At The Bridge, we believe that everyone deserves access to care, support, and dignity—regardless of their circumstances. The Outreach Program embodies this philosophy by providing low-barrier, mobile, and person-centered support to individuals across Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country. Whether it’s distributing harm reduction supplies, assisting with healthcare referrals, or simply offering a listening ear, the outreach team is on the frontlines every day, fostering trust and connection in the community.

Breaking Barriers to Support

What sets the Outreach Program apart is its commitment to meeting people where they are—literally and figuratively. Many services require individuals to travel to a specific location, fill out paperwork, or meet certain eligibility requirements. The outreach team removes these barriers by offering immediate, mobile, and judgment-free support to anyone in need.

While much of their work focuses on Rutland, the team’s reach extends from the far end of West Kelowna to the far end of Lake Country, ensuring that individuals in less-served areas have access to life-saving resources. Their home delivery program is filling critical service gaps, making it easier for people in remote or underserved locations to access harm reduction supplies, referrals, and other essential supports.

The outreach team works with everyone—not just unhoused individuals or those who use substances. Their open-door approach ensures that anyone in need of guidance, supplies, or advocacy can receive it without judgment.

More Than Supplies—A Lifeline in the Community

Outreach is about more than just handing out harm reduction supplies—it’s about building relationships and trust. The team provides:
✔ Survival supplies (seasonal gear, hygiene kits, food, and harm reduction tools)
✔ Healthcare advocacy (assisting with referrals, supporting access to medical services)
✔ Education & training (offering naloxone training, harm reduction education, and workshops)
✔ Crisis response (distributing life-saving medication in response to toxic drug poisonings)

They serve as the first step in a continuum of care, often connecting people to other services within The Bridge or the broader community. Whether someone is looking for housing, detox services, or simply a friendly and nonjudgmental conversation, the outreach team is there to help.

Radical Love in Action

Beyond practical support, the outreach team provides something even more powerful: hope and human connection. From conducting over 20 naloxone trainings for community service providers each year to simply taking the time to learn someone’s name, their work is built on radical love and respect.

"Even the smallest things will transform a person that we work with," one team member shared. Sometimes, that transformation starts with a conversation, a warm pair of socks, or the reassurance that someone cares.

Outreach work isn’t always easy. It involves difficult conversations, navigating system gaps, and responding to crises—but it’s also deeply rewarding. The team learns and adapts every day, ensuring they provide the best possible support to those who rely on them.

The Future of Outreach: Expanding Connection and Care

Looking ahead, the Outreach Program is focused on deepening relationships within the community. They aim to:
🔹 Strengthen connections with other service providers to improve coordination of care
🔹 Expand community education through naloxone training and harm reduction awareness
🔹 Ensure access to essential supplies like snacks and protein shakes, which are in high demand
🔹 Continue advocating for participants, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met

Their message to the community is clear: low-barrier services like outreach save lives. And in doing so, they create pathways for healing, recovery, and a stronger, more connected community.

How You Can Support Outreach

Outreach is a community-driven effort, and there are many ways to help:
💙 Donate – Contributions help provide essential supplies to those in need.
💙 Learn – Attend a naloxone training or learn more about harm reduction.
💙 Advocate – Support low-barrier services and programs that prioritize dignity and care.

To learn more about the Outreach Program or to support their work, visit https://thebridgeservices.ca/recovery-and-addictions-services/outreach-overdose-prevention-services.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind—because everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and the chance to build a better future.