Threshold Housing Society

Threshold Housing opens doors for youth and prevents adult homelessness. Threshold serves youth at-risk-of or experiencing homelessness, aging out of care, or fleeing violence in the home. These young adults need a place to call home and people who believe in them. Threshold meets those needs by offering safe housing, community and support to help youth heal, learn, grow and create brighter futures.

Our logo reflects both the complexity and the simplicity of our work.The rainbow palette highlights our inclusive homes and services and the over-representation of 2SLGBTQ+ youth we serve.The shape invokes both a house and an upward arrow, in a visual interpretation of our motto “safe homes, brighter futures.”The diversity also represents community – a gathering of disparate but related interested parties working together.And, the logo reminds us of the welcome quilts that are handmade for each youth by the quilters of Greater Victoria – a tradition that both literally and figuratively warms youth as they find home with Threshold.

Threshold Housing Society was born out of concern from community members in response to the number of people living on the streets, supported by Rick Sandberg, an Anglican Street Chaplain. From that concern, and thanks to the generous support of a wide range of community members and organizations, Threshold has grown to offer homes, support, and hope.1990Anglican parishioners form a non-profit society to serve the growing population of homeless people in Greater Victoria 1992Recognizing the dire need for youth housing, Threshold opens Mitchell House v. 1 – on Trutch Street – for young men at risk of homelessness1997Holly House opens to house young women at risk of homelessness Threshold receives charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency2012Threshold launches Safe Housing for Youth (SHY), supported, independent living throughout Greater Vicotria The Foundations Program is developed to offer a full slate of wrap-around supports to youth2013The generous bequest of West all House begins Threshold’s opportunities in property ownership. Not a fit for programming, it is soon sold2014Another generous bequest, Forrest House is Threshold’s first owned property to house youth.

2016Partnering with Oak Bay United Church, Threshold opens Threshold House, a flagship home welcoming youth of all gender identities2021Threshold purchases property in James Bay to house its innovative Supportive Recovery Program, a harm-reduction program for youth ready to reduce their reliance on substances2022A transformative $3.1 million gift from Carole and Clint Forster allows financial stability and continued growth to meet the challenge of youth homelessness Threshold hires an in-house counsellor to provide youth with quick, free access to professional counselling in an environment they trust2023With the launch of the Family and Natural Support program, Threshold offers early intervention in preventing youth homelessness2024So much more to come!