Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Who is Joshua House for?

Joshua House is a residential recovery program for men who want to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The program is designed for men who are ready to step away from addiction and commit to a structured recovery process within a supportive community.

Is Joshua House a Christian program?

Yes. Joshua House is a Christian faith-based ministry. Spiritual growth is part of the program and includes practices such as prayer, Bible study, and community worship.

At the same time, men come to the program from many different backgrounds and experiences with faith. What matters most is a willingness to participate in the program and pursue recovery.

How long is the program?

Recovery at Joshua House happens in phases rather than through a fixed timeline. Each stage of the program focuses on helping men develop stability, responsibility, and healthy habits that support long-term recovery.

The exact length of time in the program varies depending on the individual and their progress.

Entering the Program

How do I start the intake process?
The first step is simply to call our intake line and speak with someone from our team.

During that conversation, we will talk about your situation, explain the program, and help determine whether Joshua House is the right fit.

Call Intake: 604-858-7279

Do I need to fill out an application?

No. The intake process begins with a phone conversation rather than a formal application.

Do I need to be sober before arriving?

Residents need to be at least three days clean and sober before entering the program.

If you are still in active addiction or need to complete detox, we still encourage you to call. Our team can talk with you about your situation, explain the next steps, and help you explore options for getting to that point.

Taking the first step by reaching out is always welcome.

What if I don’t have transportation?

Transportation can sometimes be arranged depending on your situation and location. This can be discussed during the intake conversation.

How much does the program cost?

There is no cost for men to participate in the Joshua House recovery program.
Joshua House is able to offer residential recovery free of charge because of the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and community fundraising efforts. Financial barriers should never stand in the way of someone seeking recovery.

Life in the Program

What does daily life look like in the program?

Life in the program is structured and community-based.

Residents participate in a daily routine that includes responsibilities, personal development, spiritual practices, and time spent learning and growing alongside other men in recovery.

Structure and consistency are important parts of the recovery process.

What should I bring with me when I arrive?

You do not need to arrive with much.

When new residents arrive, personal belongings are temporarily collected and reviewed as part of the intake process to ensure the safety of everyone living in the community. Once this process is complete, appropriate items are returned.

Joshua House also provides the basic necessities residents need during the program, including clothing, toiletries, meals, and other everyday essentials. Many men arrive with very few belongings, and that is completely okay.

What matters most is simply arriving ready to begin the recovery journey.

Where do residents live?

Residents begin the program at a remote location near Chilliwack Lake, often referred to as “The Creek.” This setting allows men to step away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life while beginning their recovery journey.

As residents progress, they transition into community homes located in Abbotsford.

Can residents leave the program if they choose?

Joshua House is a voluntary program. Residents choose to participate and can leave if they decide the program is not right for them.

Questions from Family and Supporters

Can family members contact Joshua House for information?

Yes. Many of the calls we receive come from family members or friends who want to help someone they care about.

If you would like to learn more about the program or the intake process, you are welcome to contact us.

How can families support someone entering the program?

Recovery is often a significant transition for both the individual and the people around them. Encouragement, patience, and continued support can make a meaningful difference during the recovery journey.

Our team can also help answer questions families may have about the process.

Why does Joshua House rely on donations?

Joshua House provides residential addiction recovery at no cost to the men who participate in the program. Donations from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and community fundraising events make this possible.

These gifts help provide safe housing, nutritious meals, life skills training, mentorship, facilities, and the day-to-day resources needed to support lasting recovery.

Every donation helps remove financial barriers so men can focus on rebuilding their lives.

Doesn't the government pay for addiction recovery?

While publicly funded healthcare provides many important services, it does not fully fund long-term, faith-based residential recovery programs like Joshua House.

Community support allows Joshua House to provide comprehensive recovery programming at no cost to residents, giving men the time, structure, and support they need to pursue lasting change.

Still have a question?

If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help with anything else you need.