The Russell Housing Centre - New Westminster, British Columbia

Iain J.

The Russell is more than a homeless shelter, it is also approximately 30 single room occupancy rental units available.The building also houses the Seniors Services Society.

Dubstep E.

I love the staff here. I also love that the staff are very caring and understanding and awesome!! I miss you guys and you helped me when I had no where to go 🙏😊 Thus is a very amazing place if you’re homeless and if you have no where to go

Dawn B.

I share custody of a cat with one of their tenants using the shelter. But he was recently evicted from there and now the staff 'doesn't know' where the cat ended up. I have picked up our cat a couple times so they are aware of our agreement, and they should know who I am.
They must feel pretty proud of themselves to take advantage of the homeless.
I will keep on contacting them till someone finds out what happened him. Cats don't just disappear..... and if by chance you are the one that has my 'Shadow' just know I won't give up that easy. I'm coming for my cat!!!

Travis N. (. T. T.

Have been a guest at their emergency shelter in the past. They also provide permanent low income / welfare housing. This place is amazing. I have never been at a shelter before but I could tell it was above and beyond what you would imagine from a shelter. The staff are diverse (they have many staff, some are volunteer and some are professionals in health care, counselling, etc) and are very friendly and welcoming, and above all else very respectful. If you just need a place to sleep for a night, or a week or more, then you can have that, but if you choose to get help with drug addiction or employment barriers or anything they have dedicated and knowledgeable people there who truly care about their clients and their work. But I can't stress how they respect your choice, they won't pressure you to do group sessions or get treatment for a drug issue etc. Everyone is welcome as long as you don't cause problems and their rules are simple and logical (ie, based around respect and safety rather than arbitrary nuances and protocols).

The lookout society is a very fitting name for this service! They truly are looking out for those who feel neglected and ignored by our society and govt. If you ever are in a tough spot I want to tell you from personal experience that there is help out there and it's a lot more than doctors and prescriptions and counselling! Sometimes all it takes is to have someone to talk to and be listened to to realize that you have a lot more power and control in your life than you realize! That is what lookout did for me and I am forever grateful, thank you look out society you've helped _me_ change my lookout on life!

ger M.

I was homeless for almost 2 years bounced from shelter to shelter until I arrived at the Russel homeless shelter. The staff treated me with respect and it was from here I was finally homed. Thank you Russel staff! You saved my life and the life of my dog Keiko! Outreach worker JODY was paramount in giving me strength, courage, and the ability to find a pet friendly home! Thank you for the new life Jody!

Trevor B.

Well I came in from out of town, and they told me where I could get a mat. The next day which was Christmas morning they gave me brunch, and allowed me to join them for Turkey dinner that night. A special thanks to Jodie, who made it happen

Chase P.

If I was ever homeless, this is the place that I would want to be at. The building itself is old af but Lookout has remodeled it and the inside is fantastic. These shelter guests are living large.

Susie13 S.

I live on the tenant side here, and yes they are sort of good staff if they would only stop changing them so offten.