Community Services Division

Coast Mental Health Resource Centre
The Resource Centre thrives on its mandate of barrier free programming which creates amazing opportunities for creative client centered programming. The program provides a number of opportunities for people to volunteer which provides an excellent opportunity for people to get some work experience or simply the chance to give back to the Resource Centre community.

Without the amazing community of members, the program would not be able to feed up to 200 people a day, nor would participants be able to enjoy a clean and safe space. The Centre has a few very dedicated volunteers who can be called on at practically a moments notice to meet with community groups or other agencies to speak on behalf of Coast and how they have benefited from our programs.

The Resource Centre has had a busy and productive past year. In April, the Centre had a complete renovation of the kitchen and new floors throughout. The extensive renovation resulted in a month long closure for the lunch program and limited operation hour.  The staff and members however, had a great time partaking in many events and outings in the community such as the art gallery, bowling, and floor hockey, walking and garden tours.

Doug Story
In May 2008, Doug Story Apartments opened providing housing for low income individuals who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program is another opportunity to witness the power of decent and affordable housing. The tenants have been stable since day one and have developed into a caring and supporting community. This project has become a flagship for this unique housing partnership.   The program has received a two year funding extension for the hosing worker who is situated in the building Monday to Friday to connect with tenants and coordinate community event outings and dinners.

Peer Support Program
The Coast Peer Support Training and Program has been launched. The first round of trainees has been dispatched to various areas of the organization for their practicum hours. It is anticipated that each area will be able to hire peer workers. The program has proven to be a success and future plans are currently being made for the intake in September 2009.

St. Helens
Due to some funding shortfalls the plans for running St. Helen’s Hotel (on Granville St) have been stalled. The building is currently undergoing some major renovations and our new plan is to provide housing outreach and support to the building perhaps in partnerships with other agencies.