Cythera Transition House FAQs
A Safe and Supportive Place to Turn

Because storage space is limited, we ask that you please limit your items to one small bag per person, including essential items, documents, clothing and personal items.

Yes. Each of the individuals and families that we welcome will have their own private bedroom.

Your privacy and well-being is our number one priority. Cythera has implemented a variety of policies and mechanisms to maintain a safe and secure Transition House.

Beyond providing a safe, secure, and comfortable place to stay, we offer first-stage counselling to offer emotional support to adults and children, and can offer connections to additional service providers to help with your legal, financial and long-term housing needs.

No. Cythera has a zero-tolerance policy for substances - drugs and alcohol are not permitted.

Unfortunately, Cythera cannot accommodate pets at this time; we are happy to help by providing referrals to pet fostering services in the community.

You’re welcome to stay at Cythera Transition House for up to 30 days. During this time, our compassionate team will walk alongside you as you begin to regroup, plan your next steps, and access the support and resources you need to move forward with safety and confidence.

If you're looking for longer-term or second-stage housing options in Maple Ridge, learn more about our affordable housing programs on the Bernice Gehring page.

Because space is limited, we ask that each person brings only one small bag. Try to include essentials like important documents (ID, medical cards, etc.), a few changes of clothing, personal care items, and any medications you may need. If you’re unsure what to pack, our team can help guide you.

Your safety and privacy are our top priorities. Cythera Transition House is staffed 24/7 and equipped with safety measures to protect the security and anonymity of all residents. We can also support you in developing a personal safety plan and improving your online privacy.

We understand that community living can be challenging. At Cythera Transition House, every woman has her own private bedroom, and there are quiet areas throughout the home where you can take space when needed. Our goal is to create a peaceful and respectful environment for everyone.

We encourage you to first explore support from trusted family, friends, or community services. Cythera Transition House is located near public transit routes in Maple Ridge. If these options aren’t available to you, please reach out — we’ll do our best to help you explore safe transportation options.

Each private bedroom has a locking door and a lockbox for securing small valuables. While we strive to foster a respectful community environment, we recommend keeping irreplaceable or highly valuable items stored elsewhere whenever possible.

Our house is warm, welcoming, and designed to feel like a family home. It includes private bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, a children’s play area, a cozy TV room, and a large fenced backyard. There’s space for connection — and space for quiet.

Yes, the house has two shared bathrooms available to all residents. These bathrooms are clean, comfortable, and similar to what you’d find in a typical family home.

No - Cythera is an independent agency. While we work collaboratively with many local service providers, including MCFD, our role is to support, empower, and advocate for women and families, not to report to or act on behalf of government agencies.

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our services. We ask all residents to respect each other’s privacy, and our team is committed to maintaining your confidentiality before, during, and after your stay.

No. All services provided at Cythera Transition House are free of charge. We provide safe shelter, nutritious food, toiletries, and supportive care at no cost to you.

Absolutely. We want you to feel at home during your stay. You’re welcome to prepare meals that are familiar, comforting, or culturally important to you. Our shared kitchen is available for residents to use and enjoy.

If you’re exploring longer-term or second-stage housing options in Maple Ridge, learn more about our affordable housing programs through the Bernice Gehring Housing page. Our team can also help you take the next steps when you’re ready.