Progressive Housing Awarded Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation

Progressive Housing Society is honoured to receive a $1,350 grant as part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program. This award comes thanks to a nomination by local Starbucks partner, Sarah-Dawn, recognizing our vital work in Burnaby with individuals facing mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance misuse. The Starbucks Foundation’s program encourages Starbucks partners and alumni to nominate impactful local organizations. Since 2019, more than 13,000 grants have been awarded, totaling over $20 million. This year, Progressive Housing Society was selected from 33,000 nominations submitted by Starbucks partners.

Progressive Housing Society focuses on aiding those struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness, empowering them to achieve independent living. The grant will specifically support our Emergency Shelter program in Burnaby, which offers immediate and crucial shelter for those without a home.

Our Emergency Shelter is distinctive because of its “low barrier” approach. Unlike other shelters with stringent requirements, we extend a compassionate, non-judgmental hand to even the most vulnerable individuals. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to making services accessible and straightforward, meeting clients where they are and avoiding additional hurdles.

We adhere to a housing-first philosophy, emphasizing the importance of stable, permanent housing as a foundation for rebuilding lives. Since opening in the fall of 2019 as the first shelter of its kind in Burnaby, our program has become a pioneering effort in the area, offering not just a temporary place to stay but a path to a brighter future.

This grant from The Starbucks Foundation enhances our ability to provide essential services through our Emergency Shelter program. We are deeply grateful for this support, which will help us continue to assist those in urgent need.

The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations with catalytic investments in the form of grants. These grants help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofits in their communities.

“Our partners know their communities best and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods,” said Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “We’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.”

Learn more about the Neighborhood Grants program at Starbucks Stories.

Progressive Housing Society, established in 1981, is dedicated to supporting individuals in Burnaby and surrounding areas who are struggling with mental health issues, addictions, and homelessness. Our range of services includes outreach, housing support, and emergency shelter, all aimed at empowering individuals to live independently and improve their quality of life.

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, focusing on community resiliency, prosperity, and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. Learn more at Starbucks Stories.