Nearly 230 transition housing spaces open for women, children leaving violence

VICTORIA - Women and children at risk of or leaving violence have access to more safe, secure spaces as 229 new transition and second-stage housing units open on Vancouver Island and in Metro Vancouver.

"Ensuring women and children leaving violence have access to secure and affordable housing is crucial to keeping them safe and supported as they take their next steps," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "People fleeing violence often struggle to find affordable housing because of complex family situations. Creating nearly 230 new spaces for them isn't just about providing a roof - it's a chance for a fresh start, helping them break free from abuse and transition to healthier, safer lives."

The Province, through BC Housing, invested approximately $98 million in grants for these 229 spaces across eight projects through the Building BC: Women's Transition Housing Fund. The spaces include transition beds that will provide women and their children a safe and confidential place to stay for up to 30 days, and second-stage units that enable longer stays for women and children who need stable housing and services.

Support staff will provide residents with a range of services, including emotional support and safety planning to make sure women and children receive the help they need during a difficult and stressful time.

"Increasing safety and supports for survivors of gender-based violence is one of the key priorities under B.C.'s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan," said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. "Having places for women, children and 2SLGBTQIA+ people to go to after leaving violent situations is vital, especially at a time when they need it the most."

On Vancouver Island, a total of 130 spaces have opened for women and children leaving violence, including:

• Duncan: 33 second-stage units in Kw'umut Lelum (Rise House) operated by the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society;
• Nanaimo: 30 second-stage units and 17 transition beds operated by Haven Society; and
• West Shore: 50 transition beds operated by Victoria Women's Transition House Society.

In Metro Vancouver, a total of 99 spaces are open or underway, which includes:

• Langley: 15 transition beds and one second-stage unit to be operated by Ishtar Women's Resource Society;
• Maple Ridge: 14 second-stage units and 20 long-term units to be operated by Cythera Transition House Society;
• Richmond: 25 second-stage units to be operated by Turning Point Housing Society;
• Surrey: 14 transition beds in Nisa Home to be operated by Nisa Foundation; and
• Vancouver: 10 transition beds in Sylvia's Place to be operated by the Kettle Friendship Society.

"Nisa Homes gave me and my children a place to heal and rebuild our lives," a resident said, whose anonymity is being protected for safety purposes. "The staff was incredibly supportive, always there to listen and provide guidance. I felt safe, understood, and empowered to move forward. I don't know where I would be without this place."

Through Building BC: Women's Transition Housing Fund, the Province is working in partnership to deliver and operate 3,000 new transition, second-stage, and long-term affordable housing spaces for women and children. To date, nearly 1,200 units are complete or underway throughout the province.

Quick Facts:

• As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the project addresses have not been disclosed for safety reasons.
• Safe and Supported: B.C.'s Gender-Based Violence action plan was released in December 2023.
• The action plan reports on vital work underway across government to address gender- based violence.
• Initiatives were developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners, and with advice from community service providers and advocates.

Learn More:

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

For provincial supports available for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault or domestic violence, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/domestic-violence

To learn more about Safe and Supported: B.C.'s Gender-based Violence Action Plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equity/ending-gender-based-violence

Two backgrounders follow.

Backgrounders