FAQs - Wiseman Centre

I’m homeless. How can I get admitted into the Wiseman Centre?

Call the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) Emergency Shelter Line at 1-833-724-2444. You may also come in person to the Wiseman Centre on 714 Water Street and our staff will assist you in contacting NLHC.

What kinds of support will I receive at the Wiseman Centre?

Shelter in a private room
Three meals a day
Hygiene/toiletries kit
Laundry facilities
Computer and phone access (long distance included)
Access to our free clothing room
Assistance with income support application
Medication management
Assistance with ID replacement
Referral to community resources
Assistance with housing search
Wellness group
Spiritual Care

How will my finances be affected while I stay at the Centre?

No one pays to stay at The Wiseman Centre. We are funded by the NL provincial government through the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). When you arrive at the Wiseman Centre, if you are not already receiving income support, you will be required to complete a telephone application with a provincial government income support worker. For the application to be processed, you will need to obtain:

a bank statement
a direct deposit form from your bank
a Record of Employment (if available).

Income Support applications from those who have recently moved to the province will automatically go through an Early Detection Program (EDP) investigation. No income support funding will be awarded until the application process is complete.

While you are staying at the Wiseman Centre, you may be entitled to a “Comforts Allowance”. The “Comforts Allowance” (CA) cheque of approximately $62.50 will arrive from income support on or close to the 1st and 16th of each month. Please note that you will not receive your CA cheque until income support has received all necessary information and processed your application.

If you are in receipt of a federal pension (eg CPP, OAS) or have employment income while staying at the Wiseman Centre, your income must be submitted to Wiseman Centre staff to be placed in the safe. A semi-monthly allowance of $62.50 will be provided to you from these funds.

What are the age group criteria?

The Wiseman Centre is a shelter for adults. There are several other organizations in St. John’s which provide emergency shelter to various age groups, including adult, youth and senior individuals experiencing homelessness. Contact the Newfoundland Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) Emergency Shelter Line at 1-833-724-2444 for emergency shelter placement.

Does the Centre house both males and females?

The Wiseman Centre provides emergency shelter to males, females and transgender individuals.

Will someone help me find housing while I am residing at the Centre?

The Wiseman Centre has a dedicated housing worker who assists clients with looking for permanent accommodations.

What are the rules and regulations at the Centre?

Below is the Resident Expectation Agreement that is signed upon admission:

I agree to follow the expectations for resident behaviour that are outlined below. I understand that I may be asked to leave the Salvation Army Wiseman Centre immediately if I break any of the following conditions. If a violation is suspected, I understand that a minimum of two staff members may inspect my room/personal belongings at any time and without notice.

I state that I have nothing in my personal belongings that can be perceived as being a weapon, alcohol/other drugs, or being harmful to myself or another resident. I agree that I will not bring such items into the Centre at any time. For my safety and the safety of others, I consent to have my personal belongings inspected. Yes ____No ____(The Centre reserves the right to deny admission to anyone refusing to have their personal items inspected).

I agree that I shall not engage in any violence, use of weapons, destruction of property, threats (real or perceived), harassment of any type (including sexual, physical, emotional or verbal abuse), theft, smoking or vaping in the building, use of alcohol/other drugs in the building, sexual activity, or use of pornographic materials.

I agree that if I am exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol/other drugs I may be denied access to the building and/or asked to temporarily leave the building. This is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals in the building and to show my consideration of other residents coping with addiction issues.

I agree to treat every resident and staff member with respect at all times; this includes being tolerant and considerate of others, and respecting other residents’ right to a quiet environment at night.

I agree not to borrow money or other items from other residents, or to lend money or other items to other residents.

I agree to participate fully with the housing worker in finding suitable housing during my entire stay. I understand that my main priority while residing at this emergency shelter is to arrange more permanent housing.

I understand that, in accordance with Wiseman Centre confidentiality policy, staff will not confirm or deny my presence in the shelter to incoming callers. Exceptions include inquiries from Income Support, NLHC, Eastern Health staff as well as the RNC.

I agree to:

Pass in all my medications to staff. Medications will be placed in a secure, locked cabinet in the administration area.
Take my medications according to prescription.
Complete household chores on a daily basis as assigned by staff.
Keep my room clean and free from garbage.
Not enter other residents’ rooms or allow/invite other residents into my room.
Dress modestly and wear clothing at all times, including pajamas while sleeping.
Maintain acceptable hygiene practices (showering, changing clothes daily, etc.).
Adhere to all other posted rules of the Wiseman Centre.

I understand that, due to limited space, parking is NOT available for residents of the Wiseman Centre. If I have a vehicle I agree to make other arrangements prior to admission to the Wiseman Centre.

I agree to take ALL personal belongings when discharging from the Centre. The Wiseman Centre is not responsible for any belongings left behind, and any unclaimed items may be disposed of after 30 days.

I agree to respect other residents’ rights including their right to privacy and confidentiality while staying at the Centre and after discharge. I agree not to discuss any current or past residents’ history with other individuals.

I understand that the withholding of information or the giving of false information may result in immediate discharge from the Wiseman Centre.

What are my rights as a resident?

The Wiseman Centre Resident Charter of Rights afford the residents of the Centre the following rights:

To be informed of all your rights.
To expect that all staff know your rights and respect your rights.
To exercise any and all rights without fear of reprisals by others.
To be treated with consideration and respect for personal dignity, autonomy, and privacy.
To be properly sheltered, nourished and cared for in a manner consistent with your needs.
To live in a safe and clean environment.
To receive service in a humane setting.
To receive quality care.
To seek clarification and change of policy that infringes upon your rights.
To complain and have your complaints heard, understood and dealt with by staff or management of the Wiseman Centre (where complaints are deemed legitimate).
To pursue social, cultural, religious and other interests to develop your potential and to be given reasonable provisions by the Wiseman Centre to accommodate these pursuits.
To access all services offered by the Wiseman Centre and staff.
To communicate in confidence with staff and to know that such information will not be disclosed to outsiders without your prior consent (written or verbal) except for the reasons as stated in the Privacy Disclaimer section of the Release of Information Form.
To have access to your file upon written request.
To receive a referral to another agency or practitioner along with the right to accept or refuse their services upon disclosure of the consequences of such consent or refusal.
To be informed, if possible, in advance, the reasons for denial of services at the Wiseman Centre or why services are being discontinued.
To be provided with follow-up services by Wiseman Centre staff upon request.