FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AT FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Individuals must be on opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Our goal is to bridge the housing gap by catering to the needs of our opioid-dependant community members who are seeking sober, independent housing. We aim to provide a safe home environment that promotes recovery, building healthy relationships with others, and personal development overall.
Individuals accepted into our transitional housing program go through an extensive intake process. They must obey house rules and acknowledge the possibility of eviction if they become a nuisance or a danger to fellow housemates and the neighbourhood.
Our spacious transitional homes are located in several market housing neighbourhoods around Abbotsford. Each home can accommodate approximately five people and each resident has their own private room. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared with other residents in the home.
Our outreach and clinic teams help individuals build independence through providing wrap around supports to promote succeeding in all aspects of their transition. Support includes assisting residents obtain identification, searching for employment, as well as connecting them to counselling services and low barrier healthcare access.
With the tools and life skills they gain while living independently in a supportive environment, the overall goal of the program is to eventually transition OAT housing participants into permanent housing.
Would you like to apply for our housing?
Click on the button below to download the application form. Once the form is completed e-mail it to info@fftsp.org
HEALTHCARE AT FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Harm reduction is a public health approach aimed at minimizing the negative consequences associated with certain behaviors or substances, rather than focusing solely on their complete elimination. It acknowledges that people may engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use or unsafe sex, and aims to reduce the harm that can result from these actions.
Key principles of harm reduction include providing access to clean needles for drug users to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, offering opioid substitution therapy to reduce dependence on dangerous drugs, and promoting safe sex practices.
The goal of harm reduction is to improve the health and well-being of individuals while respecting their autonomy and choices, with the ultimate aim of reducing overall harm to both individuals and communities.
Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is a medical treatment approach for individuals with opioid use disorder, or those who are dependent on opioids including fentanyl and prescription painkillers. It involves the use of medications that activate opioid receptors in the brain, thereby reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence.
OAT is a key component of harm reduction strategies to address the opioid crisis. It is typically combined with counselling and other support services to address both the physical and psychological aspects of opioid use disorder. It has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid misuse, improving overall health outcomes, and reducing the risk of overdose deaths among those with opioid use disorder.
Call us at 604-380-1607 or come into the clinic and let us know when you would like to start OAT. We will provide you with a new patient intake form and request you leave us a urine sample. Afterwards, you will be connected with a doctor specialized in opioid use disorder either virtually or in person for a medical assessment. This will include discussion of which type of OAT prescription to begin (Methadone, Suboxone, or Kadian).
The OAT prescription usually requires a daily visit to a pharmacy. We conveniently have one in-house. However, you are welcome to choose whichever pharmacy you like.
Yes – however be aware that our doctors aren’t always available to administer the injection. We’d suggest calling or coming into the clinic in advance to confirm scheduling.
Absolutely! We are always accepting new patients for OAT.
No, we realize how challenging it can be to obtain this and therefore it is not a requirement to use our clinic.