building hope by exchanging ideas
building homes inside communities
Housing provides people opportunities to step out of survival mode, focus on things that are important to them, and strengthen connections.
People’s choices about housing and support vary. RainCity Housing provides a range of housing and support services, including:
- temporary shelters
- transitional housing
- long-term housing
- LGBTQ2S+ housing for youth
- housing for women-led families
- outreach based housing programs
Our first priority is to provide a home. Moving into a new environment can be stressful for anyone, and moving inside from an experience of homelessness can also be stressful. We work to get to know each person and focus on strengthening connections and building community.
We strive to offer people choice, both in terms of housing and supports. First we listen, then learn, so we can continuously adapt our housing and supports, either by expanding current approaches to new communities or developing new ways of working. For information on how to apply for housing, here are the next steps.
THE PURPOSE
To provide an emergency shelter and transitional housing for people who are homeless in the Tri-Cities.WHO IS INVOLVED
The people who access the shelter might have been homeless for decades, or just days, and have a history in the Tri-Cities. The folks living in the transitional housing units have been homeless in the past and have roots in the Tri-Cities.WHAT IT IS
The emergency shelter has 30 private rooms, 20 for men and 10 for women, and people have access to three meals a day. The transitional housing side has 30 units of housing, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. In the past, through thousands of hours from hundreds of volunteers, the citizens of the Tri-Cities were able to help many people stay warm and dry every winter for seven years. Because of this history and our partnerships in the Tri- Cities, 3030 Gordon includes RainCity’s first formal volunteer program.CONTACT 3030 GORDON AVE
Alisha Bold-de-Haughton Manager 604.474.0435 abold-de-haughton@raincityhousing.org donate to 3030 gordonThe first of four modular housing programs RainCity opened in 2019, Alderbridge was also the first to operate in Richmond. It’s located in between the last two stops of the Canada Line in Richmond, close to Richmond Hospital. It has 42 units, including 2 wheelchair accessible units.
THE PURPOSE
To provide transitional housing and work with program participants on their self-identified and directed goals, and liaise with community resources, including health and social services.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Low-income individuals 19 years of age or older who live in the community, have a history of homelessness, and who need additional support services to maintain housing.
WHAT IT IS
All 42 tenants receive support from a staff team made up by a combination of Tenant Support Workers, Indigenous Cultural Liaison Workers and a Peer Specialist. One meal a day is provided and there is a safe use room as part of our Peer Witness Program. Each unit is furnished with a bed, dresser, small table and chairs and an armchair, has a kitchenette with a microwave, hot plate and small fridge, and its own bathroom. And we welcome pets!
CONTACT ALDERBRIDGE
Adina Edwards
Manager
604.447.5051
aedwards@raincityhousing.org
take a look inside alderbridge
Before the tenants moved in, we had a chance to make a video walkthrough of our Modular Housing in Richmond, BC, that also shows how local students welcomed people that moved inside after being homeless in Richmond for years. It was filmed and edited by Natalie Cotton and her small team – thanks, Natalie!
A Vancouver landmark, the former Biltmore Hotel in the close-knit Mount Pleasant neighbourhood was transformed into transitional housing in 2014 to support people waiting to get into long-term housing programs.
THE PURPOSE
To provide a supported environment in a vibrant community for people waiting for long-term housing.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The Biltmore provides transitional housing for a mix of folks – many of whom have recent experiences of homelessness.
WHAT IT IS
There are 95 private rooms in the Biltmore. Each has its own sink, toilet, bathtub, and small fridge. Each tenant receives one meal a day and access to shared space to prepare their own foods as well. Tenants drive all of the programming, which can include everything from AA meetings, to communal meals, to Art Nights.
Being located in a dense residential community and one block from an elementary school means playing an active part in making Mount Pleasant a healthier and safer community. Via a paid peer program, tenants head outside regularly to ensure the neighbouring school and parks are cleaner and safer for all!
CONTACT THE BILTMORE
Nicola Hendy
Manager
604.879.0848
nhendy@raincityhousing.org
Bridget Moran Place is affordable housing owned and operated by Neighbourhood Housing Society (NHS). RainCity works in partnership with NHS to provide on-site support during the day. We work with tenants on goals related to health and wellness, as well as new pursuits – like volunteering, gardening, and paid work.
THE PURPOSE
To provide supportive long-term housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for people with a history of homelessness and mental illness.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Bridget Moran Place is home for folks who want to manage life on their own and have been homeless in the past. It’s a place to grow roots and create a real home.
WHAT IT IS
Staff work with people living in 26 of the studio suites. Each suite has its own kitchen and bathroom, high ceilings, and access to a beautiful courtyard. There are events both in house and out, with a popular community kitchen and regular outings throughout the year.
CONTACT BRIDGET MORAN PLACE
Marnie Madden
Acting Manager
604.889.0945
mmadden@aincityhousing.org
The Budzey is unique to both Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and to RainCity Housing. It provides opportunities for women and families living there to make connections with a comprehensive range of services and navigate the change from previous housing situations or homelessness into stable, supported, permanent housing.
THE PURPOSE
To provide housing for women (Trans, Cis and Gender Diverse), and for women led families.
WHO IS INVOLVED
While there are 147 units in the building, there are well over 200 people that live there, as families change and grow. Since opening in July 2015, many newborns have come from hospital to the Budzey – their first home!
WHAT IT IS
A ten story building with 106 studio suites for women and 41 family units (1, 2 and 3 bedroom) for women led families. Staff focus on activities that will strengthen the community and provide services like:
- Liaising with community services and partners;
- Peer based programming;
- Community kitchen nights for women and families
This project uses a gender and diversity lens that supports an inclusive, safe and vibrant community, making it possible for everyone living at the Budzey to flourish.
The Budzey is named after Lorna Budzey who was one of the first individuals to challenge RainCity Housing to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone we work with. Lorna died in the summer of 2000.
CONTACT THE BUDZEY
Nikki Scott
Family Program Manager
604.215.5703
nscott@raincityhousing.org
Caitlin Manicom
Studio Program Manager
604.215.5703
cmanicom@raincityhousing.org
Based in three communities in the Fraser Health Region – Surrey, the Tri-Cities, and Maple Ridge – the Mobile Peer Teams provide harm reduction services to people who use drugs in the places where they live.
THE PURPOSE
To provide harm reduction services to people in the Fraser Valley and retrieve harm reduction supplies.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The various teams distribute a broad range of harm reduction supplies specific to people who use drugs and people who engage in sex work in these communities.
WHAT IT IS
Using the expertise of local people who use drugs, these services were created in partnership to develop the best approach. The teams provide peer-based information and education regarding safe using and overdose prevention and response, provide information regarding recent drug and sex work alerts, and connect people to other supports in the community. They also provide retrieval of harm reduction supplies in areas where inappropriate discards are found.
Making connections with people also means the team can provide referrals to housing, health services such as opioid agonist therapy (or OAT), and outreach support. And in some communities naloxone training and distribution, as well as drug checking services, are also available.
CONTACT FRASER HEALTH HARM REDUCTION SERVICES
Jennifer Conway-Brown
Manager
604.362.2148
jconway-brown@raincityhousing.org
Fraser Street is our only alcohol and drug-free program and is designed to give tenants the kind of infrastructure and stability they want in their lives. This helps with working towards long-term health goals and seeking out independent living. It’s located between the Riley Park and Sunset neighbourhoods of Vancouver.
THE PURPOSE
To help people with a mental illness who have gone through substance treatment find employment, re-engage with the community, and ultimately access long term housing after moving out.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Tenants at Fraser Street have been referred by Vancouver Coastal Health and are pursuing a substance-free life. They have a history of substance use and are making intentional changes in their lives. Many have been homeless, and all are living with mental health challenges.
WHAT IT IS
Each tenant lives in one of 30 studio suites, complete with kitchen and bathroom and has access to 24/7 support staff that provides services including:
- social and recreational opportunities
- learning opportunities
- links to ongoing recovery meetings
- employment networking
CONTACT FRASER STREET
Monica Hepburn
Manager
604.323.2392
mhepburn@raincityhousing.org
The third of four modular housing programs RainCity opened in 2019, Hightide was the first to operate in Sechelt and on the Sunshine Coast. It has 48 self-contained units, including eight wheelchair accessible units located on the main floor.
THE PURPOSE
To provide transitional housing and work with program participants on their self-identified and directed goals, and liaise with community resources, including health and social services.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Low-income individuals 19 years of age or older who live in the community, have a history of homelessness, and who need additional support services to maintain housing.
WHAT IT IS
All 48 tenants receive support from a staff team made up by a combination of Tenant Support Workers, Indigenous Cultural Liaison Workers and a Peer Specialist. One meal a day is provided and there is a safe use room as part of our Peer Witness Program. Each unit is furnished with a bed, dresser, small table and chairs and an armchair, has a kitchenette with a microwave, hot plate and small fridge, and its own bathroom. And we welcome pets!
CONTACT HIGHTIDE
Megan Macintosh
Manager
778.458.4003
mmacintosh@raincityhousing.org
Our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team is the only one in British Columbia operated by a non-profit and takes a Housing First approach to its work based on Pathways to Housing. The idea is simple: Housing First ends homelessness for individuals.
Self-determination, choice, and harm reduction are at the core of this work, which has achieved outstanding success.
THE PURPOSE
To provide trauma informed support and access to housing for folks in the community of their choice while assisting them in achieving their personal recovery goals.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The team supports approximately 90 people with a participant-to-staff ratio of 10:1. These folks have faced homelessness and, in many case, profound poverty, childhood trauma, stigma, mental health challenges and substance use challenges. They are in a place in their life where having access to the team’s resources can provide support for life changes based in equality & self-determination. The ACT team now supports people in Richmond as well as Vancouver.
WHAT IT IS
The team includes a peer specialist, general practitioner, occupational therapists, trauma and substance use counsellor, psychiatrists, nurses, education and employment specialist, social worker, outreach workers, and Lucy, the dog! Program participants have rent subsidies so they can live in the community of their choice. Staff stay closely involved in challenging and triumphant times.
When things don’t work out in a housing situation or when a participant struggles with their tenancy, we work with them and together learn valuable lessons. We partner with people as they grow and fight for their right to housing throughout our city.
The ACT Team was originally funded by the Mental Health Commission of Canada as part of the ‘At Home/Chez Soi’ research project that ran from 2009 to 2013. The National Film Board of Canada put together a great web documentary of ten stories. You can watch all of them here.
CONTACT ACT
Chelsea Bromley
Team Lead
604.675.2390
cbromley@raincityhousing.org
housing first gave these tenants hope
The Housing First ACT program provides people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness immediate access to regular, independent homes in the neighbourhood of their choice. Once someone has chosen their home, they receive access to health and support services by the ACT team.
This housing model has seen remarkable success. Here are just a few of the people’s stories.
The Clinical Intensive Case Management (ICM) Team works in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and all of the work is done on an outreach basis. The team locates places to live that are a little more affordable and builds and maintains relationships with landlords. Self-determination and choice are at the center of all decisions and interactions of this Housing First team.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support and access housing for folks in the community of their choice while assisting them in achieving their personal recovery goals.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The team assists folks who have a history of being homeless many times or for long periods of time in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
WHAT IT IS
There are 40 rent supplements that help ensure folks can have some choice where they want to live. The team includes support workers, peer and Indigenous workers, as well as clinical staff and provides regular access to a psychiatrist and addictions doctor.
Like elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, accommodation can be incredibly hard to find. The team provides round the clock access for landlords and ICM participants, as well as a growing network of landlords who want to participate in providing affordable housing, almost always the first step in creating a home.
CONTACT THE MAPLE RIDGE ICM TEAM
Chelsea Robinson
Team Lead
604.481.0122
crobinson@raincityhousing.org
The Intensive Case Management (ICM) team is our first program based in Surrey and all of the work is done on an outreach basis. Using the Housing First approach, self-determination and choice are at the center of all decisions and interactions. The team locates housing options for people, and builds and maintains relationships with landlords.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support and access housing for folks in the community of their choice while assisting them in achieving their personal recovery goals.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The team assists people who have a history of being homeless many times or for long periods of time in and around Surrey.
WHAT IT IS
There are rent supplements that help ensure folks can have some choice about where they want to live. At any given time the team is working with as many as 50 individuals throughout Surrey. The team is a diverse and talented team, made up of an Indigenous Service Coordinator, a Peer Support Specialist, a Women’s Service Specialist, a Housing First Specialist and the team Manager.
With a small team like this working in a huge community, it’s crucial to make strong connections with as many support networks and other service providers as possible. The Team works with many partners and has helped create and maintain connections to primary health care, mental health and substance use services for many people that we work with.
CONTACT THE SURREY ICM TEAM
Jolanta Krysinski
Manager
604.366.0616
jkrysinski@raincityhousing.org
The first program of its kind in Canada, RainCity Housing and Support Society opened a Housing First outreach program specifically for youth who have experienced chronic and/or episodic homelessness and who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Two Spirit. Individuals come off the street, build supportive networks, find and secure housing, and pursue employment.
THE PURPOSE
To provide housing and a healthy community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Plus (LGBTQ2S+) youth and support them in creating a community where they can achieve their potential.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The youth (ages 18-24) connect with a team member either daily or weekly, depending where they reside. The model follows best practices in Housing First, recognizing the importance of choice and self-determination.
WHAT IT IS
The outreach team is based out of a community space in East Vancouver where weekly community lunches take place and the youth can connect and support each other. Participants of the program live off site in either supported or market housing. Rent subsidies are used in order to provide more affordable and safe options.
The importance of having an ally and seeing familiar faces in the people providing support is crucial to building a supportive network. The weekly dinners are a chance to meet new community members and it’s where folks who now live in other neighbourhoods can return to reconnect and share their experiences and advice.
Take a look at chapter five in Where Am I Going to Go? Intersectional Approaches to Ending LGBTQ2S+ Youth Homelessness in Canada & the U.S., as well as the final report from the McCreary Centre Society, who have extensive experience with youth homelessness, specifically LGBTQ2S+ homeless youth.
CONTACT LGBTQ2S+ YOUTH HOUSING
Quinn Roseblade
Manager
604.351.2855
qroseblade@raincityhousing.org
Initially, Indigenous work at RainCity had happened in significant ways through our Indigenous staff who brought a living and embodied culture, knowledge, values, and their unique histories to their work. Now these are becoming embedded in RainCity via honorarium based Elder supports, Indigenous Cultural Liaisons and Specialist positions.
RainCity, being a non-Indigenous organization, takes a learning stance and comes alongside various Indigenous organizations and community members to provide support for Indigenous peoples.
THE PURPOSE
To acknowledge the unique history and service needs of our Indigenous tenants and staff in respect to accessing culturally relevant and sensitive support, and to provide insight into how non-Indigenous practices can be Indigenized to make space for cultural learning, knowledge and teachings that moves beyond tokenism.
WHO IS INVOLVED
First Nations, Native American, Metis/mixed Indigenous ancestry, and Inuit staff and peers from various backgrounds representative of our Host Nations of the Coast Salish and the diverse Nations and Tribes across the province and Turtle Island (North America).
WHAT IT IS
Indigenous Cultural Services plays a pivotal role in building, establishing, and continuing relationships with our Host Nations and service partners. It supports RainCity’s Indigenous staff, implements the recommendations of our Cultural Safety Working Group, and helps to develop, implement and support the work of our Indigenous Cultural Liaisons (ICLs) and the Indigenous Specialist positions.
Indigenous Cultural Services works closely with other program managers in the training of non-indigenous staff, stakeholders, and service providers on the history and impacts of colonization and cultural disruption, and the tenements of de-colonial practice, cultural awareness, sensitivity, and safety, and all systems that have disproportionately affected Indigenous people who continue to resist.
Our Indigenous Cultural Liaisons (ICLs) assist in the integration of cultural supports and Indigenous programming focused around bridging cultural knowledge, teachings and ways of being and knowing into the organization, and the places where they work.
CONTACT INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SERVICES
Allan Lindley
Manager
604.215.5728
alindley@raincityhousing.org
This building is a combination of two Single Room Occupancy hotels – often called SRO’s – that are four stories each with no elevator with shared bathrooms and showers on every floor. All referrals go through BC Housing’s Supportive Housing Registration Service.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support to people already living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in a building that is well maintained and staffed around the clock.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Many of the tenants have called this neighbouhood home for a long time. Now they have a place in this community where they can feel a little safer and make intentional strides towards long term goals.
WHAT IT IS
All 80 tenants receive support from a staff team made up by a combination of Tenant Support Workers, Indigenous Cultural Liaison Workers and a Peer Specialist. One meal a day is provided and there is a safe use room as part of our Peer Witness Program. We’re excited that the main floor commercial space will be transformed into a community space for the tenants and staff in the not too distant future.
CONTACT THE JUBILEE ROOMS
Christine Meyers
Manager
604.215.5777
cmeyers@raincityhousing.org
Operated in partnership with BC Housing, Killarney Apartments was RainCity Housing’s first housing program located outside of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. Killarney offers a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood which supports goals of long term recovery from mental health challenges and trauma.
THE PURPOSE
To provide supportive permanent housing for people who have been homeless and are living with complex mental health issues.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Many of the tenants at Killarney Apartments are actively working on their recovery and connecting to their community.
WHAT IT IS
29 units, a mix of 1 bedroom and studio suites. Tenants may choose to participate in a low cost dinner program, and for those who require it, there’s a medication administration program. One staff is on-site at all times, and there is a part-time recreational worker to help tenants identify and work towards their goals.
Some people thrive in busier environments. Some of us are drawn to more peaceful and simple surroundings. Tenants at Killarney can go about their day creating their own routine away from the more hectic Downtown.
CONTACT KILLARNEY GARDENS
Michelle Lam
Acting Manager
604.327.2702
mlam@raincityhousing.org
The Lux is two programs in one: a transitional housing program and a long term housing program. While each program has specific staff, both staff teams work together so everyone at the Lux can access a variety of programming.
THE PURPOSE
To offer both transitional and long term housing and assist people in addressing their health issues and working towards goals they identify as meaningful to them.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The community at the Lux includes people who are coping with the realities of long term homelessness, substance use, and complex physical and mental health concerns and the impact of trauma.
WHAT IT IS
All 92 units (25 transitional and 67 long term) are self-contained, with their own kitchen and bathroom, and nine are wheelchair accessible. Staff use a strength-based approach to identify, acknowledge, and build on each individual’s strengths, skills, and competencies. The Lux staff hold tenant-driven events and activities to help establish connections and link tenants to community-based resources.
CONTACT THE LUX
Charis Bocol
Manager
604.687.0005
cbocol@raincityhousing.org
Marguerite Ford Apartments is located near False Creek and is run in partnership with Sanford Housing Society. In addition to housing, tenants have opportunities to create connections, and build community through activities in the building like beekeeping and making bannock for other tenants, and in the neighbourhood like lane-way cleanup and gardening.
THE PURPOSE
To provide supported housing and encourage tenants to become involved in the immediate and larger community.
WHO IS INVOLVED
You’ll find a real rich variety of folks at Marguerite Ford — people who came directly from shelters and have been homeless for years, people from rundown hotels, and people looking for a place that has self-contained units — all of whom benefit from this kind of affordable and supported housing.
WHAT IT IS
There are 147 units at Marguerite Ford Apartments (MFA) of varying sizes. Each unit has its own kitchen and bathroom, some have balconies and there are a handful of one bedroom suites. There is a beautiful garden patio on the sixth floor, complete with honey-making bees from Hives for Humanity.
When MFA opened, it was our largest building. That meant staff connecting with more tenants on a regular basis, and that took time. The surrounding community recognized this and their input was important in helping the tenants feel more connected to the larger community.
CONTACT MARGUERITE FORD
Kevin Parker
Manager
604.235.5606
kparker@raincityhousing.org
Peer work is embedded throughout RainCity programs: honorarium peer work for participants in our programs, hiring practices that value lived experience, unionized Peer Specialist positions on our outreach and supportive housing teams, and a Peer Service Manager. RainCity Housing works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to provide Peer Specialist services in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
THE PURPOSE
To promote the proliferation and elevation of Peer Work in relevant and empowering ways at RainCity Housing and across the lower mainland by modelling successes within our agency and in our partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health.
WHO IS INVOLVED
RainCity defines Peers as people who are representative of the diverse population of people we serve. Our Peer Specialists offer mutual learning and support from a lens that reflects distinct experiences and voices often unheard in society. They may have lived experience of recovery from homelessness, substance use, mental illness, or bring other relevant lived experience that can benefit communities and marginalized groups accessing our services.
WHAT IT IS
Peer work is the inclusion of people with lived experience of trauma and adversity in solving problems experienced by people struggling with similar challenges. It’s the practice of using one’s own knowledge of recovery and using that lived experience to promote others’ recovery.
The Peer Services Department provides leadership and support for Peer Specialists working on Vancouver Coastal Health’s Downtown Eastside teams and in our outreach and supported housing programs. It also facilitates Peer work initiatives such as Peer Witnessing Services LINK?, reference groups, and recovery groups throughout the agency.
By including the wisdom and experience of Peer Specialists and people with lived experience in our approach to programming and service provision we can increase hope for recovery and inclusivity for those we serve. This helps us re-envision the ways we approach supporting people through a lens of mutuality and reciprocity allowing us to learn and grow together.
CONTACT PEER SERVICES
Jonathon Orr
Manager
604.215.3043
jorr@raincityhousing.org
Daniella Strulovitch
Acting Assistant Manager
604.215.3043
dstrulovitch@raincityhousing.org
RainCity Housing’s Princess Rooms Transitional Housing Program specializes in providing a safe, supported environment for individuals with a long history of being homeless. It’s a community where people are met where they’re at in order to maintain their housing, and follows a harm reduction/health promotion philosophy.
THE PURPOSE
To provide housing to people as they address issues that are impacting their lives in order to become healthier and more independent.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Princess Rooms’ residents are often folks who have repeatedly stayed at our Triage Shelter LINK and other shelters throughout Vancouver.
WHAT IT IS
Princess Rooms offers 42 single rooms, some with kitchenettes including two one-bedroom suites. It’s staffed 24-hours a day by a team who understand street culture and provide alternative solutions to everyday challenges. Princess Rooms also has a meal program.
Generating space for people to eat together has gradually changed the vibe in the building. People no longer need to be in survival mode and begin being part of a community.
CONTACT PRINCESS ROOMS
Emily Grant
Manager
604.254.3731
egrant@raincityhousing.org
The almost century old Shaldon Hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and accepts referrals from BC Housing’s Supported Housing Registration Service LINK?. It’s seen a lot change in the neighbourhood over the years.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support to folks living in an older single room occupancy hotel and discover how they’re already involved in the community, and build on those connections.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Most of the tenants have lived in the Downtown East Side for most of their adult lives. Some may move on to housing that is larger or self-contained, and others find shared accommodation nearby.
WHAT IT IS
This 55 unit building offers tenants support and referrals to services they need in the neighbourhood. Bathrooms and kitchens are shared, and there is a common room for tenant meetings and movie nights.
It’s the people who live in a community that makes it come to life and define what that community really is. Many people living on East Hastings are proud of their history and find a lot of acceptance in this diverse community.
CONTACT THE SHALDON HOTEL
Jeff Colvin
Manager
604.689.8921
jcolvin@raincityhousing.org
Finding safe and suitable accommodations can be hard in Vancouver. For someone living with HIV who is homeless, under housed or street involved, it’s even harder. Enter the STOP outreach team! The team is based out of our Triage shelter and works closely with many of our other programs in order to access housing for their clients.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support to folks to find suitable housing, transitioning into that housing, and maintain housing once it’s found.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The team works closely with 30 to 35 people who live with HIV, who may be Indigenous, LGBTQ2S, and may be dealing with mental health, trauma and/or addictions challenges.
WHAT IT IS
The outreach team links clients to nurses and physicians, and in addition to housing procurement provides information and capacity building through HIV/AIDS education. There are rent subsidies which make it possible to secure safe housing units.
Having a safe place to live is even more important when your immune system is compromised. The rent subsidies can sometimes be the difference between being homeless and having a home.
CONTACT STOP OUTREACH
STOP Team
604.254.3700
stop@raincityhousing.org
In the spring of 2016 we began providing outreach services on the lower Sunshine Coast. We now operate two shelters, one in Sechelt and one seasonal shelter in Gibsons, and year round Outreach Services.
THE PURPOSE
To provide support to individuals while working closely and proactively with the community, family and additional service providers. Staff collaborate with each person and their support network to ensure that goals are self-identified.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Folks needing resources and advocacy in order to access affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast. They may be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, are trying to access market housing, and living with mental illness and addictions.
WHAT IT IS
The Sechelt Shelter operates every night, has 20 spaces, and is open all year. Originally located at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, it’s now at the former Backpacker’s Hostel. The Gibsons Shelter is a Winter Response Shelter located at the lower level of the Arts Building in the Marine Room, with up to 20 spaces and operates from 6pm to 8am until the end March.
Our Outreach Services work with about 50 individuals and have access to ten rent subsidies. Staff also provide survival supplies such as tents and sleeping bags to people living outside and co-ordinate with the work of the Sunshine Coast Homeless Advisory Council. The community is incredibly supportive, providing meals and other much-needed items on a regular basis – thank you!
CONTACT SUNSHINE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES
Sean Talbot
604.740.8160
stalbot@raincityhousing.org
The fourth of four modular housing programs RainCity opened in 2019, Trethewey was the second one to operate in Chilliwack. It’s located south of downtown in a residential/light industrial part of Chilliwack. It has 46 units, including 5 wheelchair accessible units.
THE PURPOSE
To provide transitional housing and work with program participants on their self-identified and directed goals, and liaise with community resources, including health and social services.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Low-income individuals 19 years of age or older who live in the community, have a history of homelessness, and who need additional support services to maintain housing.
WHAT IT IS
All 46 tenants receive support from a staff team made up by a combination of Tenant Support Workers, Indigenous Cultural Liaison Workers and a Peer Specialist. One meal a day is provided and there is a safe use room as part of our Peer Witness Program. Each unit is furnished with a bed, dresser, small table and chairs and an armchair, has a kitchenette with a microwave, hot plate and small fridge, and its own bathroom. And we welcome pets!
CONTACT TRETHEWEY
Robert Taylor
Manager
604.392.8729
rtaylor@raincityhousing.org
Triage is RainCity Housing’s first line of support for people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver. It provides emergency shelter and supports for people experiencing mental illness, addictions, trauma, and other challenges in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Because people often stay longer at Triage than more traditional shelters, staff have more time to engage, build relationships, and tailor services to meet individual needs.
THE PURPOSE
To provide a place where people can regroup and be connected to housing options as quickly as possible. While staying at Triage, staff work to connect people with mental health, addiction, housing, physical health, and other support services.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The Triage community includes folks who have been turned away from other shelters and housing organizations because of their complex health needs and unique histories due to addiction, mental health challenges and trauma.
WHAT IT IS
There are 28 private rooms, each with a lock on the door, a window, a bed, a lamp, a night stand, and a secure wardrobe. Triage is staffed around the clock with a trained and experienced team who liaise closely with local doctors, mental health teams, and counsellors, with a focus on locating housing for the people staying there.
Triage is the only 24-hour resource in the surrounding 3 block radius where women in particular can come inside and feel safe on a drop-in basis. This is a welcome opportunity to get to know people that are living on the street and find out what they need.
CONTACT TRIAGE
Jesse Corcoran
Manager
604.254.3700
jcorcoran@raincityhousing.org
The Vivian, affectionately called the ‘Viv,’ was the first fully accessible housing program in Vancouver specifically designed for women (trans and cis inclusive) who face systemic and individual barriers to adequate housing and health, personal and financial security.
The Viv came to life to address the unique safety and support needs of women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The program offers a flexible, non-judgmental environment and follows a harm-reduction/health promotion philosophy.
THE PURPOSE
To provide housing to women as they address their own self-identified goals and offer support consistent with values of cultural connection and healing, self-determination and harm reduction.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The community at The Viv includes women who experience challenges with substance use, are at extreme risk of exposure to violence, require access to mental and physical health care and have a history of trauma and housing instability.
WHAT IT IS
The Viv is a three-story building that provides housing to 24 women. Here women are supported on their own terms. The program screens women in, not out of the program, responding to the complexities of women’s needs, histories and survival skills.
The term ‘Harm Reduction’ doesn’t only apply to drug use or safer sex. It can mean safer lives, creating safer spaces for people to live and thrive in. The women living at the Vivian teach us this every day.
CONTACT THE VIVIAN
Coral Watson
Acting Manager
604.254.3778
cwatson@raincityhousing.org
Windchimes is RainCity Housing’s longest running housing program. Since 1993, Windchimes has provided permanent housing to people living with complex mental health issues who need their own home in a unique and vibrant neighbourhood.
THE PURPOSE
To provide supportive long-term housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to people who are living with mental health challenges and have a history of being homeless.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Windchimes is home to people who have experienced mental health challenges and trauma, who manage life on their own with the option of staff being there when needed.
WHAT IT IS
There are 27 studio suites and tenants have the option of accessing Triage services in the same building, such as access to the medication administration program or low-cost meals.
Sometimes no change is good. The handful of folks that have lived at Windchimes since it opened really appreciate, and even rely on, some things staying the same.
CONTACT WINDCHIMES
Marnie Madden
Acting Manager
604.889.0945
mmadden@raincityhousing.org
The second of four modular housing programs RainCity opened in 2019, Yale was the first one to operate in Chilliwack. It’s located in Downtown Chilliwack and took the place of the Traders Inn, which was torn down in 2018. It has 46 units, including 6 wheelchair accessible units.
THE PURPOSE
To provide transitional housing and work with program participants on their self-identified and directed goals, and liaise with community resources, including health and social services.
WHO IS INVOLVED
Low-income individuals 19 years of age or older who live in the community, have a history of homelessness, and who need additional support services to maintain housing.
WHAT IT IS
All 46 tenants receive support from a staff team made up by a combination of Tenant Support Workers, Indigenous Cultural Liaison Workers and a Peer Specialist. One meal a day is provided and there is a safe use room as part of our Peer Witness Program. Each unit is furnished with a bed, dresser, small table and chairs and an armchair, has a kitchenette with a microwave, hot plate and small fridge, and its own bathroom. And we welcome pets!
CONTACT YALE
Rod Simpson
Manager
604.391.1213
rsimpson@raincityhousing.org
take a look inside yale
Before the tenants moved in, we had a chance to make a video walkthrough of our Modular Housing on Yale Road in Chilliwack, showing of the commercial kitchen, dining area and lounge. It’s important to us to continue to work with the Sto:lo Nations, the City of Chilliwack and our neighbours to make this project an important part of the community. It was filmed and edited by Natalie Cotton and her small team – thanks, Natalie!