About

Vision

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is the hub of Vancouver’s Westside, a thriving, healthy, safe and vibrant community.

Mission

At Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to strengthening our community through leadership, collaboration, and opportunity.

Statement of Diversity

• Our community welcomes people of any age, race, or religion.
• We see value in every person, regardless of physical ability, mental ability, or economic standing.
• We welcome the experience and knowledge of people from other places. Many languages and cultures are heard in the community at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.
• People of any gender and sexuality are welcome in our community.
• Our staff, board, membership and volunteer community reflect the diversity of our neighbours.
• Any person who transmits or receives our services can expect to be treated with respect.
• Our dedication to diversity means that all people are part of our community; therefore, we act to promote the inclusion of everyone in our House.

Brief History

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House has a rich history on Vancouver’s Westside since 1894 when it was originally opened as Alexandra Orphanage and Non-Sectarian Home Society. This original site was located at 7th and Pine. The orphanage was eventually renamed “Alexandra House” in 1938. In 1972, the House moved to its current location, was renamed Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and still serves the six communities of the Westside.

What is a Neighbourhood House?

A Neighbourhood House is a partnership between individuals, neighbours, government and private enterprise. It is familiar and easily accessible; it is effective in reaching people and helping them with their community aspirations, needs and challenges. and problems. Neighbourhood Houses are non-governmental organizations, which function as resource centres with the flexibility to meet changing community needs and challenges.

Neighbourhood Houses differ from many other social organizations because they are concerned with the community as a whole. They work towards improving the quality of both community and family life. Programs and services are designed to reach all age groups in a diverse population that is inclusive and reflective of the many different life experiences of the neighbours in any one community.

Neighbourhood Houses build strong, independent communities. Neighbourhood Houses encourage people to thrive.

Strategic Plan

This plan describes a vision for the Westside Community and the role of Kitsilano Neighbourhood House (KNH) in achieving it. This approach ensures that the ultimate focus of our work is outside the house itself and clearly centred on our community.

The plan was created through a collaborative board, management and staff process. It involved research, group learning processes, visioning, strategy development, and team building at many levels. Various versions were reviewed and additional input sought. This document represents the ideas of everyone involved with KNH.

Membership

Family Membership: $10
Individual Membership: $5
Volunteer Membership: $1

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House membership entitles you to participate in our programs. Membership helps support the administrative cost of programs. With membership, you receive our program guide and e-newsletter on special events. Your Kitsilano Neighbourhood House membership automatically includes membership in the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver (ANH), of which Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is a part. You will receive notices of Annual General Meetings/Special Meetings of ANH and have the opportunity to vote in the ANH Board of Governors. For more information please visit the ANH website.

Privacy Statement

We collect personal information in order to maintain contact with you, to invite you to KNH, and ANH General Meetings and to provide you with information on future programs, services and events.