History

A feasibility study called the Eastward Bound Report identified the need for a Transition House in Hope. The following steps included raising public awareness, gathering data, and finding a suitable location. By early 1993, the goal was to open a temporary facility and welcome clients by December.

A four-member Board of Directors was formed, and the Transition House opened its doors in a leased home. Four staff members provided support services.

We adopted our agency’s constitution, which focused on:

• Providing safe shelter for women and children facing physical or psychological abuse
• Offering support services to those affected by family violence
• Educating the community about family violence to promote understanding
• Securing funding to support our mission
• Offering information and guidance to women without bias, helping them explore their options.

We secured a permanent location for the Transition House through a forgivable mortgage under the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Shelter Haven grants. The Children Who Witness Abuse program also became a permanent part of our services.

The School-Based Violence Prevention Pilot Program was launched in three schools in the Fraser-Cascade School District. The project educates children in kindergarten to grade 12 on abuse, bullying, safety planning, and healthy relationships. Today, this program remains a key part of the district’s offerings.

The Hope Transition House was officially renamed the Jean Scott Transition House in honour of our founding inspiration. The Children Who Witness Abuse program continued to grow.

We added the Stopping the Violence Program and secured funding to keep the Transition House operating 24/7, ensuring a haven for women and children year-round. We also partnered with a Job Creation Program to conduct a needs assessment and homeless study for the Hope community.

Our constitution expanded to include services for women, children, and families facing social challenges that affect their ability to make healthy choices. We introduced Substance Use services and opened a new space to offer these services alongside domestic violence counselling.

Our services expanded again to include support for the unhoused with a dedicated Homeless Outreach Program. We moved to a larger location at 895 – 3rd Avenue to better serve the community.

We adopted a Housing First model to support the homeless population and launched the Thunderbird Motel project to provide housing for those facing complex challenges. We also worked with the School District and the Ministry of Children and Family Development to start a pilot program in Boston Bar aimed at building social and emotional skills for students dealing with significant challenges.

The Aboriginal Education Council, impressed by the success of the Boston Bar program, approached us to create a similar program for Aboriginal students in Agassiz and Hope High Schools. This led to the launch of the Aboriginal Mentor Program, which continues today.

In collaboration with the Mennonite Central Committee, we conducted a research project on homelessness in rural communities. The project highlighted the unique challenges faced by those without stable housing.

The Emergency Shelter program launched, offering four shelter beds.

Service Canada funded research into homelessness in Hope and the surrounding area. This research highlighted ongoing needs, leading to the addition of a Caseworker in late 2016 to support homeless and at-risk individuals.

Youth and Family Services programs were introduced to support families connected with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. An additional homeless outreach worker was added through the Homeless Partnering Strategy Funds.

Funding through Lu’Ma Native Housing enabled the addition of an Urban Indigenous Homeless Outreach Worker.

The organization purchased 400 Park Street, establishing a permanent home for the Hope and Area Transition Society.

With increased funding from Fraser Health Authority, a Youth Coordinator and Mental Health Substance Use Community Outreach positions were created. The organization also shifted from low-barrier housing at the Thunderbird Motel to an outreach-focused model for homelessness services.

BC Housing purchased a facility to open a 20-bed Emergency Shelter, with plans to expand to a 40-bed Supportive Housing facility by 2020.

Plans were made to build a Youth Centre with eight housing units and develop Second Stage Housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes in March 2020, prompting the organization to adapt its service delivery while maintaining support for the community.

Public engagement for a 52-unit Supportive Housing facility did not succeed in rezoning efforts. However, BC Housing, HATS, and community partners continue to advocate for more housing options for vulnerable residents.

Opened the Emergency Response Centre at the Colonial 900 Motel, ensuring safe distancing and shelter for those in need during COVID-19.

The rezoning of 7th Avenue paved the way for 56 supportive housing units, 15 emergency shelter beds, and 15 extreme weather beds to address urgent housing needs.

Expanded Sexual Assault Services became available in Hope, Kent, and Chilliwack, providing dedicated support to those in need.

Hope and Area Transition Society is renamed Cedar Strong Prevention & Intervention Society to reflect our commitment to resilience, growth, and the supportive foundation we provide for individuals and families in our communities.