Our Story.

Franciscan Brother Bernie was a member of the Roman Catholic religious order founded in the early 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscan order is one of the four great mendicant orders of the church whose members strive to cultivate the ideals of poverty and charity.

Founded in 1982 by Franciscan Brother Bernard, Sheila Cameron, and Doreen Baker, Simon House began its work in a Bowness duplex that still serves men in need today. Simon House has been, and always will be, a beacon of hope and refuge for men who have found themselves in the grip of addiction. Humble beginnings saw Brother Bernie and Doreen work tirelessly with integral volunteers and original employees to grow and develop Simon House into the program and facility it is today.

In 1983, the duplex immediately next door to its original location was generously donated to expand Simon House services and support. In 2006, through the generosity of donors, Simon House built a 30-bed building with a full commercial kitchen, board room, and office space.

Today, Simon House provides 67 beds for men working to overcome their addiction. Thanks to the support of a committed group of staff, board members, donors, and community partners, Simon House has become a highly respected, valued, integral, and successful addiction recovery centre in the Calgary community, serving men and their families from across North America.