About 85 percent of individuals who are homeless have challenges with mental illness. In partnership with the Sanford Housing Society, the MPA Society, the Province of BC and the City of Vancouver, Streetohome committed a portion of $20 million to develop this 62 unit project at 7th & Fir, as part of its overall commitment to building eight city sites.
Vancouver Rent Bank
The Vancouver Rent Bank provides interest free loans for people in danger of eviction or essential utility cut-off. Loans can be used for rental and utility arrears, and security deposits. Loans are a maximum of $1,300 for a single person and $1,800 for a family. The Rent Bank also provides financial workshops, resources and connections to housing support services. Streetohome’s contribution of the capital for loans is made possible through a generous donation from the Giustra Foundation. Streetohome’s contribution to operations funding is made possible through a generous donation from Hollyburn Properties Limited. Since 2012, the Rent Bank has approved 836 loans and helped 1,439 individuals.
Skwachàys Lodge
Streetohome provided $500,000 in capital funding for the redevelopment of Skwachàys Lodge at 31 West Pender. This 24 unit building, operated by Vancouver Native Housing Society, offers safe, affordable housing with traditional gathering spaces and support services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Covenant House
Youth with mental health and addiction challenges are among the most vulnerable homeless. Streetohome supports Covenant House Vancouver’s Semi-Independent Housing Program which offers homeless and at-risk youth on Vancouver’s streets a safe place to sleep, a variety of supports, and an opportunity to move along their preferred life path. Generously supported by Scotiabank and Bell Canada, the program has helped 160 vulnerable youth since 2012.
Aboriginal Mother Centre
In partnership with others, Streetohome committed $500,000 to the reconstruction of the Aboriginal Mother Centre on Dundas Street, to create 16 units of transitional supportive housing for homeless women and their children. The building is managed by Lu’ma Native Housing Society, and Aboriginal Mother Centre provides supports as well as a licensed day care for 25 children.
Portable Rent Subsidy Program
McLaren Housing Society provides safe, affordable housing to men, women and families who live with HIV/AIDS, are in financial need and yet are able to live independently. Streetohome provided $45,000 in bridge funding to McLaren for their Portable Rent Subsidy Program, which allows clients to live in private rental accommodation and receive financial assistance towards their rent. Streetohome’s funding enabled 29 clients to maintain their current housing.
At Home Chez Soi
In 2009, Streetohome joined the Mental Health Commission of Canada and a number of other community partners to spearhead a research project that explored supportive housing for 100 homeless people with mental health challenges. The At Home/Chez Soi project not only provided housing but also the support services necessary to help people stabilize, improve their health and help them succeed in maintaining housing. The type and level of support services were consistent with best-practices that have proven successful in other cities.
London Hotel Project
Recognizing the lack of low-barrier housing for people who are homeless and the suffering in the streets, Streetohome provided $250,000 to fund the renovation costs of the London Hotel. These renovations made housing available for 25 people who were previously homeless. The building is managed by Atira, and support services funded by BC Housing.
Heat Shelters
HEAT shelters provide basic shelter for people who would otherwise be on the street and opportunities for them to transition to more permanent, stable housing options. A total of 5 shelters were open in the City at the time this initiative opened. The low-barrier Homeless Emergency Action Team (HEAT) shelters were announced on December 9, 2008 by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson to help Vancouver’s … Read More