Study looks at data to see where the B.C. government has increased social housing
A new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has found that over the past five years British Columbia has seen an increase of about 1,500 units of new supportive housing for the homeless and housing for frail seniors. But the province has also seen a loss of 2,820 independent social housing units.
Taken together, the government’s own data indicate an overall net increase of only 280 actual social housing units over the past five years, a finding the group calls “sobering and concerning.” In response, the B.C. Liberal government’s housing minister said, “Our housing strategy is working.” He provided a range of statistics to show what has occurred. (more…)
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On our program this week, we focus on three initiatives that have persevered and emerged with new locations, services, and/or facilities—and a shared “new lease on life”. Join us for our discussion with leaders from three Nanaimo people-focused organizations… 
The Nanaimo Working Group on Homelessness recently made decisions regarding the use of federal funding for local homelessness initiatives. But there were too many applicants for the limited funding available. One program that will not receive an annual grant this year is Haven Society’s Willow Wai initiative—a program that helps sex workers and other homeless women off the streets.
Judy Graves, Coordinator for Vancouver’s Tenant Assistance Program, is a long-time, passionate advocate for the homeless. She began the Vancouver Homeless Outreach Project in 2005 that has successfully housed more than 2,000 people in B.C. She also co-authored the book A Room Somewhere: 101 Solutions to Homelessness.* 
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. 