The Healing Power of Connection

National Addictions Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on the many challenges faced by those struggling with addiction. It is also a time to recognize that recovery is possible – especially when individuals are met with understanding, compassion, and support.

John McLernon honoured at the Recovery Café

On Tuesday, November 21st, the Recovery Café welcomed John McLernon, and his wife Peggy to inaugurate a custom wood bench made to honour John’s 15 years of service as Streetohome’s founding Board Chair.  The bench was made and delivered by Colin Hamilton, owner / craftsman of Thuja Wood Art of Pender Island, BC. Made from reclaimed cedar wood, it was hand-engraved with one of John’s popular quotes, “Stay Curious.”

A Case for Sharing Lives and Sharing Spaces

A more affordable housing choice could be on its way to BC, if governments are willing to champion the needed incentives, zoning, and efficient approval processes to facilitate the delivery of this housing.

The Want2 – Life Intentions Action Planner has been updated

It’s that time of year – The Want2 – Life Intentions Action Planner has been updated! Nearly 50 new resources have been added, with the Guide now having nearly 600 resources. Highlights include a new section under Advocacy that focuses on anti-bullying and harassment resources, and several new learning and training programs. Additional new resources include:  Embers Youth Programs and … Read More

Strengthening the Stool Towards Greater Outcomes

We are happy to announce the release of our Strategic Framework 2023-2028 – Strengthening the Stool Towards Greater Outcomes. The Framework brings a renewed focus on enhancing the homelessness services system in British Columbia to impact homelessness in Vancouver. Streetohome will continue to broker the private sector taking smart risks in adapting, integrating, and validating innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable models … Read More

Gone Fishing

We’ve learned many lessons since our start in 2008, and have built a repertoire of more than a few John-isms over the years. One of our favourites – “we can’t build ourselves out of homelessness,” – signified a strategic shift towards prevention to fill gaps in the system, rather than focusing exclusively on building supportive housing. Under John’s leadership, Streetohome … Read More

A message from the Board Chair and CEO

“A good project, good people and great strategy, along with lots of energy – there’s no knowing how far you’ll go,” – Board Chair, John McLernon 2022 has been a year of change, looking back at our successes, taking stock of lessons learned and adjusting. As we move into 2023, we are adapting our strategic framework and renewing our commitment … Read More

Neighbours Helping Neighbours

As you walk into Co:Here, you’re greeted with the chatter of friendly neighbours, a large open space with communal tables, a seating area by a warm fireplace, and a small library. Believing that loneliness is a universal human condition, Salsbury Community Society aims to reduce the experience of social isolation in housing. Salsbury has been providing housing in the Grandview-Woodland neighborhood for over 25 years, and its most recent building, Co:Here, just celebrated its five-year anniversary.

An Opportunity for Shared Living

When Co:Here Housing first started, not everyone was sure the model, featuring mixed incomes and mutual support by tenants rather than wraparound services, would work. “I was at a meeting a few years ago, where an executive from BC Housing was at Co:Here, and he said, ‘You’ve all proved me wrong. I now believe that this model can work well,’” recounts Tim Dickau, Director, CityGate Vancouver.