3 New YWCA BC Communities Open in Vancouver and Langley
Safe, affordable housing remains out of reach for many single mothers and their children in British Columbia, especially for those leaving violence. But through a partnership with BC Housing’s Women’s Transition Housing Fund, 125 families now have access to stable homes with the opening of three new YWCA housing communities.
YWCA Left Field and YWCA Harbour Grove, in Vancouver, are close to parks, public transportation, grocery stores and recreation services.
YWCA Peggy Mackenzie Terrace in Langley is also conveniently located near schools and green spaces. The community is named after 625 Powell Street Foundation Director Donald Mackenzie’s mother. The 625 Powell Street Foundation has supported the YWCA in building affordable housing throughout the region.
“Intimate partner violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women. When we provide stable, affordable housing for women and children, we’re supporting their long-term safety and overall well-being,” says YWCA BC CEO Erin Seeley. “Through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund, we’re grateful for BC Housing’s continued investment in homes for families that urgently need a secure place to live.”
YWCA Left Field and YWCA Peggy Mackenzie Terrace both offer long-term units at rent geared to income rates. YWCA Harbour Grove offers temporary, second-stage transition housing. All homes are for women and children leaving violence.
YWCA BC staff will provide onsite wraparound support as well as connections to YWCA programs to support personal and economic well-being.
“Finding the support of the YWCA allowed me to become independent and to build a new life with my two daughters. For the first time in a long time, we had a place we could truly call home,” says Sandra, a YWCA Housing resident. “Having safe, stable housing gave me the foundation I needed to start over, to breathe, and to begin healing.”
With these grand openings, YWCA BC now operates 21 housing communities across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Even so, the need for stable housing remains critical in our communities.
To address this urgent need, we are continually pursuing new housing options and new partnerships. Our Housing Action Fund enables us to respond quickly when these opportunities arise and accelerate early project activities.
By giving to the Housing Action Fund today, you can double your impact. Diana and Bruce Chan, who believe passionately in what this campaign can accomplish, have generously offered to match all gifts up to $100,000. Visit ywcabc.org/housing-action-fund to have your gift matched. Your support means more women and children will have access to safe, stable homes and the opportunity to build more secure futures for their families.
