Little Mountain Neighbourhood House

Credit: Flickr / Skip The Filler

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House connects Vancouver residents of all ages in an inclusive community atmosphere

Looking in, one would never guess there is a hub of activity behind the doors. A place where children can play and learn, where seniors can gather for social interactions, where newcomers and those newly immigrated can come for resources, and where teens can stop by for help. A place that supports the community and the diverse range of people who live nearby.

Welcome to Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, a vibrant community-based organization that strives to build a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhood.

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House was established in 1978 through the work of a group of active residents that recognized the need for a meeting and greeting place in this neighbourhood.

“Although LMNH has relatively limited resources, we pride ourselves with ‘doing a lot with a little,’ by stretching and leveraging resources,” says executive director Joel Bronstein.

“Our role is often one of connector or catalyst. We piloted several programs that have been the springboard for city or provincial programs. We need to be flexible, responsive and have our ears to the ground to do our work effectively.”

With the help of 120 staff and 300 volunteers, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House serves more than 4,000 community members on an annual basis, from its central location and 16 offsite facilities scattered throughout the neighbourhood.

Heather Lochner is a stay-at-home mother and a freelance writer. She loves combing the neighbourhoods of Vancouver to find locally owned shops and restaurants. Together with her two children, husband and dog, she lives aboard her sailboat in Vancouver. When not at work or school, the Lochners are out cruising the BC coast.