YWCA Housing Updates - Spring 2022
Welcoming Residents – YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place
YWCA Metro Vancouver is thrilled to have recently opened the doors and welcomed residents to YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place in Richmond.
These 27 new homes are a reality thanks to the generous support of our donors. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Moiz and Nadia Lalani for their generous leadership gift towards this critical new project.
Lisa Rupert, VP of Housing and Violence Prevention, recognizes the need for new homes across Metro Vancouver. “With costs skyrocketing and the housing crisis impacting so many, having access to affordable homes is a critical step for women on their journey to safety and independence,” she said. “Expanding our housing is one of the most effective ways we can create lasting change in people’s lives.”
For the first time at a YWCA housing community, studio and one-bedroom units will also be available alongside two- and three-bedroom units. In addition to serving single mothers and their children, we will be offering housing for single women without dependents, prioritizing those who are fleeing violence from an intimate partner, women aged 55+ and those who wish to stay in the community.
YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place is close to Richmond Centre, grocery stores, Richmond Public Library, Richmond General Hospital, schools, play areas and plenty of green spaces. Residents will also have full access to all building amenities within the four-tower complex. The building itself is home to an incredible six-storey high public art piece called “Sea to Sky” by Musqueam artist Thomas Cannell.
We appreciate all of our donors, with special recognition to the Government of Canada – Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Government of BC – BC Housing and the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy program.
“When I made the decision to empower myself and leave a bad situation, I lost a lot of people, but I have gained the amazing support of many here at the YWCA. I am grateful and lucky to be part of a circle of strong women here who have made my transition here so much smoother. You will always be remembered for being the reason I was able to find a safe haven for my son and I.”
-Resident of YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place
For more information, please contact Bobbi Sarai at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
New Housing Community Coming to Burnaby
YWCA Metro Vancouver is thrilled to be partnering with Qualex-Landmark Orchard to provide 32 new two- and three-bedroom homes in a five-storey building on Grange Street in the heart of Burnaby. In an excellent location close to Metrotown, grocery stores, a library, Central Park and transit, this new YWCA housing community includes a beautiful outdoor play area and gathering space; it will provide much-needed homes for single mothers and their children living on low and moderate incomes. The building permit is expected in late spring, with occupancy in 2025.
Fundraising is underway, with 35% of our $11.8M goal raised. To ensure the project can proceed, we are urgently seeking support from donors to raise the remaining $7.7M.
If you are interested in making a donation, or being a lead donor who could name this new housing community, please contact Bobbi Sarai at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
Special Thanks
With the opening of YWCA’s newest housing initiative, YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place, we would like to acknowledge Amazon Canada for their leadership in supporting this important community. As a Create Change Sponsor for the 2021 Women of Distinction Awards, Amazon provided matching funds to raise a total of $118,000 for affordable and safe housing in the heart of Richmond.
“Amazon is part of the community, and we share the YWCA’s commitment to supporting local families. YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place will provide a foundation for women to build better futures for themselves and their children, and we are tremendously proud to see this innovative project come to life,” said Jesse Dougherty, Amazon VP.
