Showing Compassion Through Inclusive Hiring with 2400 Motel

Sitting atop the Kingsway hill, 2400 Motel has been a proud part of Vancouver's Eastside community for over 75 years. Built during the height of car culture in the 1940s, they exemplified optimism for the future. Today, Kristian Miller, General Manager at 2400 Motel, is continuing the tradition of creating positive spaces in the community. Over the years, they have been nationally accredited as Rainbow Registered and received a Silver Certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism. Within BC, they have earned the Sustainability Champion Award from the BC Hotel Association, and they are a Living Wage Employer and have completed the Buy Social Canada Social Procurement Professional Certificate. Going through the process of getting these accreditations has signaled to everyone that 2400 Motel hires inclusively and their diverse staff, which includes MP graduates, reflects this.

2400 Motel's involvement with Mission Possible started when our MP Maintenance team was hired for exterior painting and landscaping at the Motel. Upon learning more about our Employment Readiness Program (ERP), Kristian was eager to explore the untapped talent MP associates had to offer. He shares, "Everywhere has to hire people. Everywhere has to spend money on products and goods and services, so if we can do that more compassionately, why wouldn't you?" Working closely with Tyler and Sara, our Employment Engagement Team, 2400 Motel soon welcomed their first MP graduate, Noah. As their new full-time Groundskeeper, Noah has already tackled several projects across the three-and-a-half acre property, including preparing the space for a photoshoot. 

Noah’s excellent work ethic has strengthened MP's partnership with 2400 Motel and Kristian continues to send job opportunities to Mission Possible in hopes of finding additional workers. When asked about hiring inclusively, Kristian expresses the belief that there shouldn't be any barriers to finding employment, especially regarding gaps in experience, and that the benefits of a diverse crew are obvious. "You get more experiences, you get more stories, you get more perspectives. It makes the whole team more cohesive and more approachable by guests," he shares.

Employers like 2400 Motel also give hope to individuals typically excluded from the workforce due to any number of factors such as substance use, housing insecurity, mental health crises, and disability. Noah has felt that hope, sharing, "It's good to know that there are employers out there who are willing to give people who have had a bit of a history, or in my case no workplace history, an opportunity to get back into the workforce." 

Overall, Kristian and the crew at 2400 Motel have showcased what it takes to be an MP Impact Employer: compassion, empowerment, and support. We look forward to growing our partnership with 2400 Motel!