A genuinely lived faith expression, social engagement, community partnerships and neighbourhood connections are all very important co-operative dynamics in our present society that we hear and see being threatened by division, fear and anxiety. The pressing need for opening doors of dialogue, working together for common good and seeking to be genuine givers in a world too often plagued by takers is very apparent.
When we see these things working for change it is encouraging, even exciting and life enhancing.
I took the time to respond to an invitation I have been receiving for a few months now to visit “Propulsion – Emergent business start-ups in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.” They offer historic co-working space, daily one-on-one coaching, weekly lunch hour training sessions and peer accessibility to business services.
They have chosen to occupy and transform space at Dodson Rooms on Hastings, right in the middle of a neighbourhood with a notorious reputation, to be a light in the midst of darkness.
It is not their goal to gentrify the neighbourhood but to engage community contribution companies who offer change from within, offering dignity, space for belonging and drawing/sharing learning from socially engaged organizations and businesses.
It is also significant that their Christian faith seeking to find genuine expression for living faith is at the heart of their motivation. Oh, that we would all be so intentional.
