John Howard Society Okanagan & Kootenay

Welcome to the John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay, a distinguished registered charity and social service agency with a rich history of over 60 years of service to the Okanagan community. Throughout the years, we have dedicated ourselves to providing unwavering support to individuals facing an array of challenges and social issues, ranging from poverty and homelessness to mental health concerns, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and involvement in the criminal justice system.

Our primary mission is to foster community wellness by delivering comprehensive services that empower our clients in various areas of their lives. From offering assistance with housing and facilitating community reintegration to providing advocacy, mental health, and addiction support, our programs aim to instill accountability and responsibility in our participants while ensuring a compassionate and robust approach to their care.

At the heart of our endeavors lies a collaborative effort that involves our committed staff and volunteers, interagency partnerships, support from funders, and the generosity of the community we serve. Together, we believe in the power of connection, echoing Johann Hari's profound sentiment that "the opposite of Addiction is Connection." Thus, we extend this belief to our work, affirming that "the opposite of Homelessness is Community." At JHSOK, we are steadfast in our commitment to bridging gaps and fostering strong, inclusive, and safe communities where everyone is welcomed with open arms.