New Affordable Homes for Women, Children Leaving Violence Open in Burnaby

Burnaby, B.C., January 15, 2026 – Thirty-two single mothers and their children now have a safe, affordable and brand-new place to call home with the opening of YWCA Marion’s Place.  

The new housing community, built in partnership with Qualex-Landmark and many donors, is located near Burnaby’s vibrant Metrotown neighbourhood, close to parks, public transit, shopping, a library, elementary schools and more.  

“Families led by single moms are at the highest risk of poverty in BC and with the pressure of Metro Vancouver’s housing affordability crisis, we urgently need more safe, stable homes in our communities,” says YWCA Metro Vancouver CEO Erin Seeley. “YWCA Marion’s Place shows us the power of partnerships when governments, developers and generous community leaders come together to support those who need affordable housing most.” 

While single-parent families represent just 19% of BC children, they account for 53% of those living in poverty, according to the 2025 BC Child Poverty Report Card. Most single-parent families are led by women.  

YWCA Marion’s Place is YWCA Metro Vancouver’s 18th housing community. It offers two- and three-bedroom units, a children’s play area and gathering spaces. Residents also have access to YWCA resources, such as child care, legal support, bursary opportunities, employment services and more.  

This new vibrant community was built with the generous support of Government of Canada through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Affordable Housing Fund and Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, Government of British Columbia through BC Housing, Qualex-Landmark and 625 Powell Street Foundation. 

Additional quotes: 

“Our Government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need and homelessness. The federal investment of $3.2 million in YWCA Marion’s Place through the Affordable Housing Fund is helping to prevent homelessness and other unsafe living conditions for women-led families in Burnaby, and it’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong " -Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central 

“Safe, affordable housing changes lives. For the women and children moving into YWCA Marion’s Place, this means security, stability and the chance for a fresh start to pursue opportunities and build a brighter future. We continue to invest in housing, so people can have the peace of mind and the foundation to thrive.” -Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs 

“When women and children leaving violence have access to secure housing, they can begin to heal and feel supported as they take their next steps. YWCA’s Marion’s Place shows what’s possible when we work together to create safe spaces for people when they need it the most. This is how we build a more inclusive and stronger province.” -Jennifer Blatherwick, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity 

"We are honoured to have developed YWCA Marion's Place. Projects such as this take time, commitment, and tenacity. These projects are vitally important. But the path forward is often unclear, with many setbacks along the way. Over the past five years, we and the YWCA have never doubted our partnership nor our ability to bring Marion's Place to completion." -Cyrus Navabi, President, Qualex-Landmark 

"YWCA Marion’s Place is named for Marion Hope of Armstrong BC. She was a primary school teacher, a mother to four, a dairy farming wife and above all, a believer in the power of community. She died last December, just shy of her 101st birthday, but she was so pleased about this and other YWCA projects. She said, ‘If you can give families a safe healthy place to live and make them part of a community, their children will thrive in school and they will go on to make this a better world for all of us.’ At 625 Powell Street Foundation, we are pleased to be part of creating that safe, healthy home for women-led families. YWCA does an amazing job of changing lives." -Margaret Hope, Co-Founder and Director, 625 Powell Street Foundation 

"My children and I are so excited to move into YWCA Marion’s Place.  Our home is beautiful and I can’t put into words the security, safety and pride that we now feel.  Our home is perfectly suited to our family and we can’t wait to have friends over." -SA, YWCA Housing Resident 

Background: 

About YWCA BC

YWCA BC is a registered charity committed to advancing gender equity through our programs, advocacy and revenue-generating social enterprises. Guided by the needs of the people we serve, we empower and strengthen communities in our province through housing, child care, employment services, mentorship and more. 

For more information about YWCA Marion’s Place units and rental types, visit https://ywcabc.org/programs/housing/ywca-marions-place.  

Media contact: 

Alyse Kotyk 
media@ywcabc.org