The Westside Anglicans Neighbourhood Ministry's Mobile Care Unit were one of two organizations chosen by the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster to receive proceeds from the diocesan flow-through giving - funding initiaitive, care+share.
The Neighbourhood Ministry is a collaborative ministry offered by the Anglican parishes of St. Anselm’s, St. Philip’s, St. Helen’s, and St. John’s Shaughnessy on Vancouver’s Westside. Under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Pitman Potter, the Neighbourhood Ministry is in its 9th year of offering care, companionship and practical help to our most vulnerable neighbours living on the Westside streets and in marginalized conditions.
The Mobile Care Unit which will be the recipient of the funding is one of the four pillars of the ministry's platform, the other three are: Street Ministry; Building Community at Dunbar Apartments; The Angels Program.
For more information visit their website
In 2017, the Mobile Care Unit (MCU) was launched in partnership with the UBC Schools of Medicine and Social Work. The MCU is a travelling team who provides basic medical care and social services to homeless and low-income populations in our neighbourhood who may face barriers to care. The team is comprised of doctors, medical students, social work students, and Neighbourhood Ministry volunteers. They visit three sites on average 8 times per month, sites where homeless and needy neighbours gather for community meals. Currently, this includes visits to the Kitsilano Showers for the Homeless program at the Kits Community Centre (Saturdays), St. Mary’s Kerrisdale (Tuesdays), and St. Augustine’s Marpole (Thursdays). Our MCU team also visits homeless people where they live – in alcoves, laneways and beaches. Volunteers assist in any way they can to help clients access resources and services available.
Funding and Support
Funding for the Neighbourhood Ministry activities is shared by the four sponsor parishes (St. Anselm’s, St. Helen’s, St. John’s Shaughnessy and St. Philip’s). Parishes donate items-in-kind and cash, and provide the bulk of volunteers. Over the years, neighbours and friends not associated with the churches have joined as volunteers, to be part of this special and life-changing ministry. Beginning in 2018,
The Neighbourhood Ministry is the grateful to have been chosen to receive care+share funding from the Diocese of New Westminster for the Mobile Care Unit.