Home for Everyone Charities

Each in their own way, the four charities Duncan is supporting work to foster a sense of home for those in need. On a local and global scale, the organizations below are making a difference. If you would like to help, please feel free to contact Duncan to find out more.

The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver

Operating since 1894, The Assocation of Neighbourhood Houses is a volunteer driven community based organisation made up of seven neighbourhood houses and an outdoor centre. Their goal is to enable people to embrace their lives and strengthen their communities. They act to promote the inclusion of everyone in the community through a diverse range of programs and services. Six of the seven houses are in the City of Vancouver, including Gordon House in the West End and Kitsilano House on West 7th Avenue. While their mandate is not to provide housing per se, they act very much as a home from home for people of all ages, races, religions, abilities and economic levels. Initiatives such as after school care for older children and youth employment programs are key to the prevention of future homelessness in Vancouver.

---

Union Gospel Mission

Union Gospel Mission exists to offer Hope to the Hungry, Hurting and Homeless. UGM is on the front line in a war against the deadly trap of drug addiction and the hopelessness of living without a place to call home. They provide food (over 200,000 meals a year), clothing, emergency shelter, affordable housing, drop in centres with a multitude of programs for men, women and children and, above all, hope. The Mission is interdenominational, meaning there are a variety of churches supporting the Mission but none directly involved in its operation. Their programs and services are not funded by Provincial or Federal governments or the United Way, but by working in partnership with individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, service and community groups.

---

Kate Booth House

The Salvation Army Kate Booth House has provided a safe home and confidential refuge for more than 4,000 women and children fleeing domestic abuse since 1985. The transition house offers a supportive atmosphere to victims of abuse for up to 30 days. In addition to the basic necessities, they offer a range of support services for women and children, including daily counselling, employment referrals, after-departure support groups, child care, children's activities and a visiting teacher three times weekly. Duncan and his colleagues at Royal LePage Westside have supported this shelter since 1999, with the guidance of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. A brand new facility for Kate Booth House, due to be completed in 2007, will more than double the capacity of the existing building.

---