The Umbrella Society was created because one man, struggling with addiction, found the help he needed—and wanted to ensure others could do the same.
Established in November 2000, Gordon Harper’s Umbrella Society began with his personal journey as inspiration for a peer-centered approach to substance use recovery.
His aim was simple but vital: to offer conversations, system navigation, and outreach support to those who needed it.
By 2008, our reputation and community relationships gained traction, as did opportunities for expansion. Community programs developed, staff grew, and the organization’s compassionate, client-centered approach was embraced throughout Greater Victoria. It was quickly becoming apparent that we had become essential to meeting the rising demand for recovery services.
Over the next few years, we added housing to our list of offerings. Foundation House, Cooper House, Potter House, and Hudson House were homes for folks in recovery, needing structure and peer support as they transition from treatment to independent housing.
In recognition of its growing housing initiatives, Umbrella was named Housing Provider of the Year by the BC Non-Profit Housing Society in 2019.
In 2018, Umbrella was offered the opportunity to purchase Foundation House. To raise the necessary down payment, the organization hosted its first-ever fundraiser—a sold-out NHL Alumni game featuring the Montreal Canadiens and Greater Victoria Firefighters, which raised $35,000. Later that year, another successful game featuring the Boston Bruins Alumni matched that total. On February 28, 2020, Umbrella purchased the Foundation House.
Thanks to a series of articles by local journalist Kendra Creighton, community support surged. We moved into our own office space, introduced a walk-in service, and began group programs.
In 2022, Umbrella partnered with BC Housing to operate 30 transitional housing units on Salt Spring Island.
Now in its 25th year, Umbrella is strong and well-established—having weathered a global pandemic and continued to expand its reach and impact. The organization remains deeply committed to walking alongside individuals and families through the challenges of addiction and mental health.
Umbrella’s success is built on the foundation of its dedicated staff, committed Board of Directors and a supportive community that believes in the power of recovery.