Category Archives: Housing

Burnside Gorge offers help to families

Family Homelessness

Image courtesy of graur codrin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A recent Coalition report has estimated that over 260 families in Greater Victoria experienced a housing crisis in the last year alone. The Burnside Gorge Community Association (BGCA) offers a variety of programs and services that support families struggling with poverty. BGCA’s Homeless Family Outreach program works with families who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, to find shelter and/or maintain their housing. We spoke with Kathy Dallman, Family Housing Outreach Coordinator, to learn more about the program and family homelessness in Greater Victoria. Continue reading →

Numbers show ending homelessness is achievable

One of the more significant challenges in understanding how to end homelessness in a community like Greater Victoria is estimating how much housing we need and of what sort. How much affordable housing do we need for people whose primary challenge is the high cost structure in Victoria and how much supportive housing do we need for people who, for one reason or another, are challenged to maintain housing for reasons that go beyond affordability? Continue reading →

Affordable Housing: Not in my back yard?

We hear it all the time: “I support the idea of affordable housing, but just not in this neighbourhood.” This sentiment is commonly referred to as Not In My Back Yard or ‘NIMBY’ and is one of the most significant challenges that we face in gaining community support – a vital piece of receiving municipal approval – for affordable housing developments across the region. Continue reading →

Hidden Homeless

Not all those who are homeless sleep rough on the streets. There are many more people you don’t see. The term “hidden homelessness” refers to those who live temporarily with friends or family (couch surf) or are sleeping in cars. These people have no other option, as many were living in unsafe or inadequate housing. Continue reading →