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 now is a host site for the Mobile Care Unit (MCU).
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 UBC Schools of Medicine and Social Work participate in the Mobile Care Unit program. Medical students and medical residents, as well as social work students, are involved in field studies and practicum placements with the mobile ministry. Medical students serve under supervision of UBC medical faculty. Social Work students are supervised by designated and approved Neighbourhood Ministry volunteers, who serve as Field Placement Supervisors.
St. Augustine’s Anglican Church (Marpole) is a host site for the MCU, welcoming MCU volunteers at their weekly community meals, providing another important link to our neighbours who may be in need of medical or social service support.
The Neighbourhood Ministry has been a grateful recipient of care+share funding through the Diocese of New Westminster and is designated as a Related Group. http://vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-ministries/related-groups/pages/westside-neighbourhood-ministry
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Neighbourhood Ministry 