Joshua House, also known as Yahweh Saves Recovery Ministries, is proposing to operate two 10-bed men’s supportive recovery homes at 29183 Fraser Highway.
Joshua House is a Christian organization that currently runs recovery homes in Abbotsford and the surrounding area, assisting men who struggle with addiction.
The proposed homes are located on agricultural land and the proposal has already received approval from the Agricultural Land Commission to operate on the site.
The proposal states that as part of the recovery program, the men would be involved in the maintenance and development of the farm. The property is about nine acres with two homes and several small barns used for cows, goats, pigs and chickens.
Council passed the first reading of a rezoning “text amendment” necessary to operate supportive recovery use facilities on agricultural land. The proposal will go to public hearing, likely at the next council meeting, and must be approved by council in order to move forward.
Coun. Henry Braun said that not only is supportive recovery needed in Abbotsford, “the farming aspect is a novel concept and approach to helping men who need a roof over their head, but also someone to come alongside them and mentor them and love them for who they are.”
