It’s Neighbourhood House Week!
Neighbourhood House Week (NHW), May 2-8, 2021 is an annually recognized and celebrated event by Metro Vancouver Neighbourhood Houses (NH) and municipalities. It is a time when all NHs look outwards to building awareness within the community about the work done at each NH and as a collective.
This past year, Neighbourhood Houses continued to operate and provide programming and services during Covid when many other organizations were forced to temporarily close. Neighbourhood Houses responded quickly to the pandemic and were able to adjust and pivot to ensure seniors were not isolated, that medications were delivered, food insecurities were addressed, and youth groups continued to meet by zoom and in person when possible. All of the Neighbourhood Houses kept childcare services open and operating in a safe manner.
“When the pandemic hit last spring we knew we needed to respond immediately to ensure older adults, youth, and vulnerable community members would have access to the care and support they needed. We knew it would be imperative that we respond to emergent needs, including issues related to social isolation, food insecurity, and access to essential support services. Our team worked countless hours and nights those first few weeks as we learned about emergent needs to ensure we could continue to be there for our neighbours in a safe and Covid friendly manner." -Penny Bradley, Executive Director, Alexandra Neighbourhood House.
On May 6, 2021 Neighbourhood House Week will hold a virtual event highlighting the role Neighbourhood Houses play in building community and celebrating the launch of the much-anticipated book, Neighbourhood Houses – Building Community in Vancouver. The event sponsored by Association of Neighbourhood Houses (ANHBC) and UBC Press will include a special recognition of Burnaby House’s 25 year anniversary as well as a panel discussion with the book authors Miu Chung Yan & Sean Lauer and Neighbourhood House panel experts.
Additionally, to start off Neighbourhood House Week Celebrations, we are hosting a story contest to highlight meaningful memories this past year. We are calling for stories that symbolize all Neighbourhood Houses’ message of fostering connections within community, whether it was an event, project or an uplifting moment shared with other volunteers, staff or other participants. Click here to participate.
About us: Neighbourhood houses are welcoming places where every one of any age, background and ability can attend, lead and learn through programs, services and community building. There is something for everyone, at any stage in their life. Throughout Metro Vancouver Neighbourhood Houses offer more than 400 programs and services. Neighbourhood Houses grow alongside people and communities. For more information on Neighbourhood Houses visit www.yournh.ca
Media Contact:
Shirlyn Baskette - Director, Fund Development
Association of Neighbourhood Houses
sbaksette@anhbc.org / 604.562.5756
