YWCA Housing Updates - Fall 2021
The housing crisis across the region continues to be an enormous obstacle to achieving a just and equitable society. It is why YWCA Metro Vancouver is committed to creating and operating safe and affordable housing, with values-driven partners and in locations that best serve the community.
“The pandemic is exacerbating some of the challenges that many people who are marginalized face, including food insecurity, isolation and gender-based violence,” said YWCA Interim CEO, Michelle Sing. “It is critical that people have access to safe, affordable housing, so they can create the lives they want for themselves and their families.”
Welcoming New Residents to xʷƛ̓əpicən
On October 14, we officially opened our newest housing community, xʷƛ̓əpicən on Arbutus Street. Thanks to our unique partnership with the City of Vancouver, Tikva Housing Society and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC, along with the dedication and support of Larco Investments, 125 new affordable homes opened to a diverse population. The YWCA will operate 32 of these units for women and their children.
The Musqueam Nation gifted us this very special and fitting name. xʷƛ̓əpicən means ‘a hollow’, reflecting the housing site’s low-lying area under the Arbutus Ridge, and because a hollow is somewhere cozy where people would gather. We hope that residents will create a cozy and comfortable home here.
Housing in Burnaby
The YWCA is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Qualex-Landmark Orchard to provide 32 new two- and three-bedroom units on Grange Street in the heart of Burnaby. In an excellent location close to Metrotown, grocery stores, library, Central Park and transit, this new YWCA housing community will provide much-needed homes for single mother-led families living on low and moderate incomes.
Fundraising is underway with 28% of our $11.7M goal raised. To ensure the project can proceed, we are urgently seeking support from donors to raise the remaining $8.3 million.
If you are interested in making a donation, or being a lead donor who could name this new housing project, please contact Bobbi Sarai at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place
Almost complete and soon to open is YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place in the heart of Richmond. These incredible homes would not be a reality without the generous support of our donors. Our heartfelt thanks to Moiz and Nadia Lalani family for their generous leadership gift towards this critical new project.
Of the gift, the family said: “It is a great honour and pride to be part of an organization like the YWCA, which contributes so much for the well-being of the community at large and particularly for women”.
For the first time, we will welcome single women leaving violence and women aged 55+.
We are incredibly grateful to all of our donors, with special recognition to Moiz and Nadia Lalani and the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy program.
For more information, please contact Bobbi Sarai at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
