Bridge Street Pathways Shelter

While this is Connective’s first program in Victoria, we have more than 30 years of experience providing support services on Vancouver Island. This includes operating 450+ units of transitional, supportive, and affordable housing. This depth of experience allows us to contribute strong operational insight as we work alongside local partners to build a program that is responsive to community needs and rooted in the local context.

The project is being led by a Senior Manager with 19 years of experience with shelter operations and working in the community. Their familiarity with both the local landscape and Connective’s programs will ensure the program is thoughtfully developed and well supported. 

Connective staff will be equipped with training and skills to support residents. As required by BC Housing, this includes, but is not limited to, crisis prevention training; First Aid/CPR; mental health first aid training; substance use awareness and safety training; and trauma-informed training

Connective will have no fewer than three staff on-site 24/7. Additional safety measures include: 

• Fencing with controlled access  

• Regular indoor/outdoor checks of the property and the immediate area

• Security cameras monitored by staff 

• Overnight area patrols contracted by the City of Victoria 
• No guest policy

While we recognize that many unhoused people have pets, unfortunately, we do not have the infrastructure required to safely support pets. We will be exploring additional supports we can provide in the future to help address this gap.

We know it’s important to bring people inside and provide shelter first, so we don’t require residents to be sober. 

However, this program is not a supervised consumption site or an overdose prevention site. We will adhere to the Province’s public health approaches to substance use.  

Yes! If couples are referred to the shelter, we can accommodate them in the main bunk-bed dormitory.

We are committed to supporting and maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive community. Our staff will work with partners and the community to ensure the shelter and immediate environment are safe and clean.

Our experience shows us that when people gain access to shelter, they often access supports and experience improvements in employment, income, education, mental health, and life skills.