Who we are
In 2003 the founding members of Alouette Home Start Society were: Alouette Addictions, Bowman Employment Services, Cythera Transition House Society, Katzie First Nation, Salvation Army Caring Place and Virtues R Reality.
2004 marked the first steps taken by our Society to address homelessness in this community. An application to the Federal Government under the National Homelessness Initiative - Supporting Community Partnership Initiative was approved and in November of 2004 Alouette Home Start Society received funding to operate a youth safe house and a street outreach program. Operations for both these programs began in May 2005.
Today, Alouette Home Start Society continues to work with the broad community to find solutions to address the lack of affordable housing in Maple Ridge and the growing issue of homelessness. We are entering our 5th year of operations and are excited to be expanding our services. We are currently working with BC Housing & the District of Maple Ridge to construct a 46 unit supportive housing apartment. For more info please see the link on our “Programs" page.
AHSS Vision:
We are a caring community that takes responsibility for our capacity to house all members appropriately in their own community. We have strong community networks that support individuals to build their own capacity to overcome their challenges, to improve their quality of life and in turn contribute to the success of the community. The entire community contributes and is constantly reminded that every small contribution makes a difference.
AHSS Mission:
Utilizing a holistic approach, we advocate for the provision of creative, innovative housing solutions with affordable choices. We strive to create change by building on community strengths and we provide or link partner support services to those in need.
Board of Directors:
Sheila McLaughlin: President
Candace Gordon: Secretary
Darryl Lucas: Treasurer
Khaled Manna
Marika Sandrelli
Rudy Small
Wendy Townsend
District of Maple Ridge Liaison:
Sue Wheeler
