Kettle Boffo development is critically needed
Inclusivity is powerful. We know that when our society’s most vulnerable are offered an opportunity to actively participate within a community, they thrive.
That is the premise behind the Kettle Boffo project. The Kettle Society and Boffo Properties recently presented their vision for a compassionate and socially inclusive community at Commercial Drive and Venables Street. The project includes a new home for The Kettle’s mentalhealth support services, 30 units of supported housing, market housing for families, gathering spaces, and retail opportunities.
Forty years ago, The Kettle Society was formed in response to an emerging mental-health crisis in Vancouver. Thousands of individuals with mental illness had been deinstitutionalized and sent back into the community.
But without adequate support systems, many landed on city streets. They were living in appalling conditions, struggling with poverty, poor health and addiction. All were vulnerable to a crippling societal stigma.
The Kettle began by opening a drop-in centre where people could have a cup of coffee, make friends and acquire the tools they needed to participate fully in community life. Today, The Kettle offers support services, including employment programs, daily meals, a health clinic and advocacy services to 3,600 individuals each year. It operates mental-health drop-ins, a transition house for women and more than 400 units of supported housing.
And yet, the need is as staggering today as it was 40 years ago. Many of those living with mental illness still do not have their basic needs met, whether it is housing, a hot meal, medical care or a stable support network. The Kettle wants to do more to address the need but can’t do so with their aging facility, which is in need of costly repairs and is insufficient to meet even current demand.
For decades, The Kettle has done much of its work in a community that values inclusivity. The Commercial Drive neighbourhood has never been afraid to do things differently. It’s why The Kettle calls The Drive home and why so many of its members already live there. Many neighbours say they support The Kettle and for that the organization is grateful.
But what does “support” mean? Is it about more than simply not objecting to the presence of society’s most vulnerable members?
I believe that supporting The Kettle and its members starts with being welcoming and friendly on the street, exercising non-judgment and educating oneself about mental illness. For many community-minded folks, it also means stepping forward to volunteer or make a donation.
I urge those who support The Kettle also to voice their support for the Kettle Boffo project. When you voice your support — which you can do at kettleboffo.com — you are telling The Kettle’s members that they are important and valued members of society who deserve access to healthy and safe surroundings, just like everyone else.
The Kettle has found a committed partner in Boffo Properties. Boffo is a local, socially minded business that wants to give back to the community by ensuring that The Kettle can continue doing its important work for the next 40 years.
Voice your support for Kettle Boffo and send a message to those who need mental-health services that they are worth it.
Let’s not delay this project a moment longer.