Kettle on Burrard hosts World Cup watch party for residents in housing

Kettle on Burrard, a supportive housing facility for people transitioning out of homelessness or living with mental health challenges, is bringing World Cup energy home to its residents — because not everyone can afford to sit at the stadium or pull up a chair at a restaurant.

"Our tenants are just as big as soccer fans as anyone who has purchased a ticket," said Michelle Vanderzon, director of philanthropy and strategic partnerships at the Kettle Society. "Often times those spaces are out of reach for folks. We feel the energy downtown and we wanted to bring it here."

The facility has been decked out to the nines with decor and hosted watch parties so residents can catch the World Cup matches. The energy has been unmistakable. "The energy in this building has gone completely nuts, with the staff; they are all just so engaged," said resident Moise Christensen. "I was just really excited" when Canada won 6–0.

Vanderzon cited survey results showing that participation in social programs like the watch party has a measurable effect on residents' wellbeing: 85 per cent say social programs have a positive impact on their mental health, and 65 per cent say it has decreased their sense of loneliness.

Resident Verna Kuhn described the lift the communal energy gives her: "It's like going in the morning and being in church and everyone being really perky and happy even though I'm in a bad mood cause I just got up in the morning. Getting my breakfast and everyone is perky and happy — it just feels really good. It lifts me up."

As Canada advances and the next watch party is set, the society will continue to bring inclusive opportunities and programming to its clients, as it has for the past 50 years.