"While not the greatest environment, single room occupancy hotels nevertheless provide a roof over your head and it is vital to maintain affordable housing such as this to keep people off the streets. Our shelters are already running at full capacity and turning people away. With the Downtown Eastside being rapidly bought up for redevelopment, and with so many hotels closing and being replaced by expensive accommodation, there is a large population of displaced people with nowhere to go. The government’s purchase of these buildings helps protect people who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. SROs play a key role in providing affordable housing and we can’t afford to lose them. It is the SROs that prevent us from having a significantly greater number of street homeless."
- Karen O’Shannacery, Executive Director, Lookout Emergency Aid Society

"The Province’s purchase of the single occupancy hotels is a fantastic move and a real step forward in dealing with homelessness. For Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, it means 10 hotels that can’t be converted to market housing and retains housing stock that people at the bottom end of the socio-economic ladder can access. Triage has converted a number of SROs and we recognize the significance of upgrading these buildings to bring them to an acceptable standard. The installation of sprinklers, for example, is huge and the issue of pest control is a challenge for all of us. The support services that will be offered are also key; many of the current residents probably have mental illnesses and/or addictions for which they are not receiving treatment. This announcement will make positive changes to the lives of these people."
- Mark Smith, Executive Director, Triage Emergency Services & Care Society

"The Province's purchase of 11 single room occupancy hotels in Vancouver and Victoria is a positive contribution that opens a window of opportunity for many people who need it. This move will improve the facilities available to a vulnerable group of people and meet their housing and support needs with dignity. Union Gospel Mission hopes to continue to support and expand its support to the people living in these SROs through the provision of food, education, and alcohol and drug recovery."
- Maurice McElrea, President, Union Gospel Mission

"The BC Apartment Owners and Managers Association supports the initiative by the provincial government to preserve housing stock for high-risk individuals. Benefits would include much needed improvements to the existing housing conditions and the provision of support programs designed to improve the health and safety of the residents."
- Jan Robinson, CMA Candidate, Chief Operating Officer, BC Apartment Owners and Managers Association

"Owners and managers in our industry don't have the skills to meet the special needs of many of the people who live in single room occupancy properties. Many SRO buildings are deteriorating and are no longer economically viable for their owners to maintain in their current use. The government’s purchase of 11 SROs will give these renters better access to support services and ensure the buildings continue as an important and affordable component of the housing market."
- Al Kemp, CEO, Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC

"This investment represents a significant step in addressing the problem of homelessness. Many SROs are falling into such disrepair that they have to be closed. Units that could be used by the homeless are being lost. If we don’t provide housing for the homeless, we invite other problems that have real economic and social costs – lost tourist dollars and increasing crime. The Urban Development Institute is pleased that the Province is developing partnerships with other levels of government, the non-profit sector, and the for-profit sector so further steps can be taken in resolving this very serious societal problem."
- Maureen Esner, CEO, Urban Development Institute

"The provincial government’s purchase of the SROs helps protect people who are at risk of homelessness by providing safe, clean places to live. If not preserved, the land from this housing stock would go into market housing. CHBA BC applauds the government on this initiative to reduce homelessness and for including in their plan support services such as mental health and addiction programs, life skills counseling, and employment training."
- MJ Whitemarsh, CEO, Canadian Homes Builders' Association of BC

"I applaud the BC government's recent purchase of 11 SRO hotels in Vancouver and Victoria. In addition to providing comfortable, safe and private accommodation, this innovative initiative will help to restore a measure of dignity and self-worth to at-risk men and women. Having a home of one's own can contribute significantly to the emotional healing and rehabilitation processes of such individuals. I am also delighted existing housing stock in both cities will be preserved as the extensive restoration work required will generate thousands of jobs in the construction, manufacturing and service sectors."
- Peter Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association