DARE Program

What does untreated addiction look like?

First, you lose your job. Then you lose your family. And your home.

You’re on the street, hating yourself. Possibly turning to crime to pay for your next high. Getting assaulted, getting injured, getting ill. Realizing that your addiction is slowly killing you.

You want out. But even if you get sober and sign up for treatment, you have to wait months. And you need help to stay sober. A safe place to live. Someone who knows what you’re going through. You need it NOW, not months from now.

You need Good Shepherd Centre’s DARE Program.

DARE (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Enrichment) Program

The 25-bed DARE Program gives homeless men with addiction a safe, supportive place to live while waiting for treatment.

DARE provides counselling that prepares clients for residential treatment for addiction. The 25 clients live together in a secure dormitory, offering each other support and encouragement.

Clients in DARE receive food, shelter, toiletries and clothing. Transportation costs also are covered so that clients can keep medical appointments.

During the day, DARE clients do chores in an effort to give back to the community and learn responsibility. Clients also take part in arts and sports programs. They participate in group and individual counselling, and begin to learn how to live life free from substance abuse.

Stable housing is critical to reaching treatment goals, but it is not always part of a treatment program, since the majority of people in treatment are not homeless. DARE clients begin work on a housing plan when they enter the Program.

Because DARE is an abstinence-based program, DARE clients sign a contract not to use any mood-altering substances. They consent to random testing.

In 2009, 129 homeless men successfully entered treatment through the DARE Program.

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Services after Treatment

For clients who need more time to find housing, DARE provides a place to live after treatment. In 2009, 59 men used the aftercare services.

Staying sober takes daily commitment and work. DARE alumni are welcome to return for support. In 2009, an average of 47 DARE alumni visited each month for ongoing support.

Need the DARE Program?

If you are interested in admission to the DARE program, please call (416) 869-3619, either directly or through a referring agency. You may also email us at .

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