The Port Alberni Friendship Center is inviting residents to a free community meal and discussion night on March 26, 2026, to talk about local housing and upcoming events in Port Alberni, British Columbia. The gathering will take place from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the center located at 3555 4th Avenue. While the meal is free for everyone to attend, the center says that donations are appreciated to help support their community work.
This event comes at a time when the city is looking for ways to help its most vulnerable neighbors. A homeless count taken in April 2025 found that 180 people in the area were living without permanent shelter. The center, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in October 2025, already manages local housing projects like the Walyaqil Tiny Home Village and the Our Home on 8th shelter.
Residents who attend the meal will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on several local issues, including a proposed 55-unit studio building on Second Avenue. The center is working alongside other local non-profit groups to make sure all voices are heard during these community talks. Organizers say the goal is to strengthen local connections and find common ground on important neighborhood priorities.
The center is led by Executive Director Cyndi Stevens and a team of about 80 staff members. Beyond housing, the organization provides various services including family support, youth job training, and mental health counseling. It is one of 25 such centers located across the province that have been serving community members since 1965.
