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About Place of Refuge
Place of Refuge Society is a men’s long-term transitional housing program licensed by the city of Vancouver and regulated by the Assisted Living Registry of British Columbia.
We consider substance-use dependency to be a complex social, psychological, and physical factor contributing to illness and suffering. We further believe that individuals can recover from their substance-use challenges and lead healthy and productive lives. The residents at POR are supported by being provided a long-term housing model where they can successfully integrate into the community.
We acknowledge that Place of Refuge is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh First Nations
We consider substance-use dependency to be a complex social, psychological, and physical factor contributing to illness and suffering. We further believe that individuals can recover from their substance-use challenges and lead healthy and productive lives. The residents at POR are supported by being provided a long-term housing model where they can successfully integrate into the community.
We acknowledge that Place of Refuge is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh First Nations
Get to Know Us
Our Team
Jeffrey C. Borden, MA, ICADC, ICCS, is the Executive Director of Place of Refuge. Under his leadership, Place of Refuge has grown into a well-regarded and trusted home for men in long-term recovery.
Learn More
Board of Directors
Place of Refuge is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who are passionate about our mission and bring a wealth of experience in various sectors.
Meet our Directors
Vision & History
This section details our history, our key milestones and achievements over the years, and our ongoing commitment to evidence-based practices.
Become a Supporter
A Different Kind of Non-Profit
At Place of Refuge, residents don’t just receive support—they become part of a living, breathing community. Here, men embracing wellness together live side by side, accountable to one another, mentoring one another, and walking through the ups and downs of rebuilding their lives.
Guided by compassionate staff, each resident defines their own path to healing. Our person-centred, love-informed model provides time, space, and support to move beyond substance use and toward lasting change—together.
Our ResidentsOur Values
Christian-based
Organization
We are founded in the Mennonite tradition, and our mandate is to provide a safe environment for people to become healthy, confident, and drug-free. We honour and respect diversity and support individuals in defining their pathway to wellness.
No Dependency on Government Funding
Place of Refuge does not rely on government funding other than living allowances offered by the province of BC. Instead, support is raised through client contributions, donations from individuals, sponsoring churches, and Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia.
Abstinence-based
Recovery
We focus on helping individuals achieve and maintain long-term sobriety through a comprehensive approach. We are committed to helping individuals overcome substance use and build a brighter future.
October 29 2025 Mable Elmore highlights Place of Refuge in her constituency
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
1st Session
43rd Parliament
1st Session
43rd Parliament
Partners & Sponsors
Our work would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners and sponsors. We are grateful for the generosity and collaboration of various organizations and individuals who share our commitment to our mandate. Thanks to the following groups and organizations for their support.
From Our Home to Yours
Becoming part of a real opportunity to create change for the residents of Place of Refuge. Sign up for our newsletter today.