Jacob’s Well Supports Red Tents

I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Jane Halton from Jacob’s Well, a non-profit organization based a few blocks away from Pivot in the Downtown Eastside. Jacob’s Well recently made a donation to the Red Tents campaign and we wanted to thank them in person for their generosity.

Located at 239 Main Street, the Jacob’s Well storefront is “home base” for their organization. One attribute of the storefront is its large kitchen where neighbours can participate in a community kitchen meal, eating dinner family-style, every Tuesday evening. I’m immediately drawn to the unique and sustainable decor, which includes a beautiful seating area made entirely from junk yard scraps.

Jacob’s Well, for those unfamiliar with the organization, was founded 10 years ago by the now 94 year-old Pauline Fell, who is known as “sister” and “mom” to many in the Downtown Eastside. The organization is faith-based but is committed to welcoming people from all backgrounds.

The staff and volunteers strive to “do everyday life” with residents by doing things such as home and hospital visits, as well as, operating two community gardens. One hope is that DTES residents will find a place they can give back to their community.

In fact, the organization’s decision to donate to the Red Tents campaign was based on the personal experiences of the residents that staff and volunteers interact with on a daily basis. Although Jacob’s Well does not have very much money, they are committed to giving some of what they receive away in support of causes like the Red Tents campaign. As Jane explains to me, there is a major housing problem in Vancouver and she finds the lack of “appropriate” housing especially troubling. Like so many of us, Jacob’s Well firmly supports the petition for a National Housing Strategy and believes that bringing attention to this cause is important.

Thank you, Jacob’s Well, for supporting Red Tents!

Alison Leong
Pivot Intern