About

Founded in 2013 in two SROs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Whole Way House is a woman-led organization that has since supported more than 1,500 residents across more than a dozen affordable housing buildings in the Lower Mainland and Victoria.

The Konkin family
Founders

Jenny Konkin and Josh Konkin.

Siblings who started the organization in 2013 while managing the Silver Hotel and Avalon Hotel, two SROs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside owned by their grandparents. The model they built now supports more than 800 residents across eight sites.

Avalon Hotel

Four years of measurable change at the Avalon Hotel.

From 2010 to 2014, infractions fell 98%, 911 calls fell 90% and police incidents fell 84% after this model was put in place.

Read the full case study →
The Avalon Hotel
Vision

Building healthy communities in housing.

Mission

Reconnecting people to Rebuild community so they can Recenter in their purpose.

Values

Unconditional Love

Dignity, opportunity, and clear standards.

Integrity

Honesty, transparency, and consistency.

Compassion

Warm, empathetic care — every person has a story.

Hope

A better future is possible, and attainable, for all.

Governance

Co-Founders

Jenny Konkin
Jenny Konkin
President & Co-Founder

Jenny is President and Co-Founder of Whole Way House Society, which began in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside while she was managing her grandparents' SRO buildings, the Silver and Avalon Hotels. She leads the organization's work with non-profit housing operators to provide onsite community building programs and tenant support for seniors, veterans, and residents who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness. Jenny has been recognized by Business in Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40, received Capilano University's Alumni Award of Excellence, and received a Commendation from the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Canada.

Josh Konkin
Josh Konkin
Co-Founder, Vice-President

Josh is Co-Founder and Vice-President of Whole Way House Society. He has been connected to Downtown Eastside housing work since his teenage years, serving at the Silver, Avalon, and Broadway Hotels and learning from his family how to care for residents with dignity and consistency. As a partner at Pacific Powertech Inc. and a BC business owner, Josh brings a practical commitment to community, stewardship, and giving people a hand up.

Board of Directors

Rob McManus
Rob McManus
Director

Brings broad leadership experience across business development, industrial manufacturing, operations, logistics, and international market growth. A former professional athlete with the Canadian National Track & Field Team, Rob is known for disciplined execution, stewardship, and people-centered leadership. He continues to support complex manufacturing environments and global brands across North America while remaining deeply committed to family, charitable stewardship, mentorship, and community engagement.

Chris Karuhije
Chris Karuhije
Director

Survivor of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide who immigrated to Canada as a child. Pastor at Coastal Church in downtown Vancouver, where he oversees the Department of Family Life, and author of We Were Royal Refugees.

David Robinson
David Robinson
Director

David is a CPA, CA with experience spanning public practice, pension fund analysis, and capital markets. He began his career advising private and public companies across sectors including agriculture, real estate, mining, and non-profits, later serving as an analyst with the Telus Pension Fund. He now serves as Chief Financial Officer at Cronin Capital, with a focus on the resource and commodity sectors, and remains active in local boards, committees, and community life in Vancouver.

Chris Hamade
Chris Hamade
Director

Founded a Vancouver private equity firm in 2006 focused on real estate structured finance. Sits on his local church board and chairs a downtown business ministry connecting business and political leaders. Toronto-born, raising two daughters with his wife Emily.

Darrel Johnson
Darrel Johnson
Director

Former Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in downtown Vancouver and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Regent College. Author of expositions on Revelation, Ephesians, the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Trinity. He and his wife Sharon raised four adopted children from four different countries.

Board of Advisors
Helen Balzer
Helen Balzer
Advisor

More than 30 years on the staff and pastoral leadership team at Relate Church, including six providing financial and legal oversight. Helped establish ARC Canada as a registered Canadian charity; currently serves on the board of Resonate Church.

Elissa Morrissette
Elissa Morrissette
Advisor

Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the BC Cancer Foundation, where she leads revenue-generating portfolios and philanthropic growth across British Columbia. With nearly two decades in philanthropy, Elissa previously led fundraising work at Cancer Research UK and was recognized by AHP's 40 Under 40 Program.

Rachel Thexton
Rachel Thexton
Advisor

Rachel brings two decades of PR experience building creative communications campaigns that help brands tell their story across traditional and digital media. She has led strategic communications for corporate, consumer, and real estate clients, and is skilled at connecting with media, bloggers, and online influencers.

Michael Whang
Michael Whang
Advisor

Michael brings consulting experience in customer relationship management, sales force automation, and digital marketing for Fortune 500 companies. His service in the Downtown Eastside began through Union Gospel Mission volunteer programs, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges residents face.

Buildings and Partners
Alexander House
The Affordable Housing Societies
Vancouver DTES
Veterans Manor
Veterans Memorial Manor
Vancouver DTES
Shiloh Housing
Broadway Group
Vancouver DTES
Granville House
Affordable Housing Societies
Downtown Vancouver
Chelsea Terrace
New Chelsea Society
Burnaby
Capstone
Langley
Campbell Lodge
Greater Victoria Housing Society
Victoria