Summary

• More than $100 million in historic investment in housing for women and children leaving violence
• 78 homes now open for women and their children leaving violence in Vancouver
• 80 homes now open for women and their children leaving violence in Langley

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The two largest buildings in the history of the Women's Transition Housing Fund are now open, providing more than 150 new homes for women and their children leaving violence in Vancouver and Langley.

“Women and their children seeking safety from violence will have secure, stable places to rebuild their lives in these new homes,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Knowing there is secure housing available during such difficult times provides comfort and relief. These projects reflect our government’s continued commitment to ensuring people have the supports they need to begin to heal and move forward with their lives.”

The Province, through BC Housing, bought both newly constructed buildings for use as long-term affordable homes and second-stage housing for women and their children leaving violence, in partnership with YWCA BC and Ishtar Women’s Resource Society. Both buildings are larger than any previous project opened under the Women’s Transition Housing Fund.

Vancouver project

Located in East Vancouver, this 78-unit building includes:

• studio apartments 
• one- and two-bedroom apartments
• three-bedroom townhomes

The development features 33 second-stage transition homes and 45 long-term housing units for women and children leaving violence. 

The building is located adjacent to a large park, giving residents and their families easy access to large, open green spaces, playgrounds and recreation facilities.

Other local amenities include easy access to public transportation, grocery stores and health services.

YWCA BC operates the new building.

The Province, through BC Housing, provided more than $54 million toward the project through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund and an additional $648,000 in annual operating funding.

Langley project

Located in the Township of Langley, this six-storey building includes:

• 80 units ranging in size from studios to two-bedroom homes
• full kitchen in every home
• access to storage lockers
• parking spaces
• a rooftop amenity space

Thirty-three of the homes are second-stage housing for women and their children leaving violence, operated by Ishtar Women’s Resource Society. The remaining 47 units are long-term affordable rentals for women and women-led families, operated by YWCA BC.

The Province, through BC Housing, provided nearly $50 million toward the project through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund and an additional $1.6 million in annual operating funding.

These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including nearly 11,800 homes in Vancouver and 1,700 homes in Langley.

Quotes:

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity –

“Women and their children leaving violence deserve homes where they can feel safe and supported. These new homes in Vancouver and Langley represent a meaningful step toward greater gender equity by ensuring families have the stability they need to heal. When we invest in women’s safety and housing, we invest in stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.”  

Erin Seeley, CEO, YWCA BC –

“Intimate partner violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women. When we provide stable, affordable housing for women and children, we’re supporting their long-term safety and overall well-being. Through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund, we’re grateful for BC Housing’s continued investment in homes for families that urgently need a secure place to live.”

Julia Davidson, executive director, Ishtar Women’s Resource Society –

“We are thrilled to be opening and supporting Langley’s first second-stage housing program for women and children in partnership with BC Housing. These second-stage homes act as an important bridge between our two transition houses and permanent, long-term housing options like those provided by YWCA BC. Langley now has a full cycle of housing support for women trying to break the cycle of violence.”

Learn More:

• To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople
• 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
• To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

A backgrounder follows.