women’s housing
RainCity Housing offers programs specifically for women, recognizing the unique challenges faced by homeless women living with mental illness, addiction and other challenges.
the vivian transitional housing program for women
The ‘Viv’ provides supported housing for at-risk, chronically homeless women. It is the first minimal barrier housing program in Vancouver specifically designed for women living with concurrent mental illness, addiction and other challenges.
The facility was developed in response to the unique needs of women and is women-only, including both residents and staff. It offers a minimal barrier, high tolerance environment and follows a harm-reduction/health promotion philosophy.
The Vivian screens women in, not out of the program based on the complexities of their needs, histories and behaviours. The program is flexible, non-judgmental and responsive to the unique challenges faced by homeless women.
This project focuses on meeting the needs of individual women who are at significant risk and who, based on their housing history, are least likely to succeed in housing, mental health or addiction programs and services. Residents represent the most marginalized people in the community.
The Vivian welcomes pets, which is rare among service providers.
the women at the vivian share their stories
In April 2011, The Vancouver Courier published a story that referenced the Vivian, saying it “…symbolizes unintended exploitation.” When the women living at the ‘Viv’ found out about this, they met and decided to share what it’s actually like living at the Vivian. Two of the women wrote letters to the editor. One was edited and published. We scanned the actual letter and it can be read here. And the letter the Courier chose not to publish can be read here.
Women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are often the unseen homeless, and in many instance the unheard. Thank you Laura Anne and Shannon for sharing your stories.
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