Harm Reduction

Ruth & Naomi’s operates a number of different services, walking alongside people on their path to recovery. One of these is an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), which we believe is an integral part of our continuum of care.

We also understand that an OPS can be a controversial topic. We wanted to share our approach to harm reduction and why we believe in the OPS model from both a spiritual and medical perspective.

  • An OPS is a supervised space where individuals can use their own substances in a safe, hygienic environment with trained staff present to respond to overdoses or medical emergencies and provide trauma-informed care.

    The Ruth & Naomi’s OPS provides:

    • Supervised consumption to prevent overdose fatalities
    • Sterile supplies to reduce the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV
    • Basic health supports, including wound care and harm reduction education
    • Referrals to detox, recovery programs, housing, and mental health supports

    OPSs are not places where substances are given out — they are places where people are kept alive and connected until they’re ready to take steps forward in recovery.

  • At Ruth & Naomi’s, our commitment to reducing harm, including services like an OPS, flows directly from our Mission Statement:
    “Walking alongside people on a journey of recovery, demonstrating the love of Jesus.”

    Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus’ compassion toward those who were overlooked, misunderstood, or marginalized. He didn’t wait for people to be clean, sober, or socially accepted. Whether offering healing to those deemed untouchable (Mark 1:40–45), engaging in respectful conversation across social boundaries (John 4), or sharing meals with those seen as outsiders (Luke 5:29–32), Jesus broke barriers to offer connection, dignity, and hope.

    As John 1:14 (MSG) puts it, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood.” He came close—even when it was messy or misunderstood. That’s the model we follow: showing up with presence, compassion, and love.

    The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) offers a clear picture of the kind of compassion that informs our approach to harm reduction. A vulnerable man is passed by, but a Samaritan chooses to stop, offer care, and ensure ongoing support. Jesus doesn’t just praise this act—He commands it: “Go and do likewise.” An OPS is about showing up with presence and care when someone is at risk.

    We also draw encouragement from the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin (Luke 15), which remind us of the relentless love of God. “He searched until he found them.” These stories don’t frame people as problems to be solved, but as people of immeasurable value, made “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27)—worth pursuing, over and over again. That same commitment grounds our work: to offer support not just once, or twice, or when it’s convenient, but with faithful perseverance.

    When Jesus found the wandering sheep, he brought them to His sheepfold. We are committed to following Jesus’ example ( Mark 1:38, Matthew 18:11) and we are commanded to bring the good news of the gospel and true hope to everyone (Matthew 28:18-20).

    When we provide a safe, compassionate space for someone in active addiction, we’re saying: “Your life matters. You are not alone. We will walk with you, just as you are, for as long as you need.”

    This is not enabling addiction. It’s enabling dignity, safety, and the chance at transformation. We believe in recovery and a transformed life, and harm reduction ensures people live long enough to have that chance.

  • OPSs are rooted in sound public health practice and backed by research. While they may seem controversial at first glance, the evidence is consistent: harm reduction saves lives and improves community health outcomes.

    Here’s how:

    ● Prevents Fatal Overdoses: The toxic drug supply in BC continues to take thousands of lives. OPSs offer a critical layer of safety by allowing staff to respond immediately when someone overdoses. In 2023, we responded to 125 overdoses, and in 2024, that rose to 145. Each one of those could have ended in tragedy without the quick intervention of our staff.

    ● Reduces Spread of Blood-Borne Diseases: By providing clean equipment and a safe environment, OPSs dramatically reduce the risk of Hepatitis C, HIV, and other infections that spread through shared supplies.

    ● Connects People to Health and Recovery Services: OPSs act as a gateway to care. They create a consistent point of contact with trained staff who can offer wound care, referrals to detox and recovery programs, primary health care, mental health support, and housing resources.

    ● Encourages Pathways to Recovery: Multiple studies show that individuals who use harm reduction services are more likely to eventually engage in recovery. The trusting relationships built in these spaces are often the bridge to deeper transformation.

    ● Reduces Public Use and Community Disruption: Without an OPS, individuals often use substances in alleyways, stairwells, or on sidewalks—settings that are unsafe, unsanitary, and leave people incredibly vulnerable. By moving substance use indoors under supervision, OPSs increase safety for everyone.

    ● Does Not Increase Drug Use or Crime: Extensive research has shown that OPSs do not lead to increased drug use or criminal activity. In fact, communities with OPSs often see reduced public drug use and fewer emergency service calls.

  • We believe in the power of recovery—but it requires relationship, and relationship requires presence. Through harm reduction practices like our OPS, we are choosing to be present in the pain—just like Jesus.

    This work may not always be understood, but it is rooted in love, evidence, and faith. We believe every life is worth saving, every person is made in God’s image, and every journey is worth walking—no matter how long it takes.

FAQ’s

  • An OPS is a designated space where people can use substances in a supervised, hygienic environment. Staff are trained to respond immediately to overdoses, reducing the risk of death or injury.

  • Shelters often serve individuals who use substances. Having an OPS on-site reduces the risk of fatal overdoses, promotes safer use, and provides a low-barrier point of contact for support, referrals, and relationship-building.

  • No. OPS facilities do not provide or distribute substances. People bring their own, and staff supervise for safety and health reasons.

  • No. Evidence from years of research across Canada and globally shows that OPSs do not increase substance use or crime. Instead, they reduce public drug use, decrease discarded needles in public spaces, and create safer communities.

  • Yes. Our OPS is open to the public and provides a safe, supervised space for anyone who needs it. While it’s located within our shelter facility, it is available to both residents and non-residents, helping ensure that people in our broader community have access to life-saving support, regardless of their housing status.

  • The OPS is professionally staffed, monitored, and follows health authority guidelines. By offering a supervised space, it drastically reduces the likelihood that someone will use in a back alley, stairwell, or public space—places where they are far more vulnerable to overdose or harm. This also helps reduce the presence of public drug use in the surrounding community.

  • The OPS is staffed by trained Community Support Workers, often including peers with lived experience. They are trained in overdose response and trauma-informed care.

  • Staff offer connections to detox, recovery programs, housing, mental health supports, primary care, and other services when people are ready.

  • The OPS is funded through Fraser Health.

  • Yes. We welcome open dialogue. Please submit your comments or questions on the form on this page, and someone will reach out to you.

Have questions about our Harm Reduction efforts?
Please feel free to contact us at any time via the form below.

Questions are always welcome