identified as at risk of abuse, threats, or violence and are ready to take the next step into second-stage housing.

Referrals can be made in several ways:

• Through a Transition House or Safe Home program: staff can support you in making the referral and walking through the process with you.
• Through a community partner: such as an organization involved in family violence intervention or women’s support services.
• Self-referral: women may also apply directly if they feel Haven Gardens is the right fit for them.

No matter how you apply, the goal is the same: to provide you and your family with a safe and supportive home environment where you can continue building stability, independence, and healing.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed when there is space available in the program. If there are no openings at the time of your application, it will be kept on file for six months. If a unit becomes available during that time, Haven Gardens staff will contact you to begin the interview process.

If your application remains in the queue for longer than six months, you are welcome to reapply.

Applicants are invited to interview based on eligibility and priority of need. If you are offered an interview, this meeting is a chance for you to:

• Learn more about Haven Gardens and what the program involves.
• Share your goals and any safety concerns.
• Ask questions about the program and what support looks like.
• Decide together with staff whether Haven Gardens feels like the right fit for you and your family.

Our goal is to ensure that this process feels supportive, collaborative, and focused on your needs.

Program Participant Fees

Participant fees at Haven Gardens are set according to BC Housing guidelines, our primary funder. All participants are charged a $100monthly service fee. This fee helps cover the cost of cleaning products, laundry soap and softener, light bulb replacement, intercom telephone, maintenance, and basic cable. Utilities are included

• If you receive income or disability assistance: Your fee is a flat rental rate as determined by BC Housing.
• If you are employed or receive other income (for example, a disability pension): Your fee is calculated using a different formula. Each unit is subsidized, but the exact amount will vary depending on your circumstances.

Property management will review your individual situation with you and provide a clear breakdown of your program participant fee, so you know what to expect before moving in.

What does the Haven Garden program look like?

 Haven Gardens is an 18-month supportive second-stage housing program designed to help you and your family build stability, healing, and independence. While you are here, we will walk alongside you, providing life skills support, encouragement, and access to community resources to the best of our ability. Our goal is to support you during your stay and to give you tools that will benefit you long after you leave. As a participant, you will work together with staff and peers in a safe, respectful environment. Programming is designed to be flexible and supportive, balancing structure with space for your personal growth.

Program Commitments

• One-on-One Sessions: Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with your Support Worker to identify and work toward personal goals. These might include connecting with community resources, pursuing education, supporting your health, or building time for self-care.
• Group Sessions: Two sessions each month, covering a mix of topics, some focusing on safety, boundaries, and healing, and others on lighter, more fun activities that build connection and confidence.
• Community Connections: Access to outside resources such as counselling, medical care, addiction supports, or other services as needed.
• Events & Gatherings: Shared meals and celebrations where participants and staff come together to mark milestones, holidays, and new beginnings.

What We Ask of You

• Participation: Take part in the programming outlined above as a condition of housing.
• Communication: Let staff know if you are unable to attend a meeting or group.
• Respect: Help maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone in the program.