It's been a long time coming, but the Burnaby Neighbourhood House finally has a new home.
The non-profit organization has been bursting at the seams in a tiny office on Imperial Street for about 15 years, but come September, staff and volunteers will be in a new, purpose-built, four-storey building close to the Metrotown SkyTrain station - a space that's roughly three times the size of the current location.
"We're really excited," said executive director Antonia Beck. "We will be able to do so much more in the community with the added space."
The move means the neighbourhood house can host many of its programs on site - programs like the tax clinics for seniors or drop-in groups for families.
The new building was secured through the city's density-bonus program, where developers trade benefits for permission to increase the density of their developments.
As an added bonus, the new digs include a commercial kitchen and a banquet room, so the neighbourhood house can host its Sharing Cultures dinners on site, instead of the church basement, where they are normally held.
Beck is now asking the community to donate $80,000 to cover the costs of new furniture, phones and kitchen setup for the new space.
"The neighbourhood house needs the help of the community right now. We are a charity; we help a lot of people in the community. Now we need some help to make this happen; this is a place in the community that will welcome everyone," Beck said. "It's a place where people can get involved and engaged."
According to Beck, Vancity has promised to help, and G&F Financial group has already pitched in $10,000. There's also $50,000 from Rotary wine festival proceeds set aside for the cause.
The Burnaby Neighbourhood House is sharing the building with three other groups: the YMCA's child-care resource and referral program, the Centre for Ability's supported child-care team, and the National Congress of Black Women.
The new location is at 4460 Beresford St. Beck said the neighbourhood house should be open and running by Sept. 2.
To donate to the furniture fund, call the neighbourhood house at 604-431-0400.
