Harbour House Woman's Shelter

The Harbour House is a safe and sober space for adult women in need of emergency accommodation.

About Harbour House

Harbour House opened its doors on September 12, 2022, with a primary mission to provide a safe, sober living shelter for vulnerable women in need of stability. Located in Kamloops, Harbour House serves as a sanctuary for women who are seeking a fresh start, free from the challenges of homelessness and substance dependence. Since its opening, Harbour House has supported 180 women, offering them a safe and secure space to begin the journey of transformation. The average age of the women we serve is 50, with stays typically lasting around 110 days per individual. Many of the women come from Kamloops and surrounding areas, where they face the challenges of homelessness or housing insecurity. On average, 2% of women in Kamloops experience these difficulties, and Harbour House plays a critical role in filling part of the housing gap that exists in our community.

At Harbour House, we are committed to empowering women to reclaim their dignity and pursue a brighter future. We operate at nearly full capacity, providing care for up to 12 women at a time. Our dedicated staff of two per shift ensures that every resident receives the support they need, including three nutritious meals a day, clothing as needed, and access to essential services like showers and laundry. Our approach is rooted in wraparound services that address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of the women in our care. In addition to offering a safe environment, we provide resources to help women explore self-development, wellness, and recovery options for those struggling with substance dependence. We also collaborate with BC Housing and The Mustard Seed to ensure that our residents have access to a full spectrum of support.

Since opening, 17% of the women who have stayed with us have successfully transitioned to stable housing or employment, a testament to the impact of the services we provide. What sets Harbour House apart is our focus on helping women move beyond merely "surviving" to thriving. With our support, they are given the time and space to reflect on their life, consider their hopes and dreams, and begin to make positive changes. Our goal is to provide a place where women can regain hope for the future, discover new possibilities, and build the foundation for a better life. At Harbour House, we believe every woman deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and create a future filled with opportunities.

"Many women who come to Harbour House successfully secure employment and find stable housing, marking a fresh start on their journey. It’s truly inspiring to witness women rebuild their lives, form lasting friendships, and establish supportive networks that continue long after their time at Harbour House."
-Hayley Tromp, Team Lead at The Mustard Seed Women’s Harbour House.

Harbour House is more than just a shelter—it’s a vibrant community that empowers women to regain their independence and rebuild their lives. Each member of the dedicated staff provides unique and compassionate support, helping women in need find their strength, prioritize self-care, and form meaningful connections with others facing similar challenges.

A safe, secure environment for women in our community needing stable housing.
2.3 % of women in Kamloops experience homelessness or housing insecurity.
This shelter fills part of the “gap” in housing that Kamloops is experiencing and will allow these vulnerable women to have dignity and hope for the future.
We hope to create an environment that will give them the time and place to have hope that things can be different, that life can change - that a safe place will allow them to consider hopes and dreams they might have for their life.

“It’s a great place, and I am so thankful to be here. I feel so glad I found this place, and I feel like I am friends with the workers. The outreach workers are so awesome. Any time that something happens in my life, now I just go into their office, close the door, and cry. They are so supportive. They will notice if I am isolating myself and they come and check on me.”
- Michelle, guest at The Mustard Seed Women‘s Shelter, Harbour House

"I’m so thankful to be here. This place has given me a sense of safety and support I didn’t think I could find. The workers are incredible—so kind and attentive. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I know I can go to their office, close the door, and let it all out. They notice when I’m struggling, even when I try to keep to myself, and they always check in on me. It feels like they truly care."
-Kristen, guest at The Mustard Seed Women’s Shelter, Harbour House.

"The Mustard Seed has been a life-changing part of my journey, helping me rise above the obstacles I faced from growing up in foster care and carrying the stigma of my father’s past. They helped me realize that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, with the right support, you can break through barriers and transform your life. They’ve given me a sense of belonging, and that’s been the key to my growth and success, not just as an individual, but in giving back to the community that has given me so much."
-Lexi, guest at The Mustard Seed Women’s Shelter, Harbour House.

Womans Shelter

The Harbour House has 12 emergency beds for women in need, these are filled on a first come, first serve basis, and certain conditions need to be met. For more information please contact: [email protected] or call 825.401.2870

Success Stories

“I arrived at The Mustard Seed in December of 2022. I came here because I needed new boundaries in my life. The Mustard Seed showed me a positive way to live, I am so grateful for this place, I never thought I would experience homelessness, and The Mustard Seed has been here to guide me through. I feel safe here.” The Mustard Seed is a great place to start to get yourself out of any situation that you might be in. If you have hope in yourself, The Mustard Seed can help you get there, guaranteed. “I found myself here because I had a dispute with a landlord and eventually The Mustard Seed helped me to deal with that issue. The counsellor here was a great help, and they helped me to release the tension and the anxiety I had around that situation. I took every opportunity for support that The Mustard Seed provided me, and I used all the resources this place has given me.” “One of the support workers suggested that I go to school, she saw something in me that I didn’t. I got accepted to a program and now I am halfway through it! I am going to succeed and I am so grateful.” “I am going to succeed in everything that I am going to go through, and I would like to come back and make an impact one way or another. I would like to repay the time and ways that The Mustard Seed has helped me, I even gained weight, Jane laughs. I would like to repay the love and kindness that The Mustard Seed has shown to me.” - Jane

"I found myself here because my house was condemned. I had to let go of my dogs and my cat, and my home of over 30 years needed major repairs I couldn’t afford. For the first time in my life, I found myself in a women’s shelter." "At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve been here close to a year now, and it’s been an incredible support system. They’ve given me everything I need—clothing, food, and even counseling. I feel safe here. It’s a locked unit where you don’t have to worry about uninvited guests or dangerous situations. At my house, people would come and go as they pleased, which wasn’t safe for me. Here, I can finally sleep peacefully without fear." "I’ve struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for about 12–15 years, but I’ve been sober for over a year now. It hasn’t been easy, but being here has made a difference. The staff and counselors understand what I’m going through, and there’s always someone to talk to when I need help. Having nurses and other professionals here has helped me take care of my health and manage my recovery. This place has been life changing." "The Mustard Seed has also given me a chance to connect with people. I didn’t have many friends before, but now I’ve made five close friends here. They’re women who understand what I’ve been through because they’ve been through it too. We support each other, even when we have bad days. And no matter what, we start fresh every morning—it’s like a little family." "I have big goals for my future. I want to finish my Early Childhood Education, which I started at the University of Victoria. I need to renew my first aid and certifications, but I know I can do it. Right now, I’m focusing on my health—one step at a time—but I see myself in a better place a year from now. I want to live in a drug-free environment, surrounded by people who are also clean and sober." "If I could say one thing to other women who are struggling, it’s this: The Mustard Seed is a safe place. You don’t have to worry about where to sleep or how to get your medication. They’ll take care of you and help you get back on your feet. They’ve given me hope for a better future, and I’m so grateful for this place." — Vivian