Change Can Happen. Profiles in community leadership: Alice Kendall

Central City Foundation is once again celebrating examples of extraordinary community leadership. We are highlighting the dedication and determination of those whose support for community-led solutions helped people in our inner city and beyond and have demonstrated that change can happen in our community. As part of this celebration, we have asked each of our profiled leaders to share with us their thoughts on leadership, community, and their relationship with Central City Foundation.

Alice Kendall, Executive Director, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre

For over 25 years, Alice has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to women in our community. A place of respite, connection and belonging, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) continues to centre the needs of women in the development and expansion of programs and services.

Q:  How does your organization help address the conditions faced by people in the inner city?

One of the primary issues women face in the Downtown Eastside is violence and a lack of basic personal safety. Unfortunately, women in this community experience violence all the time. When a woman isn’t safe, it is very difficult to think about much else. These women have a really tough time working toward any of the goals they might have. So, at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, one of our main goals is to provide safe spaces for women. Whether it be for a moment to breathe, a whole day or for a longer period of time. At our drop-in, women can get respite from the streets and have access to the simple things that they might need. Things like sleep, food, clothing, a shower. Our model is to be the first point of contact. Just come in. No explanations are required. No conditions. Our role is creating an environment where we can start to build trust with a woman. So when she is looking for help to do whatever she wants to do, then we can support her.

Q:  How would you describe some of the common lived experiences, systemic inequalities/inequities and other challenges faced by the people you work with?

Within the women that come through our doors, we see a lot of issues with mental health. Many are dealing with different forms of trauma. There is an overrepresentation of Indigenous women. In addition to poverty, these women experience a lot of gender-based violence. Homelessness is also a big problem. We’ve seen a massive increase in the number of women who are homeless. Especially in the ways that people are homeless. More and more people are living in cars and tents. Women are sleeping in places that aren’t acceptable places to sleep. But shelters and transition homes are full. There is nowhere for people to go.

Q:  How would you describe the importance of community connections and a sense of acceptance and belonging for the people you work with?

Connections and belonging are absolutely vital for us at DEWC. The women we work with experience horrific abuses and injustices. There is a lack of access to justice, health care and other social services. We’re trying to create a community where women are safe to be who they are. We know that people in this neighbourhood are resilient, strong survivors. They care about each other. Their common experiences make them a good peer-to-peer support system. We want to help foster these things. Women come in, and they are accepted. And they do belong. And they support each other in the ways that people do. We’re just creating the opportunity for community and belonging to happen naturally.

Q:  Looking ahead, can you share with us some of your thoughts about where you see that change can happen?

What has kept me here for the past 27 years is the awe-inspiring strength and power of the women who access our space and services. We know that women can thrive if we can facilitate places for them to do so. If we can support them in getting housing, access to their children and keeping kids in school. That they have food and basic needs. We know how resilient and strong these women are. They are so creative and talented and wise and skilled.

Unfortunately, through various ways, the system keeps people down. But with the right opportunities and support, women can flourish. I believe I’ve been witness to this. I’ve been more educated by the women who come through the doors than I could have been anywhere else. Change can and will happen if people change the system.

Q:  What are some examples that give you hope for a better future for the people with who you work?

With the right support, women get out. They get better. They get into treatment. They return to their family. Despite the system.

Q:  How would you describe the value of developing relationships and collaboration in your work and organizations like Central City Foundation?

I think the way CCF collaborates is the only way to do it. Non-profits collaborate all the time. We need to do it. It’s the only way to do the work. Unfortunately, the system exists in silos. Education isn’t connected to housing, which isn’t connected to health. No one is looking at an individual from a big-picture or long-term perspective. These are huge barriers. It’s why the changes we need aren’t happening. The organizations on the ground understand the needs and how important it is to work together to push the change and get access to services to people. There’s no other way of doing it.

Q:  What is it that you value most about being a community-partner of Central City Foundation?

I value the closeness CCF has to the community. They have a key awareness of the issues. They are unique in being a longstanding provider of direct services and support. This history brings with it a unique understanding of the community and the issues. They are very responsive.

Q:  Do you have a call to action for our CCF community that you would like to share?

There are many ways you can be a partner in helping make the change that’s needed. We are a DTES women’s organization with a specific focus, but the issues relating to poverty, homelessness and addiction are widespread. You can look at the mess and the crime, but that doesn’t help. I’d like to ask people to try to look at the solutions instead of the problems. And maybe consider what part you can play. There are so many ways to be a part of the solution. If you’re building a shopping mall, how do you help? What are the ways you can make a difference and have an impact on people’s lives? Look for organizations that you think are doing good work and help them however they need it. There are all kinds of ways for you to be part of the solution.