A Remembrance Day to remember. We knew this Remembrance Day would look different, but we wanted our veterans at the Veterans Manor know that we have not forgotten. We were able to provide a private, outdoor, socially distanced bagpipe performance by Derek Davidson from New Chelsea Society and present each veteran with a framed copy of “In Flanders Fields”.
At Whole Way House, our MISSION is to support the vulnerable and isolated on their journey of healing in a safe and welcoming community, equipping them to recognize their inherent worth and purpose.
In Partnership with BC Housing, Whole Way House Society provides community building programs and tenant support services for 133 vulnerable seniors and veterans living in the Downtown Eastside at the Veterans Manor. Whole Way House works to provide a safe & secure place to belong and to age well in place.
Video by Hundredfold Productions
VOLUNTEERS: We are looking for great and healthy volunteers to help deliver meals each morning (and afternoons on weekends) at the Veterans Manor. Please click the link below to be signed up for a Zoom orientation and we will be in touch shortly.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN –
Seniors Meal Delivery Program
When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, thankfully we were able to respond quickly. Within 48 hours we were able to develop a meal delivery program to help our seniors self-isolate safely and with the help of BC Housing, The Dirty Apron, Kitchen Table Group, Eden Cafe and now several other partners, we have been able to expand this program to over 600 low-income seniors, veterans and vulnerable residents in the Downtown Eastside and across the city.
Our Seniors Meal Delivery Program is more than just food (although that is absolutely essential for our vulnerable seniors) – it’s about letting them know they are loved! Knowing that someone cares enough to bring you a hot meal, check in on you and even share a laugh together makes all the difference in the world!
And they have been more grateful than we can express.
Our team has been working tirelessly on the front lines to ensure our seniors are protected during this difficult time. We feel it is important to provide support and care to our vulnerable seniors in a positive environment in an effort to comfort and educate those who may be experiencing fear or panic.
We are following the COVID-19 developments very closely as our seniors with complex health issues are at higher risk of becoming ill. We continue to monitor the latest advice from our health agencies, and want you to know that we have procedures in place to ensure best practices and protocols are being used.
Our number one priority is the health and well-being of our elderly residents and our team.
We have implemented additional measures to ensure their safety as well as the safety of our team, including:
- Introducing enhanced cleaning protocols, with particular focus on high traffic and high contact areas.
- Offering food delivery service to all residents to encourage self-isolation
- Continuing to be a positive presence throughout this time
- Increasing communications and reminders with our residents, partners and employees on important health and safety measures.
- We will work together as a team to spread love, not germs!
Since March 17, 2020 we have served more than 100,000 prepared meals to over 600 seniors and residents across 19 buildings operated by non-profit housing providers (Veterans Memorial Manor, New Chelsea Society, Affordable Housing Society, Union Gospel Mission, Vancouver Native Housing).
Thank you for your continued support during this time – we are believing for the best for our seniors and veterans and your thoughts, prayers and support are much appreciated.
With gratitude,
Jenny Konkin
President & Co-Founder
Whole Way House is working closely with our local health authority, the City of Vancouver, BC Housing and the BC Non Profit Housing Association to follow best practices in physical distancing, follow infection prevention and control protocols including diligent hand hygiene and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to help keep our seniors safe. We are thankful for the support, education and leadership of our government.
Thank you to Coastal Church for donating your services to create this video and helping us share our story.
How we work
ReConnect by building meaningful relationships where we can combat loneliness and isolation in a safe and supportive community
ReBuild a sense of belonging and purpose through opportunities to contribute, education and training
ReCenter around a meaningful and purposeful life through one on one tenant support services and connecting to community resources
This year we have added a bi-weekly Breakfast Club at the Veterans Manor to promote good health and nutrition as well as increased social interaction in the mornings.
Our ReConnect, ReBuild and ReCenter programs are always growing as we evolve with the needs of our community. Please visit the Volunteers page if you would like to see a live calendar of our current programs.
who
Whole Way House is a registered Canadian charity serving vulnerable seniors and veterans who are facing marginalization, disabilities, addiction issues and/or mental health issues at the Veterans Manor in the Downtown Eastside. It was co-founded by Jenny, Josh and Mary Konkin in 2013.
what
Our vision is to reach the people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by creating a safe and welcoming environment where we can build meaningful relationships and a community that instills worth, value and dignity.
why
We believe that when a person feels loved and valued, they are able to find purpose in life and be a part of something greater. We offer friendship and support to those who are often lonely, isolated, rejected and forgotten.
Whole Way House Is Hiring
- Want to know what it’s like to work on the front lines and help vulnerable people during a global Pandemic?
- Do you have a heart to serve and a strong work ethic to go with it?
- Are you kind and compassionate?
- Do you want to make a difference in your community?
- Do you want to be a part of a dynamic team?
We are looking for great people to join our team as we have grown over 500% and have now served nearly 600 vulnerable people across our city!
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available:
Executive Assistant– work directly with the President in an administrative role, organizing her calendar, presentations, communications and more.
Tenant Support Worker – work one-on-one with seniors, veterans and vulnerable people to help them access resources, medical supports and other day to day needs.
Make an impact! Support those who are vulnerable and marginalized and help build a healthy community. Please email resume & cover letter to info@wholewayhouse.ca.
The 'I Get To' Legacy Project
Each Legacy Chain is handstamped by someone transitioning out of homelessness and/or recovery programs and all of the proceeds go to support our community building programs for vulnerable seniors and veterans at Whole Way House.
It was inspired by Co-Founders, Jenny & Josh’s dad, Ron Konkin and his journey with terminal cancer. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, he said he changed his perspective from “I have to” to “I get to” and these necklaces are a great reminder to leave a legacy of gratitude and generosity.
To apply or learn more, visit the Supportive Housing website.
Supportive Housing Partnership with the Veterans Manor
Whole Way House Society serves the residents of the Veterans Manor at 310 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC by providing Community Building Programs as well as one on one tenant support to 133 marginalized seniors and Veterans living in the Downtown Eastside.
In May of 2017, Whole Way House was proud to partner with the Veterans Memorial Housing Society through funding generously provided by BC Housing to provide the Supportive Housing Services at the Veterans Manor. Because of this partnership, we are able to receive new tenants from the Supportive Housing Registry waitlist, provide support and access to vital resources, as well as a safe and welcoming community.
The Veterans Manor was built in 1986 in response to the housing crisis during Expo ’86 and many Veterans were being evicted. It is owned and operated by the Veterans Memorial Housing Society, has 133 units (mix of single room with 2 piece bath and full bachelor suites), a beautiful rooftop garden and outdoor courtyard and 24/7 reception staff for security.
More info at the Veterans Manor website.
President named Top 40 under 40
We are excited and extremely proud to announce that our very own Whole Way House President Jenny Konkin is a winner of Business in Vancouver’s 2018 Forty under 40 Awards!
Jenny has had a tremendous impact on the Vancouver community by working tirelessly to help vulnerable adults to feel more connected and less lonely in our city.
Jenny has an astounding entrepreneurial spirit and she uses these gifts to benefit the at-risk and vulnerable adults in our own backyard. Jenny constantly does more, with less, by being resourceful, strategic and employing sheer tenacity. She has the qualities of a true leader.
Join us in congratulating our strong and committed leader as she received this impressive recognition from the business community! Read her full story below.
(Every year Business in Vancouver highlights the achievements of BC’s young entrepreneurs, executives and professionals by finding 40 outstanding professionals worthy of the Forty under 40 distinction.)
Happening right now
Learn more about the history and people behind Whole Way House.
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