Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) announces the opening of 10 new second-stage housing units designed to support women and their children who are fleeing violence
This initiative, developed in partnership with the Province of British Columbia through BC Housing, comes at a time when the affordable housing crisis is exacerbating the dangers faced by women across the province.
In British Columbia, the affordable housing crisis is forcing women to make impossible choices.
We know that 200 women and children are turned away from homeless shelters every night in this province.
The situation is so severe that many women, who have already survived the trauma of violence, face additional risks such as sexual violence from predatory landlords when they do manage to find housing.
It’s a reality that no one should have to endure.
It’s only a matter of time before we see more women and their children living in their cars.
We have a staggering situation where only 4% of women placed in transition homes can leave for an affordable home.
Another 25% may find housing, but it’s often beyond their financial means.
The remaining 75% of women either stay temporarily sheltered or heartrendingly, return to their abusers because they have no other option.
This crisis is especially brutal for newcomers and racialized women, who are disproportionately affected by these systemic barriers.
The current system fails to recognize that when women leave their homes with nothing, they are expected to secure housing that is simply unattainable with income assistance rates that are far below the poverty line.
BWSS is calling on all levels of government to broaden their scope and services to capture a wider definition of precarious housing and invisible homelessness, where many survivors of domestic violence are trapped.
We need to expand the eligibility criteria for social and affordable housing and minimize the bureaucratic barriers for priority status.
We must recognize that women who experience violence in their homes, who flee that violence, who stay in women’s shelters, or who are forced to couch surf with family, friends, or even strangers are all homeless.
This invisible homelessness must be addressed with the same urgency and resources as visible homelessness.
These units offer a safe space for up to 18 months, during which residents can access comprehensive wrap-around services, including assistance in finding permanent housing, counseling, and support for mother-child reunification.
At a time when the housing crisis exacerbates vulnerability, BWSS is proud to evolve our legacy of service by providing safe, secure housing in partnership with BC Housing.
This initiative not only offers survivors and their children a refuge but also empowers them to transition from crisis to lasting independence and safety.
This project is part of a broader $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government, which has seen nearly 80,000 homes delivered or underway since 2017, including more than 8,500 homes in Vancouver.
The Province, through BC Housing, contributed $3.2 million through a Women’s Transition Housing Fund grant for the purchase of the units and will retain ownership of six. BWSS contributed approximately $1.4 million and will retain ownership of four units.
This is a significant achievement, but it is only a small part of what is needed to address the larger issue.
We have the opportunity to make real change, but it requires sustained government investment and partnerships for both temporary and long-term housing solutions.
We need to ensure that no woman has to choose between staying with an abuser or becoming homeless.
BWSS will continue to work towards securing safe, stable housing for all women and children fleeing violence, advocating for systemic change, and providing the support necessary to empower survivors on their path to safety and healing.
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