Daily needs
Meals, household supplies and resident programming. A small gift helps with the everyday needs of our homes.
A place to call home. An opportunity to rebuild.
A safe and supportive place to call home can change the direction of someone’s life. In our two homes, men continuing their journey toward wellness and recovery from substance use have the time, stability, relationships and support needed to rebuild their lives. This Giving Tuesday, every gift is matched, so yours goes twice as far.
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raised of $10,000 goal
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$2,500A strong start
$5,000Halfway
$10,000Goal
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Every gift made on Giving Tuesday is matched dollar for dollar, up to $2,000, by a friend of Place of Refuge.
Double my giftDear Place of Refuge Friends and Supporters,
This Giving Tuesday, I invite you to consider supporting Place of Refuge.
At Place of Refuge, we believe that recovery is about more than simply moving away from substance use. It is about creating the opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives, rediscover their strengths, and develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope for the future. Through our two transitional homes, we provide a safe, supportive, and affordable environment where men can continue their journey toward wellness, independence, and lasting change.
Our person-centred, relational, and collaborative approach provides residents with the time and opportunity to continue developing their independence, rebuilding relationships, and establishing a stronger foundation for their future. Through therapeutic support, life-skills development, financial literacy, employment and education opportunities, and meaningful community connections, we work alongside residents as they move toward greater stability and wellness.
None of this happens in isolation. It takes a community of people who believe in the possibility of change and recognize the importance of providing a place where people can feel supported, respected, and valued. Your generosity helps make this possible. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps sustain the homes, services, and relationships that make Place of Refuge what it is.
On behalf of our residents, staff, and Board of Directors, thank you for believing in our work and for being part of our community.
With gratitude,
Jeff BordenJeffrey C. Borden, MA, ICADC, ICCSExecutive Director
Place of Refuge Society
Place of Refuge Society
Three ways to give
Your Giving Tuesday donation makes a difference
On December 1st, we invite you to become part of the community that sustains Place of Refuge. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps us meet the financial responsibilities of operating two homes and continuing our work.
Pay for our houses
A larger gift helps us maintain our two homes and pay down the mortgage on our second property. Our primary house opened in August 2009.
Most impact
Give monthly
Regular gifts give us predictable support, so we can manage ongoing expenses, meet our mortgage and plan for the future. Change or cancel any time.
These are suggested giving amounts, not specific cost allocations.
Why your support matters
Two homes, and the responsibility that comes with them
Since opening our doors in 2009, Place of Refuge Society has been committed to providing safe, supportive and affordable long-term transitional housing for men. Our growth has created an opportunity to support more individuals, but it has also brought significant financial responsibilities.
2009
Doors opened in South Vancouver
300+
Men housed since we opened
20
Men living in our two homes today
3 yrs
The longest a resident can stay
We need your help.
As an independent charitable organization, Place of Refuge does not receive allocated government operating funding. We receive ministry per diem payments associated with resident occupancy; however, these payments do not cover the full costs of providing quality housing, meals, and supportive programming, including life-skills development and counselling.
Your donations help us maintain our homes, meet the mortgage obligations associated with our second property, and sustain the programs and services that make Place of Refuge more than simply a place to live.
Your generosity helps sustain
- Safe and stable housingA welcoming, substance-use-free environment where men can continue building a foundation for their future.
- Therapeutic supportIndividual and group counselling, peer connections, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Life skills and independenceFinancial literacy, life-skills development, and support with education and employment.
- Healthy relationshipsA community built on mutual respect, responsibility, connection, and belonging.
- Opportunities for the futureTime and support for residents to establish meaningful goals and develop the confidence to pursue them.
Two homes. Twenty men. One community.
More than housing. A community that cares.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We recognize that rebuilding a life takes time. Our long-term transitional housing model gives residents the opportunity to establish greater independence, reconnect with family and community, and work toward meaningful personal goals.
I turned 50 living in shelters. Currently, my life is better than I ever could have imagined. Place of Refuge makes miracles happen.
It was a safe place to get my bearings and to dream of the life I always envisioned for myself. More than that, it felt like home.
I love to cook, and I was shown a full pantry and fridge. Wherever you are, if you’re reading this, I hope you find your own place of refuge too.
Dear Place of Refuge Supporters,
We are thankful for all who support Place of Refuge, as individuals, churches and business supporters.
As we approach the end of 2026, we invite you to give as you are able to our Giving Tuesday Campaign. This can be from a small gift toward our daily needs, to a significant gift toward paying for our houses, to signing up for monthly giving. Giving Tuesday is a worldwide day of generosity that happens each year on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. A lot of personal spending happens on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to think of others by giving to a charity that you would love to support. We invite you to consider Place of Refuge as the charity of your choice for your generosity towards others.
Thank you again for being a part of this good work.
We wish you God’s blessings and peace as you express your generosity,
Garry JanzenBoard Chair
Place of Refuge Society
Place of Refuge Society
Give today
A community effort. A lasting difference.
Help us sustain two homes. Help us support the men who live in them. Give once or become a monthly supporter, and you’ll receive an official tax receipt by email.
$0
raised of $10,000 goal
0%
$2,500A strong start
$5,000Halfway
$10,000Goal
$0
of $2,000 matched so far
0 donors
0 new monthly givers
Other ways to give
Interac e-Transfer
Send your gift to [email protected]. It counts toward the goal.
Cheque or money order
Place of Refuge Society, Suite #512, 6647 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5X 0K3
Churches and businesses
Ask us about a matching gift or a corporate partnership.
Place of Refuge Society is a registered Canadian charity. Charitable registration no. 84033 7349 RR0001.
Questions
Before you give
Will I get a tax receipt?
Yes. Every donor receives an official digital tax receipt by email. Monthly donors get one combined receipt for the year.
Where does my gift go?
Your gift helps us maintain our two homes, meet the mortgage on our second property, and sustain programs such as counselling and life-skills development. The amounts on this page are suggestions, not specific cost allocations.
Doesn’t the government fund Place of Refuge?
Not for operating costs. We receive ministry per diem payments tied to resident occupancy, but they don’t cover the full cost of housing, meals and programs. The rest comes from residents and from the generosity of individuals, families, churches and businesses.
How does the match work?
A friend of Place of Refuge will match every one-time gift dollar for dollar, up to $2,000. Your receipt shows the amount you gave.
Can I change or stop a monthly gift?
Yes, at any time. Reply to any receipt email or contact us and we’ll update it the same week.
Who lives at Place of Refuge?
Up to 20 men continuing their journey toward wellness and recovery from substance use, in a welcoming, substance-use-free home. Residents are welcome from all backgrounds.