Outreach & Literacy

Community Outreach

In our work to support our neighbourhood, we embrace the value of social justice and equitable access to a full range of quality community resources. Do you need to speak to someone about your healthcare needs? Do you need help finding housing or help around sex work and sexual exploitation? Can you use a shower and a hot meal? We are here to support you.

For more information, call 604-435-0323.

Housing Outreach

Our outreach workers are available, free of charge, to help with housing applications, advocacy and referrals for counselling. They can help with:

  • Applying for income assistance
  • Connecting to medical services
  • Directing people to possible housing options, including non-profit and social housing applications and basic tenancy information (please note that we do not manage any housing)

If you know of someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness and in need of support and services, call us at 778-886-4448.

Morning Star Program

Saturdays (shower and clothing from 7-8:30 am, breakfast from 7-9 am)

Participants share a free, hot nutritious breakfast and can access information and support in housing, advocacy, health care, and counselling. Showers and clothing are also available. For more information, call CNH at 604-435-0323.

  • Collaboration with and outreach to local housing sites and organizations
  • Health-related education and support groups
  • A community advisory committee to inform RISE’s services
  • Information booths at community events and more

RISE Community Health Centre

Located at 5198 Joyce St.

RISE Community Health Centre connects Renfrew-Collingwood residents who have difficulty accessing health care to a health care team and social supports. RISE provides team-based primary care and health promotion services at the Community Health Centre, as well as in outreach settings throughout the neighbourhood, including weekly medical outreach to Kingsway Continental, Sarah Ross House and Naomi Place.

For more information, contact 604-558-8090 or risechc@cnh.bc.ca or visit cnh.bc.ca/RISE.

SAFE in Collingwood

The Sex work Awareness For Everyone (SAFE) in Collingwood initiative works to address safety issues (for sex workers, residents and businesses) related to local sex work and sexual exploitation. For more information, call CNH at 604-435-0323.

Literacy Outreach Programs

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) supports literacy programs and initiatives in the community through the literacy outreach program.

For more information, call 604-435-0323.

Reading Circle

Through reading simplified English novels and having meaningful conversations, adults and seniors improve their vocabulary and speaking and listening skills. Participants meet and connect with other community members, build healthy relationships, learn from one another, exchange book ideas and enhance their diverse literacy skills.

Seniors E.A.L. (English as an Additional Language) Conversation Group

Guided by volunteers, this program provides a place and time for older adults/seniors to work on basic reading skills, learn everyday conversation skills and have fun grasping the English language in an enjoyable setting. Participants learn the alphabet, pronunciation, and how to read short passages.

Family Literacy

Family literacy activities and services are also offered through related CNH programs.

  • Amlat’si Indigenous Family Drop-In
    This program is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with Indigenous children 0 – 6 years old. The focus is on creating a sense of belonging and community for young Indigenous children, their families and for developing their relationships to their community.Children and parents make new friends, learn positive ways to support each other and learn new Indigenous-focused crafts, stories and games. Activities include playing, outings, workshops, guest speakers and traditional arts-and-craft activities. Contact Eileen Tann, 604-726-2739. 
  • Collingwood Family Place
    This is an interactive program for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children newborn to 5 years old. We provide a safe and fun semi-structured space for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to play together, and for parents and caregivers to have the opportunity to build skills, network, and learn from each other while they engage with their children with the support of on-site early childhood facilitators. We offer arts and crafts, music and movement, story Yoga, circle time, and many more fun activities. Contact Katty Mir, 604-435-0323 ext. 241.
  • Raise-A-Reader Book Kiosk
    An accessible public kiosk in the CNH lobby, providing the opportunity for children’s book exchanges. Many shelves of gently-used books (picture books through to novels) can be dropped off to share and enjoy.These programs are supported by Postmedia Raise a Reader funds provided by Decoda Literacy Solutions in partnership with the Vancouver Sun and the Province of British Columbia.