Community. Services. Together.
Serving our community for over 60 years
The Bloom Group responds to the most urgent needs of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. We embrace transformative solutions for resolving pressing and complex challenges. We fill the gaps in areas that are critical to building a resilient community.
Since 1961, The Bloom Group has led many of our community’s most progressive social services to reduce homelessness, provide end-of-life care for individuals with mental health challenges and addictions, ensure women-led families in crisis can stay together as they rebuild their lives, provide financial management for at-risk seniors, and much more. Our ‘low-barrier’ services are inclusive and available to all individuals in need, regardless of their circumstances, and without conditions.
We must find solutions to end poverty and homelessness. Our services meet the immediate needs of individuals, while systematically building a foundation that strengthens community sustainability. We put ideas into practice, implementing innovative, yet practical and scalable initiatives that redefine possibilities and catalyze long-lasting change. We collaborate with a wide circle of partners to share expertise and resources and affect broad change that would not be possible in isolation.
Our Vision
A strong and resilient community where all persons have a stable home and the support to live healthy lives with self-determination.
Our Mission
We support the most vulnerable people in our community through the provision of housing, health and social services.
An Enduring Legacy
The Bloom Group was originally founded as St James Community Service Society in 1961, by May Gutteridge and volunteers of the St. James Anglican Church at Cordova and Gore in the Downtown Eastside. A feisty community leader, May had one mission: making life better for those who are most vulnerable
During May’s 30 years of leadership, the organization developed mental health housing, emergency shelters for women and children, and Western Canada’s first free-standing hospice, opened specifically to serve the needs of community members in the Downtown Eastside. Among many honours, May received the prestigious YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 1980 and 1990, and the Order of Canada in 1981.
Watch May & the Golden Flower to learn the about The Bloom Group’s incredible history.
Territory Acknowledgement
The Bloom Group acknowledges that it operates on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
The Bloom Group acknowledges that its staff and clients represent many diverse communities that come together through the inclusive services and activities we offer. For more information on how we celebrate and support equitable participation, please read our full Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.
