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Our 50 Year Journey

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Expanded Timeline

1972
Coast Foundation Society is Incorporated
Coast Foundation Society is Incorporated

Coast Foundation Society was initially sponsored by BC Teachers Federation through the federally funded Local Initiatives Program. Its Certificate of Incorporation under the Societies Act was signed July 10, 1972.

First Drop-in Facility
First facility operated by Coast 1972

The drop-in facility was an old farm house located between Fraser Street and St. Catherines Street, along East 18th Avenue, Vancouver.

1973
City of Vancouver Donates “Ruby” the Bus
City of Vancouver donates "Ruby" the Bus

“Ruby” the bus was used to transport ex-patients to community services, such as the Coast Mental Health drop-in centre. In the 70s, this was the only way for people living in boarding homes to access community services. 

1974
Our first housing development project
Sheraton Apartment Opens

Sheraton Apartments opened in September 1974. This building was demolished in 1996 and replaced by a new 31-unit apartment building that opened in 1997. The new building was renamed Hooper Apartments, after Jackie Hooper, one of the founders of Coast Mental Health.

1977
Clark Apartments Opens
Clark Apartments Opens

Clark Apartments was the first housing development designed and built by Coast Mental Health. It was also BC’s first purpose-built apartment for people living with mental illness.

1979
Coastview Apartments Opens
Coastview Apartments Opens

The Coastview Apartments opened in 1979, and in 2009 transitioned to provide supportive housing for seniors interested in more independent living. This housing model offers a meal program, laundry, light housekeeping, and a medication program.

1981
Coast Purchases Cherry Doors, Coastwest, Highlands & Crossroads
Coast Purchases Cherry Doors, Coastwest, Highlands & Crossroads

These houses were the first four boarding homes, now called community homes, that were purchased by Coast Mental Health during the real estate bubble in the 80s. 

China Creek Apartments Opens
China Creek Apartments Opens

Opened in 1981, the China Creek Apartments is a 4-story building where tenants share a wide range of vocational experience and interests.

Move to 295 E 11th Ave. (Head Office)
Move to 295 E 11th (Current location)

In 1981, Coast Mental Health administration and Activities Centre move to 295 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. This was made possible through a capital funding campaign to purchase the building for the current Clubhouse and offices.

1982
Clubhouse Transformation
Clubhouse Transformation

In 1982, Coast formally changes the Activities Centre to a membership-run clubhouse model. This initiative receives significant funding through the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services’ Resocialization and Reintegration Program.

First Employment Program
First Employment Program

Coast participates in a federal initiative called the Participation Action Counselling Training (PACT), which became the first in Canada outreach employment centre for people living with mental health challenges. This program continued for many years independent of the Clubhouse and offered job seekers career exploration, transition to education, job search…Read More

1986
McLean Apartments Opens
McLean Apartments Opens

Opened in 1986, the Mclean Apartments provides 25 homes to support individuals with severe and persistent mental illness throughout Vancouver. The housing program features weekly dinners, coffee hours, music programs, and creative writing programs.

1987
Ananda Community Home Opens
Ananda Community Home opens

Ananda Community Home (20 homes) was the first “Purpose built” licensed community home in BC. Prior to this housing model, many facilities, including Coast Mental Health’s buildings had two, three, or even four people sharing rooms. In 1990, Ananda House was the first facility to incorporate the Recovery and Rehabilitation…Read More

Darrell Burnham, CEO, joins Coast
Darrell Burnham becomes CEO

Darrell Burnham joins Coast Mental Health as the Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 1987. He celebrates 35 years of community service in 2022. During his tenure, Darrell has successfully conceived, funded, and implemented over 20 housing development projects, and established much needed housing supports and employment services for people…Read More

1989
Frances Court Opens
Frances Court Opens

In 1989, Frances Court (34 homes) opened as a new “state of the art” supported housing site. Most of the units are one-bedroom units, and features an internal courtyard. At the time, it was the largest facility operated by Coast Mental Health.

1990
“Home Support” Launch

Home Support, which later became Supported Employment Program provides skills training and employment support.

1991
Transitional Housing Program Launch

Transitional Housing Program is launched to help community home residents live independently. The Riverview Transitional Program also begins at the Clubhouse.

1992
Supported Independent Living Program is Launched in BC

Coast launches a Supported Independent Living (SIL) Program, providing rent subsidies for people interested in living more independently.

Champlain House Opens
Champlain House Opens

Champlain House opened in 1992 for seniors age 55+. Funding is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and clients are referred through its Mental Health Housing Services program. This is a licensed facility that follows the Community Care and Assisted Living Act’s Residential Care Regulation and Standards of Practice.

1993
Drop-in Centre on Richards Street Opens
Drop-in Centre on Richards Street Opens

Coast Mental Health’s drop-in centre on Richards Street opens to reach members in the West End and Downtown south communities. In 1997 the Centre is temporarily moved, while a new location is considered. In 1998, a Drop-in Capital Campaign raises the funds to begin construction on the Resource Centre which…Read More

1994
Hydrecs Housing Opens
Hydrecs Housing Opens

Hydrecs Housing provides 9 beds for more independent living. This housing was made possible by BC Hydro’s  employee fundraising campaign and funding from BC Housing’s Community Fund. At the time, the building was designed with state-of-the-art energy efficient services that were provided by BC Hydro.

Eastside Rehab Supports Ex-Patients

Eastside Rehab Program opens in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and Canadian Mental Health Association. Coast Mental Health provides essential services and supports to ex-patients who were transferred into boarding homes after the national decommissioning of psychiatric hospitals.  The design of the program was modified in 2000. Coast is no…Read More

1995
St. Margaret’s Apartments Opens
St. Margaret's Opens

St. Margaret’s Apartments provides 20 homes for people interested in living more independently. The building is part of a complex that also includes St. Margaret’s church and a pre-school. Its programs include year-round gardening, weekly dinners and coffee hours and holiday dinners. 

Partner in Hope Campaign Saves Employment Program
Partner in Hope Campaign saves Employment Program

Partner in Hope fundraising campaign is launched to save the Employment Program, as federal government funding was no longer available. These efforts launched the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Employment Placement Services Program in 1996.

1997
Hooper Apartments Opens
Hooper Apartments Opens

Hooper Apartments is a 31-unit facility located in the West End in Vancouver. This housing was rebuilt in 1997 and renamed after Jackie Hooper, a founding member of Coast Mental Health.

1998
Donors Generosity Supports Construction of Resource Centre
Foundation Supports Construction of Resource Centre

Drop-in Capital Campaign raises funds to support the construction of Coast Mental Health’s Resource Centre at 1221 Seymour Street, Vancouver.

Trust Program Launch
Trust Program Launch

Coast launched an innovative Discretionary Trust Management Program to protect the assets of individuals with disabilities, The Trust Program is still one of only two such programs in the province.

1999
First Courage to Come Back Awards
First Courage to Come Back Awards

The inaugural (1999) Courage To Come Back Awards honours five British Columbians who have overcome adversity to give back to their communities. Now in its twenty-fourth year, this signature annual event raises both funds and awareness in support of the transformative services and programs of Coast Mental Health.

2001
Coast Mental Health Foundation is Established
Coast Mental Health Foundation is Established

Coast Mental Health Foundation is established in 2001 to raise public awareness and resources to promote recovery and transform the lives of people with mental illness through exceptional and innovative community-based services. The Foundation plays a key role in raising funds to support Coast’s mission. These funds provide the flexibility…Read More

2002
Alumni Manor supports retired nurses

The Nurses Alumni apartment provides 20 homes to retired nurses in the Kitsilano community. This building was one of the early social housing projects built in 1962.  After 40 years, Coast Mental Health took over the operations of this facility in 2002.  With federal funding, we were able to renovate…Read More

2003
Transitional Cottage Program support people re-integrating into the community
Transitional Cottages Program

The Transitional Cottage (CTC) Program, funded by Provincial Health Services Authority, opened on the Riverview grounds in 2003. In collaboration with PHSA’s BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHUS), our program provides psychosocial rehabilitation, clinical assessment, treatment, counselling and support to clients who are re-integrating into the community from…Read More

2004
Pender House community home

Coast Mental Health has been providing residential care at this location since 2004 to eight clients in a community home-like setting. Funding is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and clients are referred through its Mental Health and Addictions Housing Services program. 

Shaw Place community home

Since 2004, Coast Mental Health has provided care and support for six seniors living in East Vancouver. Funding is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and clients are referred by BC Housing.

Bridge House community home

Bridge House is owned by Sanford Housing Society, but Coast Mental Health has been contracted to provide its clients with mental health services since 2004. Funding is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and clients are referred through its Mental Health and Addictions Housing Services program. As a licensed residential care…Read More

Chester House community home

Chester House is owned by Sanford Housing Society, but Coast Mental Health has been contracted to provide its clients with mental health services since 2004. Funding is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health and clients are referred through its Mental Health and Addictions Housing Services. As a licensed residential care facility,…Read More

2005
Social Enterprises are Launched
Social Enterprises are Launched

Coast Social Enterprise provides training and develops businesses that reduce stigma and facilitate social connections, enabling people with mental illnesses to take on meaningful roles and progress towards recovery. We launched our first social enterprise in 2005, beginning with the Landscaping With Heart, which continues to thrive today.  Members are…Read More

2006
Early intervention services are established in West End, Vancouver
Watson House

In 2006, Watson House is established in the West End, Vancouver. This is considered an enhanced supported housing facility to support people who require assistance with an early diagnosis of a mental illness disorder. We offer a two-year life skills program that focuses on substance-free living and psycho-social rehabilitation. 

2007
St. Helen’s Apartments (Operated by Atira)
St. Helen's Apartments Opens

St. Helens Apartments, located on Granville Street, Vancouver, is a single room occupancy hotel opened and operated by Atira Management Properties. In 2007, Coast Mental Health was contracted to provide mental health and harm reduction services to support tenants, many of whom are young adults. In Feb 2022, we ended…Read More

2008
First of its kind – Doug Story Apartments
Doug Story Apartments

Doug Story is a 29-storey building that includes 45 affordable rental properties that are operated by Coast Mental Health. This building was opened in 2008. In exchange for a density bonus from the City of Vancouver, Millennium Robson Properties Ltd. preserved the number of affordable rental properties at this location.…Read More

2009
Coastview Apartments Becomes Seniors Housing
Coastview Apartments Becomes Seniors Housing

Coastview Apartment (32 homes) provides supportive housing specifically targeted for seniors ages 55-plus. In 2009, the building was renovated and accessibility enhanced.  Residents are provided a meal program, laundry facilities and light housekeeping services, as well as medication administration program. 

Forglen House Opens
Forglen House Opens

Forglen House is our first and only site in Burnaby. This property was established in 2009 and provides 10 homes with residential care to seniors (age 55+) . Forglen House clients are referred through the North Team of Burnaby Mental Health & Addictions Services. 

Adult Peer Support Program Launch
Adult Peer Support Program Launch

The Adult Peer Program is a community service operated out of Coast Mental Health’s Resource Centre. This program was established in 2009 and aims to connect individuals with other people who have direct experience receiving mental health services.  This is a peer-to-peer based program to support adults with mental illness…Read More

2010
Best Practices In Affordable Housing Award
“Best Practices In Affordable Housing” Award

In conjunction with Millennium Robson Development, Coast Mental Health received the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation “Best Practices In Affordable Housing” award for the Doug Story Residences located in Vancouver.  Doug Story Apartments is part of a shared complex that opened in 2010.  The developer acquired and demolished the single…Read More

2011
Timber Grove Apartments Opens
Timbergrove Apartments Opens

Timber Grove Apartments is Coast Mental Health’s first housing with supports program in Surrey. This unique building was originally constructed as athletes’ housing in Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics. After the games, the modular building was dismantled and moved to Surrey for the specific purpose of creating housing for…Read More

Commercial Drive Apartments Opens
Commercial Drive Apartments Opens

Commercial Drive Apartments is located on the east side of Vancouver. This building was originally a run down commercial market apartment block that was purchased and renovated to support 18 clients living with mental illness. We used both Federal and Provincial funding to update and improve the building.  

Pacific Coast Apartments Opens
Pacific Coast Apartments Opens

Pacific Coast Apartments (PCA) is one of 14 sites built as part of a memorandum of understanding between the provincial government and the City of Vancouver, whereby the City contributed the land and the Province provided the capital funding. Coast Mental Health was selected as the operator for this site…Read More

2013
Dunbar Opens
Dunbar Opens

Dunbar Apartments, a 51-unit property, was built as part of a memorandum of understanding between the provincial government and the City of Vancouver, whereby the City contributed the land and the Province provided the capital funding. Coast Mental Health was selected as the operator of this site and opened the…Read More

2014
Renfrew House Youth Program Opens
Renfrew House Youth Program Opens

Renfrew House Youth Program (8 homes) is located in a quiet east Vancouver neighbourhood. In 2014, Renfrew House opened as one of the first community homes to offer services exclusively to youth. Clients are young adults ages 19 to 24 who were experiencing homelessness or precariously housed; the program provides…Read More

Recovery & Rehabilitation Program begins
Recovery & Rehabilitation Program begins

In 2014, the Recovery & Rehabilitation Program was established on səmiq̓wəʔelə (pronounced Suh-MEE-kwuh-EL-uh), formally known as Riverview Lands. This 40-bed facility offers co-current psychiatric, substance use and physical health treatment combined with recovery and psychosocial approaches. Referral sources include Burnaby Centre for Mental Health & Addictions and Heartwood Centre.

Young Adult Peer Support Program Launch
Clubhouse Young Adult Peer Support Program Launch

In 2014, the Young Adult Peer Support Program is developed by Coast Mental Health. Thanks to donor support, we were the first to develop and roll out an exciting new curriculum customized for the unique needs of young people living with mental illness. To date, we’re aware of at least…Read More

2017
Storeys Apartment Opens
Storeys Apartment Opens

In 2017, Storeys Apartments., Richmond, opens in partnership with three levels of government and five non-profits: Coast Mental Health, Pathways Clubhouse, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Tikva Housing Society and Turning Point Recovery Society. This was a first of its kind partnership that engaged both government and a consortium of non-profits.  The apartment building…Read More

Coast joins the Rapid Response to Homelessness initiative

In 2017, Coast Mental Health (Coast) partners with the Province as part of the Rapid Response to Homelessness initiative. This program follows the Housing First model, providing homes and supports to people experiencing homelessness in Maple Ridge. Coast was selected as the operator of the first temporary modular housing facility…Read More

2018
Cognitive Rehabilitation is funded by donors
Cognitive Rehabilitation Program Launch

Cognitive Rehabilitation program was developed at Coast Mental Health – the first of its kind in the province. This Program offers clients a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Remediation, and outdoor activities to support people in recovery. Cognitive Rehabilitation assist with building a variety…Read More

We join the Maple Ridge community
Alouette Heights, Maple Ridge

In 2018, Coast Mental Health took over the operations of Alouette Heights located in Maple Ridge. At the time, there was a serious homelessness issue in this community and Coast was invited to operate a transitional housing facility to support vulnerable populations.  Alouette Heights is staffed 24-hours-a-day /7-days-a-week with community…Read More

Journeys community home joins quiet East Vancouver neighbourhood
Journeys community home

In 2018 Journeys community home was renovated and purchased by Coast Mental Health. This is a 24-hour licensed community home that is located in a quiet East Vancouver neighbourhood. It offers services to 10 co-ed clients with mental health issues. Tenants living at this facility have expressed a desire to…Read More

Women’s only community home opens

Camille House, which was purchased by Coast Mental Health in 2018, is a women’s only licensed community home that is located in Vancouver west. This house offers 24-hour supports to 10 clients experiencing mental health issues. At Camille House, we believe in empowering our clients by practicing within a psychosocial…Read More

Nair Place Community Home Opens
Nair Place Community Home opens

Ten acres of land is purchased for Nair Place Community Home, which opened in 2018.  In partnership with Fraser Health, this housing model provides residential care to people who once resided at the hospital on səmiq̓wəʔelə (formally known as Riverview Lands). People living at this location have complex mental health…Read More

Tə cecəw Modular Housing
Tə Cecəw Coast Modular Housing Opens

Te cecew modular housing, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, provided 48 homes and supports to tenants with complex care needs.  At the time, it was Coast Mental Health’s first temporary modular housing development.  In 2021, the lease expired for this property and the facility was closed.  Tenants were relocated to other homes,…Read More

Clubhouse Street Clean Team Launches
Clubhouse Street Clean Team Program Launch

In 2018, the Clubhouse established the Street Clean Team program, which to this day, continues to expand and receive significant grants from the City of Vancouver to support community-based employment services at Coast Mental Health.  The Street Clean Team is part of the Transitional Employment Program (TEP) operated from Coast’s…Read More

Clubhouse Young Adult Program
Clubhouse Young Adult Peer Support Program Launch

The Clubhouse establishes the Young Adult Program, catering to youth ages 19 to 35 years old. The program is designed to provide a supportive community to its members while they build on life skills, discover vocational opportunities in the community and enjoy social activities.  This program is made available through…Read More

2019
Community re-integration program is established

In 2019, Emerald House opens. This six-unit facility offers a community re-integration housing program for people experiencing mental health issues.  At Emerald, we believe in empowering our clients by practicing within a psycho-social rehabilitation framework.  We offer a multitude of programs in order to help facilitate client recovery goals. At…Read More

2020
Clubhouse and Resource Centre Remain Open During the Pandemic
Clubhouse Remains Open During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, Coast Mental Health kept its doors open at both the Clubhouse and Resource Centre. Safety plans were initiated so limited services could continue safely, as per  the requirements of the provincial health and safety orders. Basic necessities such as food were essential at this time, so both…Read More

2021
Easter Seals Housing Facility
Easter Seals Housing Facility

Coast Mental Health oversees 21 suites in a 49-unit building operated by Easter Seals housing facility located in Vancouver. These are transitional homes to assist people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.  These transitional homes offer people a place to stay until more permanent housing can be…Read More

2022
A tribute to our CEO: Burnham Place
Burnham Place Opens

Burnham Place opens in early 2022. The building was named in honour of Darrell Burnham’s 35-years of community service, but also for his expertise, contributions and leadership as the long-standing CEO for Coast Mental Health.   This 68-unit supportive housing facility is located across the street from Coast Mental Health’s head…Read More

Coast Eagle
Coast Eagle Community Home

Coast Eagle community home opened in the Killarney neighbourhood in November 2022. This 14-bed licensed-care facility is funded through Vancouver Coastal Health. Clients receive 24-hour support and monitoring including daily meals, weekly housekeeping, and medication management or assistance with medications. They also have access to volunteers, peer support workers, and…Read More

Permanent housing scheduled for end of 2023

A permanent housing development in Maple Ridge is currently under constructions and scheduled to open at the end of 2023.  This building replaces a 50-unit temporary modular housing property owned by BC Housing.  When the building opens, Coast Mental Health will continue to operate the building, providing essential mental health…Read More

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Your donation to Coast Mental Health Foundation provides essential housing, support, and employment services for people with mental illness so they can find their meaningful place in our community – a place to live, a place to connect, and a place to work.

 

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