Building Community with YWCA Housing
When Lena came to YWCA Housing, she was leaving an emotionally abusive relationship. Pregnant and already raising a young child, Lena was looking for stability, community and a place to call home.
“Finding the support of the YWCA allowed me to reconnect with myself and trust in the community,” she said. “I’m a stronger woman today than I use to be. I have a better life and I’m happy with whatever I have. I try to learn every single day and I’m at peace with myself.”
Lena’s story of struggling to find safe, affordable housing in Metro Vancouver is not unique. Metro Vancouver remains one of the most unaffordable regions in Canada with high rents and low vacancy rates. But when families have long-term housing, it reduces stress, increases financial security and has a positive impact on children.
New Homes on the Horizon
At the YWCA, we’re passionate about addressing these critical housing needs, which is why we are thrilled about our new housing communities under development and the hundreds of homes they will provide.
YWCA Cindy Beedie Place and YWCA Marion’s Place will open in the coming months. Together, these two buildings will offer a total of 88 two-and-three-bedroom safe and affordable units in Burnaby. Cindy Beedie Place will also have a 37-space child care centre on site opening in Feb 2026. We are extremely appreciative of Cindy Beedie and her supporters, BC Housing and the City of Burnaby.
This spring, we broke ground on a new development in Coquitlam, in partnership with Qualex Landmark and BC Housing. YWCA Tyndall Street will have 18 deeply affordable units, with occupancy expected in fall 2027.
We have several other housing communities currently under construction or nearing opening, and we can’t wait to share details about them soon. But with more than 1,100 housing applications received last year, the need continues to grow. Our new Housing Action Fund aims to fundraise $5 million, which will allow us to respond quickly and move new projects from concept to construction without delays.
Our Housing Advocacy
Beyond creating housing communities, we also advocate for change at the government level. As we support survivors of gender-based violence, we are increasingly hearing that women are reluctant to leave abusive relationships because they cannot secure long-term housing after being in second-stage transitional housing. That’s why we’ve asked the government to set targets for women’s housing, especially for those leaving abusive partners.
As housing providers and advocates, we will continue seeking opportunities to build homes that are safe, affordable and stable for people in our community, like Lena.
“Finding safe and affordable housing has given me peace,” she said. “Knowing where they’re going to sleep, makes my children feel safe.”
For more information on how to donate to the YWCA Housing Action Fund, contact Shantal Cashman at scashman@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5859.
