In October 2004 20+ DTES residents and 3 non-residents with vast NH experience formed the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House Steering Committee, our goal being to create a secular, grassroots NH which welcomes DTES residents of all ages, descriptions and ancestries – individuals, families, youth and elders.
Among the many DTES residents at that table were many young parents, whose babies experienced their first sampling of Community Development. The 3 non-residents who joined us were John Lucas – the Executive Director of Gordon Neighbourhood House, Franki Craig – a Gordon NH Volunteer and Linda Borchert – a Board member of the Alexandra Foundation for Neighbourhood Houses and a former President of the Association of NHs.
These 3 individuals lent us countless hours of their time as they made suggestions about how to build a NH, without ever interfering in the DTES NH’s grassroots process. Franki and Linda number among our Volunteers to this day. John and his talented staff generously lent us years worth of their wit and wisdom as we grew from an enthused idea into an emerging NH. The DTES NH became an independent Society in June 2009 but before that time we were also mentored by the hard working staff of the Association of NHs.
We remain appreciative of the efforts of all.
