Partners

Since its inception, the Neighbourhood Ministry has worked with many partners in the community. These include community agencies, government and collaborating parishes:

Kitsilano Showers Program (at Kitsilano Community Centre) has been operating at Kits Community Centre for more than 20 years, providing breakfast, showers, clothing and companionship to homeless folks in the neighbourhood.  The Program has collaborated with the Neighbourhood Ministry since its inception in 2008, and was a host site for the Mobile Care Unit (MCU). Currently the Neighbourhood Ministry provides volunteer services every 2 weeks (2nd and 4th Saturday) that include housing applications, tax filing, and connections to other outreach services.

Coast Mental Health: The Neighbourhood Ministry has forged a solid relationship with Coast Mental Health, which operates a government supportive housing building in Dunbar.  The Neighbourhood Ministry is instrumental in referring local, chronically homeless men and women into the building, and provides ongoing support and companionship to the building’s 52 residents. Our volunteers (numbering about 20) participate in activities ranging from weekly meal service to seasonal celebrations to calling Bingo.  In addition, volunteers support tenants on a one-on-one basis. The Neighbourhood Ministry also provides funds toward a breakfast program, which provides a nutritious start to the day for the Dunbar residents.

BC Housing and the City of Vancouver: The Neighbourhood Ministry has become a valued source of information about homeless people on the Westside.  We offer referrals for individuals seeking housing, as well as participate in various forums held by the City, such as the Mayor’s faith group round-tables and activities associated with the annual Homelessness Action Week.

The Neighbourhood Ministry has been a grateful recipient of care+share funding (2018-2019) through the Diocese of New Westminster and is designated as a Related Group. Through out the Diocese there are many groups working on Food and Shelter Outreach programs which you can read about here.

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