Our next story comes from Avria Shier, a volunteer at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Originally from Montreal, Avria came to Vancouver in 1993, and has been here ever since. In 2019, a friend referred her to Kits House when Avria mentioned she was interested in volunteering. Avria went on to participate in several programs and events, including…
This Neighbourhood House Impact Story comes from Gordon Neighbourhood House, where the volunteers there are working hard to combat food insecurity in their community by creating community driven food systems that combat food injustice. We hope you enjoy it! Every day, one in seven BC families struggle to put food on the table. Their concerns…
When Ghfran Alkour and her family arrived in Canada from Syria, they faced a new country, language barriers, and the challenge of settling six children in an unfamiliar place. Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s family and newcomer programs provided the support they needed—from orientation, translation, and childcare to connecting the family with a welcoming community. These programs helped Ghfran’s children thrive in school and her family find belonging, stability, and hope for the future.
Our next story from our Summer Series comes from Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, and is shared by Norm Leech. Neighbourhood houses across the Lower Mainland have the honour of deep and ongoing relationships with Norm Leech (T’it’q’et, St’at’imc Nation), Executive Director of the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre. Norm is a leader and facilitator who…
From feeling isolated as a queer Asian teen in White Rock to now leading LGBTQ2S+ programs and helping shape ANHBC’s strategic direction, Kiko’s journey illustrates the heart of neighbourhood house work: creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people are seen, supported, and empowered. Their story is one of remarkable growth—moving from a youth participant seeking connection and belonging to a confident youth facilitator guiding others on the same journey.
