Who we are
Who we are, what we do
Our Mission
Our mission and purpose at More Than A Roof is to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in the lives of our tenants through transformative affordable housing.
What we aspire to be
Our Vision
To see every life transformed through the healing power of home, community and belonging.
What drives us forward
Our Values
Welcoming People Home
Affirming the Dignity & Worth of Every Individual
Practicing Radical Generosity
Creating Holistic Community
Putting Faith in Action
Pursuing Excellence with Purpose
Celebrating
Forty Years
of bringing
people home
Since our founding in 1986, More Than a Roof has been guided by the conviction that safe, affordable housing is the essential foundation of community.
We believe that we are called to more than just providing four walls; we create inclusive, welcoming environments where individuals and families have the stability they need to truly flourish.
“Bringing People Home” since 1984
Our History
- 1984
Founded
Started as MCC (BC) Social Housing Society. Our first building, the 26-unit Charleswood Court in Vancouver, followed in 1986 for low and moderate income families.
- 2003
A new name
We concluded our traditional ties to MCC BC, and More Than A Roof Housing came to be.
- 2005
The Foundation
We founded More Than A Roof Foundation to channel philanthropic support for our promise of being "More Than".
- Today
Home for 2000+
We house over 2000 people across four divisions in 19 locations throughout British Columbia.
More Than Roof Housing was founded in 1984 as MCC (BC) Social Housing Society, an affiliate of the British Columbia chapter of the Mennonite Central Committee. The specific mandate was to develop housing-based solutions to bring hope and assistance to those in our province who struggled with the poverty, poor health and difficult circumstances. In November of 2003, the board of directors, together with the directors and members of MCC BC, adopted a comprehensive package of changes that concluded the traditional ties to MCC BC and “More Than A Roof Housing” came to be.
Since the 1500’s, Mennonites have sought to put Christian faith into action. The fundamental motivating force of all our activities is the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to the alleviation of human suffering and need. This desire, along with the rich tradition and social teaching of Christian scripture, has compelled us to care without regard to religion, ethnicity, race, nationality or sexual orientation, but purely on the basis of need.
Our society’s first building, in 1986, was the 26 unit Charleswood Court complex for low and moderate income families in Vancouver. The focus was to provide a supportive, affordable housing community that enhanced human life and dignity while bringing a sense of meaning and hope into difficult personal circumstances. Since that time our organization has grown to house over 2000 people across four divisions in 19 locations throughout British Columbia. Our “More Than A Roof” approach builds aspects and qualities of “home” that go far beyond mere housing. The building of relationships and a sense of belonging in a supportive community represents new opportunities and a chance for “personal comeback” for many of our tenants.
Believing we are called to more, in 2005, we founded More Than A Roof Foundation, a conduit for philanthropic support for our brand’s promise of doing and being “More Than”.
Today, More Than A Roof as a non-profit society and “generalist” housing provider develops and manages housing for low-moderate income seniors, families and singles. We are also a housing based healthcare provider offering mental health support and addiction recovery services in various locations. We are unique in that we have a province-wide mandate, with operations in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, the Fraser Valley, and Prince George, as well as on Vancouver Island.
The hallmark of MTR is to stay focused on core competencies and perform these well while fostering a “culture of care” and a mindset of growth and excellence in all our undertakings.
The people behind the mission
Leadership
Our staff team operates collaboratively distributing leadership and responsibility across the organization. This empowers our people to work effectively and proactively in their settings while ensuring our tenants are well served and we continue to do business with excellence.
Executive & Senior Leadership
With over 29 years of community and project development experience in the non-profit housing sector, Lee-Anne is a dedicated and results-driven executive with a passion for advancing social impact initiatives to build thriving communities across British Columbia. She currently serves as CEO of More Than a Roof Housing Society and Interim CEO of More Than a Roof Foundation, where she is leading organizational transformation and advancing innovative housing solutions. She is known for her people-centered, values-centric approach to leadership and her ability to align strategy, culture, and impact in a complex, mission-driven organization.
With over 30 years of experience across audit and industry, Sylvia Nickel brings a deep and dynamic understanding of operations, system implementation, treasury management, deal economics, inventory exposure, change management, and process reengineering. As a CPA, she has supported both Canadian and U.S. public companies as well as not-for-profit organizations in securing financial resources and achieving their strategic goals.
In addition to her financial expertise, Sylvia holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in community development. During her tenure at a leadership foundation, she built meaningful relationships and collaborated with neighborhood associations, policy councils, and religious and political leaders, driving positive impact at the community level.
Her commitment to service is reflected in her leadership roles as a volunteer director on six nonprofit boards and as director of a recovery program. These experiences have equipped her to provide thoughtful guidance and impactful consultation to large nonprofit agencies.
Jim Loney serves as Chief Operating Officer at More Than a Roof Housing Society, providing strategic and operational leadership across a growing portfolio of affordable housing communities in British Columbia. With over a decade of progressively moving into senior leadership within the organization, Jim has played a key role in scaling operations, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring day-to-day execution remains closely aligned with mission-driven outcomes.
Jim is known for his relational leadership style, combining strategic thinking with a deep commitment to community development. He has led major organizational initiatives, including the development of leadership teams, implementation of quarterly planning systems, and oversight of significant operational growth and change.
Prior to his current role, Jim served as Director of Facilities and Operations and previously as General Manager, where he oversaw multi-site housing portfolios and led teams supporting hundreds of residents in Vancouver. His work consistently integrates operational excellence with a focus on building strong, connected communities.
Jim holds a master’s degree in counselling and psychology as well as a Master’s degree in Church Ministries, grounding his leadership in both organizational effectiveness and a people-centred approach.
He is passionate about creating environments where people can move from surviving to thriving, through safe housing, strong relationships, and opportunities for growth.
Don Kroeker brings decades of leadership, development expertise, and a deep commitment to community housing to his role as Senior Director of Real Estate Development at More Than A Roof. With a career rooted in construction, development, and sustainable building practices, Don played a foundational role in shaping the organization’s growth and long-term vision.
In the late 1980’s Don joined More Than A Roof Board of Directors and served extensively as Board Chair. Throughout his tenure, he played a key role in operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth, helping position More Than A Roof as a respected and innovative leader in the charitable non-profit housing sector.
Drawing on his experience in real estate development and construction, he has helped guide More Than A Roof’s growth while advancing its “More Than” philosophy, creating housing communities that foster healing, belonging, and transformation. With a degree in Environmental Studies and a LEED AP designation, he is committed to delivering sustainable and environmentally responsible developments.
In 2021, Don stepped away from the Board of Directors to establish the Real Estate Development Division (REDD), focused on addressing housing affordability across British Columbia through strategic development and acquisition initiatives. As Senior Director of Real Estate Development, he works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, New Projects Committee, and staff to lead the division’s growth and impact.
Under Don’s leadership, the RED Division is advancing more than 1,000 units of affordable housing across British Columbia, with a focus on creating safe, functional, and welcoming communities that foster home, community, and belonging.
Who guides us
Governance
More Than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability in accordance with the Society’s bylaws and applicable legislation. Guided by the Society’s mission, vision, and values, the Board is responsible for ensuring sound governance, prudent financial stewardship, effective risk management, and regulatory compliance, while supporting the long-term sustainability and impact of the organization.
Board of Directors
Recently retired from overseeing the daily operations of his family’s commercial real estate holdings, DJ’s expertise is in all aspects of real estate investment. He managed a variety of properties consisting of multi-tenant, industrial, manufacturing, and distribution facilities situated in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, British Columbia.
Having been trained and apprenticed as a journeyman, DJ knows the nuts and bolts of quality construction. Years of hands-on experience in acquiring, overseeing, and managing his company’s holdings has provided him with the negotiation skills to retain tenants as well as successfully deal with banks and mortgage companies.
DJ’s specialties were real estate investment, tenant improvements, tenant negotiation, tenant retention, construction, and property management. This experience serves More Than A Roof well.
Spencer Andres (MCIP, RPP) is the Manager of Development at CitySpaces Consulting, with nine years of experience leading and supporting community planning, consultation, and development projects for institutional, non-profit, and government clients. His recent work includes leading the CitySpaces Development Team, acting as project manager and owner’s representative for pre-construction and construction of non-profit housing projects, and leading affordable housing feasibility studies, strategic planning exercises for non-profit organizations, and targeted studies on municipal tools for providing affordable housing options.
Corey is a general contractor and developer, offering a hands-on approach to building with a background in business management, real estate development and trades work. Specializing in both high-end custom homes and affordable residences, Corey has gained experience making practically based, effective decisions that have spurred growth and maintained stability for his business, Ventura Enterprises Inc. for over 15 years. He has also studied English and Sociology at Simon Fraser University giving him a wide range of experience.
Looking for opportunities to help with homelessness and housing conditions in Vancouver, Corey joined the board in December of 2015. As a board member with More Than A Roof, Corey is making a difference by contributing to the decision making process as it relates to his experience. His interpersonal skills developed through managing trades, city officials and clients offers sound communication with other members of the organization. Corey has experience as an advisor to the board of Nation’s Cry and their work in Sierra Leone, as well as being an active volunteer in his community. He lives in East Vancouver with his wife and three children.
Rachel currently serves as an accountant and financial consultant for numerous charities, non-profit organizations and businesses. She has been a senior accountant for Loewen Kruse Chartered Accountants since 2002, acting more recently as Director of Finance at Kibaale Community Centre in Uganda. In that time, Rachel has developed a passion to empower leaders and build capacity with non-profit organizations. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time to work with children in her faith community and provide transitional support for new Canadian immigrants. She graduated from Trinity Western University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Rachel is a board member for both More than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society and ACTS Canada.
Marie-Louise Fast was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1983. She has been in private practice as a lawyer since 1984 and has been operating as a “Fast & Company Law Firm” since 1988. Her area of practice is primarily solicitor’s work with a focus on real estate, and estate administration work. She is a member of the Law Society of B.C. and past occasional lecturer for People’s Law School and Continuing Legal Education. She is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association. She has participated in the Pro Bono Legal Aid clinic.
Having obtained her A.R.C.T. (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto) diploma in cello while in high school, and studied at the Musikhochschule Detmold in Germany, she also remains active musically, whether playing in an orchestra (cello) or singing in various choirs.
Politically, she has acted as an official agent in two previous elections for Vancouver South MP Wai Young.
She is a former member of the board of directors for the Early Music Society of Vancouver, a past chair and current board member of More Than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society (‘MTR’), a longstanding board member of Pinegrove Place complex care home in Richmond, B.C. and a current board member of the Christian Legal Fellowship of Canada.
She is active in her local church in East Vancouver in various capacities. She and her husband also own and operate “Haddon House”, a bed & breakfast operation located in Burnaby, B.C. near beautiful Deer Lake.
Her office is conveniently and centrally located near Burnaby City Hall, just off Canada Way near the Highway 1 Kensington exit.
Jason is a Registered Architect and Professional Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years of interdisciplinary consulting experience in data driven sustainable design of architecture and infrastructure. Currently the Building Performance Lead at HDR, Jason’s portfolio of projects includes award-winning institutional, commercial, residential and healthcare buildings as well as district energy systems and campus decarbonization planning. Jason is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Architecture where he teaches sustainable design and architectural technology.
His professional volunteer work includes design of school housing in Southern Kenya, master planning an agricultural educational center in Malawi, the design and construction of a renewable biogas plant in Northern India, and master planning of a housing complex for widows and orphans in Rwanda.
A husband and father of three young boys, Jason’s evenings and weekends are full of coaching soccer, snowboarding with the family, towing kids up a mountain on his mountain bike, or teaching Sunday school at Artisan Church in Vancouver, BC.
Kara Douglas is the Director of Marketing, Communications and Member Affairs at Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon). Kara is an articulate and accomplished senior marketing communications professional with over 15 years of strong results in marketing, program management and event planning. In that time, she has increased CPHR BC & Yukon’s engagement through various social media and has seen the association more than double the size of their membership and revenue.
Kara thrives on leading and inspiring teams to achieve their goals. She is a skilled relationship builder who excels at bringing cross-functional teams together to achieve common goals.
Kara enjoys giving back to her community. She is a past board member with Urban Promise Vancouver and sat on the Project Oversight Committee in the Communication role for First Baptist Church.
When not working Kara is a wife and mother of three active boys living in East Vancouver. She enjoys reading, travelling and whatever delights her boys at that moment.
