A new women’s recovery centre opening in Abbotsford today will help fill a void in the community, says the president of the organization behind it.

Marvin Leclare of Psalm 23 Transition Society said the centre is one of just a handful of facilities in Abbotsford that offer support to women with addiction issues.

House of Angels, located at 32122 Melmar Ave., will house up to 10 women at a time who will participate in a four-month program that includes counselling, meetings, life skills and spiritual guidance.

It will be staffed entirely by women 24 hours a day and overseen by Leclare’s wife, Shelley.

The site was among 11 facilities approved by city council in June 2008 following tighter regulations governing supportive recovery centres.

Psalm 23 had two other homes – both for men – also approved at that time. They are located on Clearbrook and Peardonville roads.

Council turned down another seven applications and voted that no further recovery homes would be allowed in Abbotsford for one year. That moratorium was recently lifted.

The House of Angels property originally housed Psalm 23’s first recovery home, which opened in 2001. It closed down a year ago in order to undergo renovations for the women’s centre.

Leclare said this history has enabled the organization to establish a good rapport with the community and build a worthy reputation, which he hopes to continue.

“We want to make sure we keep the integrity of what we do and how we help people.”

House of Angels hosts an open house on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

As well, Leclare said volunteers and financial sponsors are needed to help operate the site. For more information, call 604-870-5616 or e-mail psalm23society@shaw.ca.