Granola bars and referrals to nowhere

Season 2 Episode 3 

Please be advised that the topics discussed in this series can be challenging to listen to and explore topics of homelessness, abuse, torture, transphobia, racism, and drug use. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of She. They. Us., we shift from federal policy to local government approaches to housing through the lens of one of Canada’s most expensive cities, Vancouver. 

First, we will meet Jill Atkey, the CEO of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, a leading voice in housing advocacy and policy in British Columbia. With a deep understanding of the province’s housing landscape, Jill walks us through the historical decisions and economic shifts that have contributed to Vancouver’s ongoing housing crisis. She also shares what hope she has for the future of the city. 

Next, we will meet Gregor Robertson, who reflects on his time in office as Mayor of Vancouver from 2008-2018, and the challenges the city faced in addressing rising homelessness. He shares how Vancouver worked to shift development away from luxury condos toward more rental options, and how tools like the empty homes tax and modular housing made an impact. He also reflects  on how difficult it was to get higher levels of government to act more urgently. Now a Member of Parliament and Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Robertson also speaks to the importance of community-driven solutions, particularly when addressing the needs of women and gender-diverse households.

Finally, we will meet Lisa Guerin, the program manager of the Colonial Hotel, a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Lisa brings a rare and powerful perspective to the conversation, not only does she now help manage the building, but she also once lived there herself. Her lived experience with supportive housing gives her unique insight into both its value and its shortcomings. Lisa speaks candidly about the challenges faced by residents, the importance of stable, dignified housing, and the role that wraparound supports play in helping people rebuild their lives. In light of recent policy decisions, including a pause on the construction of new supportive housing units in Vancouver, Lisa also shares a heartfelt message directed at current Mayor Ken Sim, urging him to recognize the human cost of these delays and to recommit to long-term housing solutions for the city’s most vulnerable.

Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance 

• Jill Atkey, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association
• Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver 2008-2018 and current Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
• Lisa Guerin, Program Manager, Colonial Hotel

About your host

Andrea Reimer is a Housing Advocate and former politician. In 2008, Andrea was elected as a City Councillor for the City of Vancouver, and served in that role for ten years. Since 2019, she has been an Adjunct Professor at University of British Columbia’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. In her teen years, Andrea experienced homelessness and has been a public voice within the housing crisis for the last two decades. 

Additional Resources from this Episode 

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Season 1 of She. They. Us.: https://pcvwh.ca/she-they-us/she-they-us-podcast/

Pan-Canadian Voice for Women’s Housing: https://pcvwh.ca/

Sorella Housing:

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/courier-archive/news/new-housing-project-opens-in-downtown-eastside-2924604

Families in Recovery Program: http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use/fir

Vancouver Housing Targets and Progress Reports: https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/housing-vancouver-targets.aspx

Unfortunately, there is not a national crisis line in Canada for survivors of gender based violence. But you can find provincial crisis lines and other resources at this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html 

#housing #housingcrisis #canada