About Us

The John Howard Society of the Lower Mainland of BC (JHSLM) is a non-profit charitable organization which provides assistance with housing, life-skills, and community-based support with the goal of assisting individuals to achieve greater independence and value their positive contributions to society. We advocate for just and humane punishment for crime, and educate on the social, economic, and personal costs of crime.  

We promote community safety by supporting persons involved in the criminal justice system, those at risk of involvement in crime, or those at risk of being impacted by criminal events. For over 85 years, we have supported persons released from correctional institutions, those in distress, individuals with developmental disabilities, or other community members by providing a broad range of programs and services. 

Our services include the operation of a continuum of housing options under contract with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), or operated by the Society. We support clients in a number of areas, including providing and assisting with finding housing; support with mental health, addiction, and developmental disabilities; assistance with community reintegration; and learning how to be accountable to others and to be responsible for themselves. Although our traditional client base is persons who are in conflict with the law, we have developed an expertise in prevention by supporting persons with complex needs facing multiple barriers, or those who are considered hard to house.

The goal of the JHSLM is to contribute to public safety by offering services that encourage individuals to be contributing citizens within their communities. To achieve this goal, our services are provided through a person-centered lens, are based in motivational practices, build on strengths, promote personal responsibility and accountability, and enhance resiliency.