Photo Felicia Hubach moved wet clothes from the washing machine to the dryer as Couve Collective members chuckled in the background while watching the movie “Uncle Buck.” The sounds of the movie blended with the hum of machines. Hubach is the co-founder of Couve Collective, a downtown Vancouver nonprofit, which has served people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental illness for about three years. The nonprofit has changed over the past year, from introducing laundry services and launching new programs to leasing its entire building, 1009 W. 13th St. For members, the additions and the nonprofit’s continued support have changed their lives. For staff, the changes have helped them better support the nonprofit’s mission of assisting those in need while preserving their dignity.

“The laundry services and having the addition of the whole building has been life-changing for this company. We’ve seen a difference in the comfort of our members and a difference in how we can work as a team,” said Christa Gerdes, program coordinator. “Then, the new programs, the only way to describe them is lifesaving.” ‘Basic human needs’ Hubach, also the nonprofit’s outreach director, said the primary motivation for introducing laundry services was to better support the organization’s Blanket Exchange program. The program allows people in nearby homeless encampments to trade in dirty blankets for clean ones. Staff also used to take people’s laundry to local laundromats to help them prepare for job interviews and other events requiring clean clothes. Hubach said some had even been turned away from donating plasma — a vital income source for many experiencing homelessness — because of their appearance. “We feel like it’s really important for our members, also, so that they feel human,” Hubach said. “A lot of them have to go to court or housing assessments, things like that, and it’s hard to do that when you feel dirty or feel like they smell bad.”

The laundry services are free for Couve Collective members. Members must agree to remain clean and sober while using the nonprofit’s services and commit to spending about an hour each week engaging with another resource at Couve Collective, such as recovery meetings. Members do their own laundry, which, Hubach said, helps people get into a routine. It also helps people learn how to do laundry. “We really see this as a safe space for people to start to learn life skills that will make them successful in housing,” Hubach said. Couve Collective’s two washers and two dryers cost $20,000 for the machines, installation, and re-routing of electric and water systems — all of which was covered by community donations.

“The laundry has been such a fantastic addition because it’s not a service that’s readily available but is so needed,” Gerdes said. “Clean clothing is one of our basic human needs, and this helps provide that to people who may not have that ability.” For members, the service is a lifeline. “The laundry has helped me a lot. This place has helped me stay out of trouble for almost three years. Now, I can come, get clean clothes and just chill,” member Ryan Courtright said. ‘Different mindset’ In June, Couve Collective expanded operations by leasing its entire building in west Vancouver, having previously rented only half. The expansion allows for dedicated office space for staff, as well as multiple gathering spaces for members and meetings.

Additionally, the nonprofit launched two new programs to better support its mission. Housing initiative Room For Change offers intensive case management to get members housing and employment. The program helps about six families or people at a time — with the hope of doubling the caseload soon. Hubach said a good portion of people enrolled in the program have moved into transitional housing. She also said that when the nonprofit started Room For Change, staff noticed the need for assistance with medical treatment. “From Room For Change, we birthed our CORE program,” Hubach said. Hubach said that a majority of those involved in the CORE program are not members of the nonprofit, but rather, live near downtown. The service offers transportation and support for medical appointments. The service also has two recovery coaches who offer peer support. “They’re able to really work with them to get past those mental barriers as well,” Hubach said. “Because sometimes people think, ‘Oh it’s just transportation, right?’ But when you give them a ride, there’s other things that come up. There’s mental blocks that we’re able to help address.”

Couve Collective hoped to guide participants from CORE into Room For Change and eventually help them become members of the nonprofit. “The goal is for them to really start working on themselves and building the life of their choice, versus feeling trapped in that chaos. Because the streets make you live day by day,” Hubach said. “It becomes a different mindset when you start thinking beyond today.” New beginnings Tracy Noblit leaned down to pet a dog lounging in the nonprofit’s gathering space. She chatted quietly with a few people while a Christmas movie played in the background. Noblit first came to Couve Collective with family but continued attending even after they stopped, a significant accomplishment.

Surrounded by support, Noblit found the courage to push beyond her comfort zone. She struggles with agoraphobia, a fear of being outside. “Being outside and taking the bus down here, I am out of my comfort zone,” Noblit said. “This place has helped me with my mental health. I’ve made a lot of new friends here.” Behind Noblit, Cassie Alf lounged on a couch, watching films. Alf is a movie buff, so much so that when asked about their favorite Christmas movie, multiple titles came to mind. For Alf, Couve Collective provides the perfect mix of relaxation and practicality. It’s a place where Alf can do laundry and watch movies with friends while also taking steps toward improving their life. “I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up because I’m autistic. I’m a nice guy, but no one ever saw that until I got here,” Alf said. “I can be myself here.”

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