Vancouver Downtown Eastside lifeline at risk of shutting down

For over 25 years, the Potluck Cafe Society has been serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in more ways than one.

On top of providing thousands of meals each month, the non-profit also offers jobs, training, and dignity to people facing addiction, homelessness, and mental-health challenges.

The charity runs a catering company whose profits fund its social programs.

“We employ 46 people with barriers to employment,” said Maz Artang, board chair for Potluck Cafe Society.

Over the past year, Artang says rising costs, the loss of two major contracts, and a drop in donations have pushed the charity into crisis, with it needing to raise $100,000 by mid-October or risk shutting down.

“We need to raise a hundred thousand dollars by October 15th in order to keep our doors open. So it’s dire.”

Without the emergency funding, Artang says, “It would unfortunately mean laying these people off.”

Bryan Wolstenholme has been with Potluck for two decades. He started as a prep cook and dishwasher after his mother worked at the cafe.

“If Potluck does have to shut its doors, I would literally be starting over somewhere else,” he said. “I’m not afraid of starting over — but this is home. This is where I’ve been for 20 years. This is where my family is.”

He tells 1130 NewsRadio the kitchen isn’t just a workplace. It’s a stepping stone for people trying to rebuild their lives.

“I’ve seen people come in with barrier after barrier, struggle after struggle — then find success, their own place, self-confidence, a sense of purpose.”

“If you never belonged anywhere, you belong here.”

A second chance

Jillian Hodge started at Potluck just two years ago at the lemonade stand. She’s now the event coordinator, running corporate events, celebrations of life, and even weddings.

“Never,” she said when asked if she had imagined this life two years ago.

“Potluck has given me amazing tools to show me I’m capable of a lot more… I would love to stay here if things continue.”

Hodge says the program is a beacon for people still struggling on the streets of the Downtown Eastside.

“They see that there is hope for them to also stop and get out of the life. It just takes strength and determination.”

Plea for help

Artang says Potluck’s board and staff are appealing directly to Vancouver’s private sector to step up.

While the group has had strong support from the City of Vancouver, the province, and some corporate clients, it’s hoping donations and catering orders will bridge the gap and buy time to pursue longer-term partnerships.

“I think nowadays, a lot of charities, although they’re great and have good intentions, they have a tendency to just hand things out. Whereas with potluck, we’re hiring people, we’re giving them a job with dignity, setting them up for success,” Artang said.

“That’s what really makes Potluck different from other charities.”

Donations can be made at potluckcatering.org/donate.