Arrival guide · Dorie’s House
Know what happens when you get here.
See what Dorie’s House looks like, what happens when you arrive, and what everyday life here is actually like.
The building
See Dorie’s House first.
Going somewhere new can be hard when you do not know what you’re walking into. Here’s Dorie’s House first.
If you need somewhere safe.
Here’s what the first few hours can look like when you come to Dorie’s House for emergency shelter.
Call when you can
If you can, call before you come. Staff will ask a few questions and let you know what happens next. If you’re already here, come to the door.
Come inside
A staff member will meet you, talk with you about what’s going on and get the information they need to help you stay safely.
Get settled
You can have something to eat, shower and get comfortable. If you didn’t bring much with you, that’s okay. We have basic toiletries and other necessities.
Figure out the next few days
Once you’re settled, staff will talk with you about school, family or other people you want to stay in touch with, and what you need while you’re here.
If you are coming for treatment.
If you’re coming for residential treatment, your stay will be arranged with admissions before you arrive. Here’s what your first day will look like.
Before you leave home
Admissions will tell you what to bring. Pack your prescribed medications, clothes and the personal things you’ve been asked to bring.
Arrive and meet staff
Someone will welcome you, go through your belongings with you and explain things like phones, medications and how the House works.
See your room
You’ll be shown your bedroom and the shared spaces, and you’ll meet some of the people you’ll be spending time with.
Start settling into the routine
You do not have to know everything on day one. Staff will help you learn the routine, meet people and get used to being here.
Staff will go through your belongings with you when you arrive. Anything that can’t stay in your room will be kept safely for you.
You’ll have a bedroom at Dorie’s House. Staff are in the House overnight and do safety checks while everyone is sleeping.
During residential treatment, you won’t leave the House on your own. Appointments and activities away from the House are arranged with staff.
Staff will explain how phone calls, visitors and contact with family or other supports work while you’re here.
Tell us before you arrive if you use a wheelchair or have other mobility, bathing or personal-care needs. Dorie’s House has accessible shower facilities and a wheelchair lift between floors, and staff can plan with you before you come.
Physical accessibility →Everyday life
Things you might be wondering about.
What if I arrive with almost nothing?
That’s okay. Come with what you have. Dorie’s House can provide basic toiletries and necessities and help with basic clothing when needed.
What happens to my phone?
Phone rules are different depending on why you’re staying at Dorie’s House. Staff will explain them when you arrive. During residential treatment, personal phones and other internet-enabled devices are kept safely for you, and you can use the house phone for approved contacts.
Will I still do school?
Yes. You can keep up with school while you’re here. Our teacher liaison can work with Maverick School, Chinook School Division and your home school.
Where will I sleep?
You’ll have a bedroom at Dorie’s House. Staff will show you your room when you arrive and explain where everything is.
Will there be food when I get there?
Yes. Meals are provided, and if you arrive hungry, tell staff.
What should I bring?
If your stay is planned, staff will tell you what to pack. If you’re coming for emergency shelter and don’t have much with you, come with what you have.
Will I know anyone?
Maybe not. Staff will introduce themselves and show you around. You don’t have to remember everyone’s name or understand everything right away.
What if I am nervous or do not understand something?
Tell a staff member. You can ask questions more than once. You do not need to pretend you are comfortable before you actually are.
Ask before you arrive
Still wondering about something?
Call or email and ask. You don’t need to know the right words.