About Kits House
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House (‘Kits House’), member of the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC, is a registered non-profit, charity organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for everybody in our community to get together and be engaged. We offer many different programs like volunteer-led English Conversation Circles, weekly hot lunches for seniors, childcare and much more. We are currently the only Neighbourhood House on the Westside and serve many different communities such as Kitsilano, Dunbar, Arbutus Ridge and Point Grey.
Kits 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.
Our Vision
Vancouver’s diverse Westside is a sustainable, healthy and connected community where everyone thrives.
Our Mission
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House increases a sense of belonging in Vancouver’s Westside by addressing community needs and connecting people, ideas and opportunities.
What is a Neighbourhood House?
Neighbourhood Houses are non-profit organizations, which function as resource centres with the flexibility to meet changing community needs and challenges. They work towards improving the quality of both community and family life and differ from other social organizations as they are concerned with the community as a whole while working 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. Neighbourhood Houses build strong, independent communities, encouraging people to thrive. They are familiar and easily accessible; and effective in reaching people and helping them with their community aspirations, needs, challenges and problems.