Vancouver Second Mile Society

At Vancouver Second Mile Society (VSMS), we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income seniors through our centre, which creates space for community building and outreach that promotes social, recreational, nutritional, and informational needs. The increasing gentrification of the Downtown Eastside, which results in the displacement of community resources, highlights the importance of fostering community resilience and autonomy.

Additionally, many of the seniors in the neighbourhood struggle with poverty and live in single-room occupancy (SROs) units, making it difficult to find the motivation to venture outside. However, by providing programs that take lonely seniors out of their rooms and into a caring circle of friendship, we give seniors a sense of community. Therefore, in a society where seniors are increasingly isolated and undervalued, we collaborate directly with low-income seniors to build and strengthen their capacity to help themselves and one another.