Category: News & Announcements

Last summer, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) conducted its most recent participant survey. These surveys aim to capture insight from the CNH community every two years and share what’s working, as well as areas of improvement.

After reviewing responses from 176 people, we are pleased to share our key findings from our 2024 survey.

65% of participants live in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. With nearly 80% of participants indicating they participated in CNH activities multiple times a week, this suggests that CNH has been successfully engaging local residents through various programs, including recreation, child care, Collingwood Days, RISE Community Health Centre, and more.

• 65% agree that CNH is a place where they feel belonging
• 63% have opportunities to become involved or give input into CNH’s future direction
• 46% met people of different cultures, ages and abilities
• 35% made new friends participating in programs at CNH

Results also indicate that CNH continues to help build a strong sense of connection and participation in the community.

So, how are we doing?

In 2023, CNH worked with an external consultant to define our current strategic plan. Our plan focused on three priority areas: Anti-oppression, advocacy and organizational foundation. Below is a summary of responses, based on the participant survey results, that indicate what we’re doing well and areas for improvement in each area.

1. Anti-oppression

What we’re doing well

• The survey indicates that CNH is seen as inclusive and welcoming by many participants. Participants frequently praised the kindness, professionalism, and helpfulness of the CNH staff, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere they foster.
• Participants reported meeting people from diverse backgrounds and feeling a sense of belonging. Many participants appreciated CNH’s role in fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
• Many programs cater to equity-seeking groups, including seniors, youth, and newcomers. Affordable and accessible programs are a significant strength with 41% of participants saying that the low cost of programs and services is essential to their participation.

Opportunities for improvement

• Some participants mentioned challenges in creating a culturally representative environment, including a lack of Indigenous representation and programming tailored for neurodivergent individuals, those with disabilities and middle-aged adults.
• Expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented groups and improving multilingual communication could enhance representation and accessibility.

2. Advocacy

What we’re doing well

• 65% of respondents feel they have opportunities to engage in CNH’s future direction
• Participants noted that programs such as food justice, housing outreach, and seniors’ programs demonstrate CNH’s community-based approach to advocacy. Programs providing practical support, such as food security initiatives, were particularly valued
• Community members have participated in feedback mechanisms such as surveys, AGMs and committees

Opportunities for improvement

• Participants cited long waitlists for childcare, limited space for programs, and ongoing funding concerns
• Participants requested enhancements in digital accessibility and user-friendly registration systems
• Youth employment and volunteer opportunities were mentioned as areas for development

3. Organizational foundation

What we’re doing well

• CNH is recognized for having dedicated staff and volunteers, with many participants citing positive interactions with staff and feeling supported.
• Programs attract a broad range of participants, and CNH is seen as a vital community hub.
• The recreation and childcare programs are among the most highly engaged services as reflected by survey responders

Opportunities for improvement

• Securing consistent funding and ensuring adequate staffing were highlighted as ongoing challenges
• Some respondents noted difficulties with program awareness, communication, and registration processes, while others requested more evening and weekend programming
• Limited program space and infrastructure were cited as barriers to expansion

Next steps

Our roadmap to addressing community needs and aspirations includes:

1. Enhancing communications: Strengthen outreach strategies to improve program visibility and ensure participants are aware of available services
2. Expanding accessibility: Develop targeted initiatives to address the needs of underrepresented groups, including neurodivergent individuals and Indigenous communities
3. Securing resources: Explore additional funding opportunities to support program expansion and staff capacity
4. Celebrating impact: Share participant stories and feedback to demonstrate CNH’s value to the community and encourage greater engagement

For more information on the 2024 participant survey responses, review a summary of findings in PDF format: short version or long version.

Starting June 7, Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s Main House on Joyce Street will begin a renovation project to upgrade our 30-year-old changerooms and construct two new offices. These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, safety, and service delivery for the Renfrew-Collingwood community.

• The renovation is expected to take 3–4 months to complete
• During this time, the men’s and women’s changerooms, as well as the accessible washrooms on the main floor, will be closed and restricted
• Alternate washrooms will remain available on the main and second floors
• We do not anticipate any program closures during this time; however, access to the gym may be temporarily rerouted. At times, participants may need to use the Joyce Street exit doors for entry

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our facility and will continue to update our valued members as the renovation progresses.

The Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) Board of Directors represents the members of CNH. It provides direction by establishing policies, priorities, long-term plans and renewal for the Society. The valued contributions of the Board of Directors allow many people in our community to thrive.

CNH is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of such a vibrant organization.

Applicants should live and/or work in Renfrew-Collingwood, have a broad understanding of the neighbourhood, feel committed to becoming engaged in improving all aspects of our neighbourhood, and be able to bring expertise and perspectives that increase our organization’s capacity to be equitable and inclusive.

We are interested in hearing from people from all backgrounds and ages but are especially interested in applicants who have experience in law, are a youth passionate about improving their community, or have experience in fundraising. We are also particularly interested in candidates with relevant lived experience or who are representative of a historically marginalized group.

The CNH Board of Directors is committed to an anti-oppressive, anti-racist approach to its work and welcomes those who thrive in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

Applicants should be able to spend 8-10 hours per month on Board-related work and be able to commit to a one-year term, starting September 2025. The deadline for applications is June 15; members of the Board’s Nominations Committee will be contacting applicants June 15-30. If you are interested, please contact Board President Davy Chiu at president@cnh.bc.ca and include:

• Your name
• Contact information
• Years in the Renfrew-Collingwood Neighbourhood
• A few lines on why you are interested in joining the CNH Board of Directors and your relevant experience

Deadline for applications is June 15, 2025.

Registration is now open for our 2025 Community Care Harvest Boxes!

The Community Care Harvest Box program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is a subscription-based veggie box that provides direct relationships between farmers and community members. This summer, we’re partnering with FreshRoots!

For two months, registrants will receive a weekly box of fresh vegetables, available for pickup at CNH (5288 Joyce St), while supporting our low-income neighbours.

What is a community care harvest box?

A community care harvest box is not your average food subscription service. While this program allows registrants to access 8-16 weeks of fresh vegetables through FreshRoots, a portion of the registration fees is allocated to supporting community members experiencing food insecurity.

For some of our neighbours, the cost of fresh vegetables, let alone a local harvest box, is out of reach financially. By paying for a community care harvest box, you help low-income community members access fresh produce at a reduced rate. These members sign up for the program through a separate, referral-based stream.

If you are unable to afford or commit to a community care harvest box, but are interested in supporting this program, you can make a donation to the program. All funds will go towards subsidizing a harvest box for a neighbour in Renfrew-Collingwood experiencing food insecurity.

Alternatively, stop by CNH during pick-up times (Fridays, 4-6 pm; dates below) to visit our pay-what-you-can market!

Key Dates & Registration

• Session 1 (early season): June 13 to Aug. 1 (8 weeks)
• Session 2 (late season): Aug. 8 to Sept. 26 (8 weeks)

During the season, boxes can be picked up on Fridays from 4-6 pm in front of CNH (5288 Joyce St). If you want to receive 16 weeks of vegetables, you are welcome to sign up for both seasons!

Today, just hours after Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister, an emerging coalition of social service providers challenged federal parties and new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Rachel Bendayan, to offer a renewed and unifying vision for immigration in Canada as they head into an imminent election.

The media event was organized by Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Serving Organizations and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC in response to what was described as “faltering trust” in Canada’s immigration system.

“In the face of an alarming rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and deepening concerns about our economic security, this is a critical time to help Canadians recognize the value that newcomers bring to our economy and to the social fabric that makes Canada such a special place in the world,” said Betty Lepps, Executive Director of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, urging federal parties to provide “a long-term vision that provides stability and certainty for newcomers and the organizations that support their success. Their success is our success.”

Collingwood is among many organizations that were surprised by debilitating funding cuts by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the last days of 2024, only three months before taking effect on April 1st, without any transitional planning. Collingwood lost 100% of their funding after providing settlement services for 40 years in a part of Vancouver that many newcomers call home.

“Across Vancouver’s neighbourhood houses alone, we are coping with $5 million in cuts while the sector at large is still struggling to support hundreds of thousands of people who are already here,” added Lepps. “We’re losing entire programs, and being forced to lay people off, roles that are primarily held by racialized women.”

As she spoke, Lepps was surrounded by representatives from other organizations impacted by the cuts, including the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA), Immigrant Services Society of B.C. (ISSBC) and Vancouver Community College, which is itself facing a shutdown of its Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program in light of the cuts.

Chris Friesen, Chief Operating Officer of ISSBC, echoed Lepps on the need to push back on disinformation, and outlined the integral role of immigration in Canada’s economic growth.

“In British Columbia alone, a 2024 Labour Market Outlook Report projects a labour force gap of 1,120,000 within the next decade as more people age out of the workforce than will enter it. Almost 50% are expected to come through new immigrants,” said Friesen. “We urgently need  political leadership to bring us together as a country to develop a renewed long term vision for immigration. Our economic prosperity, our pension plans and our collective future depends on it.”

The event featured two newcomers who shared their settlement journeys, and the impact that finding a supportive community at their local neighbourhood house had on their lives. 

“I spent several months searching for a new job with no success, until I found South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. They introduced me to the Project-Based Labour Market Training for Settlement

Practitioners, a program that gave me hope and changed my life,” shared Shanna Delantar, who now works supporting youth newcomers at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.

The coalition was also joined by Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver East and NDP Critic for Immigration, who has been actively engaged with impacted communities on the issue.

“Newcomers are being used as a political scapegoat for Canada’s failed housing policy. Government and the official opposition members playing the blame game are dangerously fanning anti-immigrant sentiment,” said Kwan, adding that the recent cuts “are dismantling invaluable infrastructure that the community took decades to build up to help integrate newcomers. A neighbourhood house is the living room of a community. Gutting their settlement services funding by 50 – 100%, harms the very social, cultural and economic fabric of Canada. It is short-sighted and will only do more harm than good.”

A study conducted in 2023 by the Conference Board of Canada drew a clear link between investment in settlement supports and retention rates of newcomers. “We know that when we invest in and support newcomers, it brings good outcomes not only for them, but for all of us.” said Lepps, herself a first generation Canadian. “For generations, Canada has offered a promise of welcome, safety and inclusion for people seeking opportunity or displaced by crises. With the direction we’re headed in, that promise is being broken. We’re at risk of losing who we are as a nation.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie San, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House Communications
Phone: 778-984-2505
Email: stephanie.san@southvan.org

Secondary contact:
Jenna Otto-Wray, ANBHC Communications
Phone: 604-725-4547 (text or call)
Email: jottowray@anhbc.org

We regret to inform you that as of April 1, 2025, we will no longer have funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

In December 2024, right before the holidays, neighbourhood houses and settlement organizations across BC received their budgets from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With less than 4 months before our current Contribution Agreement (CA) expires, we learned of substantial funding reductions, impacting IRCC funded organizations such as Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Consortium (VNHSC) partners and many other neighbourhood houses in BC.

The impact on CNH is a significant loss. CNH has been providing settlement services for 30 years. This loss represents our full funding which will end on March 31, 2025. This impact will include our programs, staffing, and community loss.

The decision from IRCC to cut our entire funding without a transition plan has put us in a position to create a plan that will best support all the areas impacted. Which means we ask for your patience and support as we transition with this decision, as we work to provide you with pertinent information as to what the next steps and directions will be.

We are working as a collective across the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC (ANHBC) , VNHSC, and the BC Neighbourhood House Network to plan for what this means for us as an organization and a wider movement, but we know the impact is widespread, the discontinuation of funding to service provider organizations that have been providing these settlement services for years.

During this time if you have any questions or concerns, please email info@cnh.bc.ca and we will respond as soon as possible.