The United Church has partnered with the provincial government to create 75 new rental homes for people with low to moderate incomes. The BC government issued a release November 26: “We know people in Coquitlam need more options for quality,…
The process that cities and developers currently use to inform neighbourhoods about proposed development projects hinders the goal of building more safe, affordable housing. What is it you like best about your neighbourhood? Is it being near transit, local schools…
Since he planted Village Church in Surrey, Mark Clark has seen it grow into one of the largest congregations in the area, with gatherings in several other cities, both local and across Canada. But Clark announced recently that he will…
Across Canada, a number of congregations which own buildings are on the verge of folding or ending. Complications from COVID-19 and resulting restrictions have exposed and accelerated the demise of certain models of church prominent during Christendom. In these models,…
COVID-19 and the end of Christendom are two ground-shifting realities facing churches at this time – both of which bring challenges and opportunities. One initiative aimed at resourcing churches to face these realities is the new Certificate in Missional Leadership…
This week (October 7 – 13) is Homelessness Action Week, and no one can argue that Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is not doing its share. On Monday, volunteers served meals to more than 3,000 people. (See the Vancouver Sun’s article…
The day of the ribbon cutting was overcast and chilly. People were holding cups of coffee, milling about the entryway. Architects, donors and residents were here to celebrate something remarkable. In a town where rents and home prices have immobilized…
The City of Vancouver recently posted information about the Women and Family Recovery and Housing Centre, a major new initiative of Union Gospel Mission (UGM). In January, the provincial government promised an $83-million investment in four projects [450 units] all located in the…
In late November, the City of Vancouver released the Housing Vancouver Strategy to replace its Housing and Homelessness Strategy (2012-2021). Despite having exceeded several of the key targets it had established for this midway point in that 10-year plan, city…
Last week, for the fourth time since first being elected in 2008, Mayor Gregor Robertson convened a meeting with faith leaders at Vancouver City Hall, to seek their assistance in addressing homelessness and affordable housing. Nearly two dozen senior clergy…