Recovery is not a quick fix; it’s a journey of many months and years. At Joshua House, our role is to walk with you through the front part of that journey—equipping you with the tools, community, and hope to carry on for the long haul. Our program typically lasts about 6 months, with a minimum of 3 months encouraged.

It is not uncommon for men to journey with us for a year or more. We know not everyone can get away for that long, but in recovery more time is good time.

Among the core elements of our program are group and individual counseling, community living, spiritual practices, the 12 Steps, and openness to Indigenous spirituality. We are privileged to be located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe, and we honour the wisdom and practices of Indigenous peoples as part of a holistic journey of healing. Each of these elements strengthens the others, helping men build resilience for lifelong recovery. For those who need additional structure, we offer an After-Care Phase with transitional housing and continued support.

PHASES

Phase One: The Creek (Chilliwack)

Every resident begins at The Creek, our 32-acre wilderness campus near Chilliwack. Removed from the triggers of city life, The Creek provides a safe, peaceful space for stabilization and early recovery.

Phase Two: In-Care (Abbotsford Homes)

From The Creek, residents transition into one of our Abbotsford homes. These community-based houses offer structure, peer support, and space to practice recovery in everyday life. We encourage involvement in church life, relationships, work, and service opportunities—powerful tools for long-term growth. During this stage, we also strongly encourage regular attendance at recovery support groups (such as 12 Step meetings) and engagement with community resources to build a sustainable foundation for ongoing recovery.

Phase Three: After-Care (Transitional Housing)

Graduates may continue in transitional housing where they take on more independence. This phase allows men to study, return to work, and rebuild life skills while still accessing support, accountability, and program elements.

Health & Support

– Detoxification: At minimum, we expect you to be three days clean before entering Joshua House. In some cases, we may recommend detox or medical oversight before entry, if needed.

– Medications (Methadone, Suboxone, etc.): Permitted under physician guidance. We encourage participants to explore tapering under medical advice, never on their own.

– Nicotine: We have designated smoking areas, but we also encourage you to challenge your nicotine dependence. Recovery is bigger than one addiction, and we will support you in that journey.

– Counseling: We believe men helping men in group therapy is not only helpful but a transferable skill for your future. We provide one-on-one counseling in Phase One and strongly encourage it in Phase Two.

– Court-Ordered Placements: We accept men on bail, CSOs, or other court-related conditions, provided those conditions do not conflict with our program requirements.

Our Faith Foundation

Health & Support

At Joshua House, we believe spirituality is a key component of lasting recovery. We are a Christian organization, and we invite all residents to reconnect with God, people, and creation through Christian practices. That may look like prayer, worship, studying the Bible, hiking, chopping wood, gardening, art, cooking, running, or simply learning to live honestly in community. We believe these practices help men rebuild trust, discover grace, and cultivate resilience. Faith is never forced, but we encourage every man to explore the possibility that life with God brings freedom and healing.

Phases

Phase One: The Creek — intake, stabilization, establishing healthy rhythms. 

Phase Two: In-Care (Abbotsford Homes) — practice recovery in community; engage church life, relationships, service, and support groups/community resources. 

Phase Three: After-Care (Transitional Housing) — independence with continuing program elements while studying or working. 

Rebuilding Lives,

Restoring Hope

Here are some often asked questions and answers.

Know before you go

Your journey will begin at The Creek located 40 km outside Chilliwack in a remote wilderness setting that offers very comfortable amenities in a setting of unrivalled natural beauty. Far from the chaos, and temptation, of city life, The Creek offers you a safe place to recover your mental, physical and spiritual health as you learn to walk in the world without drugs or alcohol.

Length of Stay

You will be at The Creek location until you have completed the basic requirements of training based on your participation in the program.

How long will I have to wait to get into treatment?

All of us at Joshua House have “lived” experiences, we realize the importance of a quick response. We like to say: “We’re ready when you’re ready”. Our objective is to achieve 24-hour turnaround or less between the time you put your hand up and the time you come to us.

How would I get there?

After your intake call we’ll arrange with you – transportation to us. What’s important is that you know that from the moment you decide you want to change your life, we will be there for you.

​What if I have no money?

Inability to pay for treatment is not a barrier. You do your part and we’ll make the necessary arrangements for government funding to cover the cost of treatment. For those who wish to self pay, contact us to discuss.

Who qualifies for admission?

Joshua house serves a male clientele, ages 19 and older. Court-ordered placements are accepted. Due to our Licensing we can not accept sexual offences to our program.

​What Does Christian Recovery Mean?

Joshua House is a Christian organization, and we believe recovery that is centered through a relationship with Jesus Christ is transformational, and our program reflects this belief. We witness men who are transformed and renewed constantly. You will learn how teachings in the Bible are relevant today as you discover the principles of self-acceptance and forgiveness of others and ourselves.

​Detoxification

There is no single approach to detoxification that will alleviate all withdrawal symptoms. If you are concerned about your detoxification, you should consult with your Doctor or admit yourself to a detox facility before coming to us. Once entering our Program you will see a Doctor as soon as possible.

“Joshua House is affordable and gets better results. I highly recommend them.”

John, parent of current Joshua House resident

Methadone, Suboxone and other medications

Methadone and Suboxone are approved for use at Joshua House as a taper only program Once you are medically stable, we shall begin the slow decent of tapering.

You will be allowed certain approved medications and prescriptions as long as they will not interfere with random drug screens. Some exceptions can be made.

All our medications are daily dispensed by our pharmacists.

Are you a smoking/vaping Facility?

Yes – we are! In designated areas only.

Counselling and dealing with trauma

All Joshua House Staff members have been where you are and use their “lived” experience to assist you along in your journey. We have a Trauma counselor who visits The Creek on a regular basis. Once you leave the Creek sixteen one on one counselling sessions with a Licensed professional are part of the program for you.

What happens in the next stage?

When you’re ready to leave The Creek (intake phase), you’ll begin reintegration back into community at our reintegration phase located in Abbotsford. You will be on a two week movement restriction and other limitations. You will still be a participating member in program. Then You will move to our Developing recovery phase house and finally the Continuing recovery phase if you need more support you can apply for our out of care phase and stay as long as you need to. Movement is based upon participation in program and assignments being completed. All these locations you are in active Program daily except for the out of care phase. No working at this time is permitted until you Graduate the program. Graduation is after program requirements are met at a minimum of 6 months residency.

​Getting back to work

Dependent on your participation and Graduation you may be given the opportunity to move to our Aftercare homes designed specifically to accommodate those who wish to obtain employment or further education while still under the Joshua House umbrella. A place to call “home”.

​What do I need to bring?

Are you ready to give up the hopelessness that addiction brings? Call us. Bring some clothes and toiletries if you have them. If not, just come in with the clothes on your back. We will help you! All items must be in factory sealed containers ie: tobacco, vape juice, toiletries.

GET STARTED TODAY.
CALL US NOW.

Call today to learn more about life at The Creek and the Joshua House Recovery Program. If you’re ready, so are we. All prospective clients are required to call Joshua House for a mandatory intake interview and to arrange arrival date.

For information or intake inquires, please call
(604) 858-7279