WHAT’S NEW

Gratitude is powerful. Thanks to your generosity, more than 400 young people and families at Aunt Leah’s found their best next step this past year. With every gift from members of our community we are able to continue to grow our commitment to improving the lives of our participants. Here’s the best part: giving back doesn’t just change lives—it changes yours too. Research shows that kindness and purposeful giving can increase happiness, lower stress, and can even add years to your life.

Thank you for your gifts to Aunt Leah’s. We value your trust in us and commit to transparency, integrity, and respect for your wishes. That commitment is reflected again this year with our recognition as a Top 100 Charity and 5-Star rating by Charity Intelligence Canada.

Keep reading to see how your support helps us break ground on new homes, honour the legacy of  a long-time donor, and continue to build opportunities that change lives.

Breaking Ground on Opportunity: Marine Way

On September 9, Aunt Leah’s and Aunt Leah’s Properties celebrated the start of construction of 89 new homes at 1923–1927 Marine Way.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, including Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Councillor Kalila George-Wilson, New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, MLA Jennifer Whiteside, Ashley Crossan (former youth from care and community advocate), Aunt Leah’s staff, and local partners who will help bring the project to life.

“These 89 homes show what’s possible when nonprofits step in to fill gaps left by a patchwork system,” said Sarah Stewart, Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s. “Youth leaving care often face frequent moves and uncertainty. By providing stable housing alongside wrap-around services, these homes give young people and mothers the foundation they need to thrive — and help break the cycle of instability.”

Located within walking distance of Aunt Leah’s Resource Centre, the new building will make it easier for residents to access supports that help with education, employment, and their overall well-being.

“By welcoming residents into a community with schools, transit, green spaces, and local shops nearby, we’re creating homes that nurture belonging, contribution, and independence,” said Jacqueline Dupuis, Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s Properties.

Each shovel in the ceremonial photo-op symbolized hope and a shared commitment to supporting youth and families. Together with Indigenous and government leaders, local businesses, and nonprofit partners, this project demonstrates the power of community to create lasting change.

Drawing on her lived experience of foster care and housing instability, Ashley spoke about what this milestone truly represents for young people:

“These 89 units create something incredible—an affordable and secure foundation. A place where youth in and from care, and vulnerable mothers, can sleep peacefully without anxiety or worry.” 

Her words captured both the hope that these homes will provide stability and the broader vision for change: a comprehensive youth housing strategy to ensure all young people leaving care have access to safe, affordable housing and the supports they need to thrive.

Aunt Leah’s commitment to expanding housing continues beyond Marine Way. 

Coming soon, our Boyne Street redevelopment will transform a single-family dwelling into a six-unit home for youth aging out of care as they begin their journey to independence. Originally purchased in 2011 as a shared home for women-led families in our Thresholds program, the site will now evolve to meet growing needs. As we build more homes in this space, Thresholds families will move to one of our donated homes in New Westminster. 

Through these construction projects, we aim to maintain and grow our service levels.

This is just the beginning. We look forward to sharing updates as these new homes take shape.