South Asian Day Program: Friendship, Fitness, and Fun

Immigrant Integration, Seniors, Stories

This program means more to us than our pensions,” said Jaswant, one of the participants of the South Asian Day program. Jaswant had been insisting that her family send her back to India as she did not want to stay in Canada any longer. After becoming a regular at the...

Cannoli: Providing Calm and Cuddles

Counselling, Family & Children, Stories

Archway welcomed dozens of new staff over the past year, but one new hire stood out as the only four-legged employee.  Cannoli, Archway’s furry friend, is a Health and Wellness Accredited Facility Dog who provides comfort and calm to clients and staff alike. Cannoli...

Breaking Bread with Food Justice

Food Security, Stories

The term “food justice” is new to many in the community including to some at Archway. While Archway has operated a Food Bank since the ’80s, the Archway Food Justice program only began in 2021. Food Justice Coordinator Vicki Lin defines food justice as “looking...

The Cabin: A Proactive and Collaborative Approach to Homelessness

Stories, Supportive Housing and Homelessness Prevention

While The Cabin, a daytime shelter for the unhoused, closed at the end of September 2022 it was a transformative experience that will inform approaches to homelessness in Abbotsford going forward. “We’re disappointed The Cabin closed, however we’re extremely grateful...

The Flood that Was

Flood, Stories

Photo Credit: Abbotsford Police Department  Over COVID there was a metaphor explaining that everyone was in the same storm but experienced it differently, depending on their boat. During the BC flooding of November 2021, residents similarly faced the same storm but...

Homeless Prevention Program and Community Legal Advocacy – A Place to Call Home

Legal Advocacy & Information, Stories, Supportive Housing and Homelessness Prevention

The housing situation in the Fraser Valley has changed dramatically over the last decade. From 2011 to 2021, house prices rose 137% in Abbotsford, the largest increase among surrounding areas. For those who are renting, the current vacancy rate is at 1.6%, down from...