Let's Talk Housing: A Podcast by BC Housing

Season 6 Episode 2

In this episode, host Mita speaks with BC Housing’s own Shaleen Pillay-Naidu and Amber Bell to explore how tenant support programs help make housing more than just a place to live.

By featuring voices from the Tenant Engagement team, the conversation showcases how programs like community kitchens peer-led initiatives and the Tenant Activity Grant (TAG) helps create safe, supportive environments where famil...

Season 6 Episode 1 
 
 In this episode, host Mita speaks with Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH). Together, they explore how ACEH is transforming housing across Vancouver Island through culturally supportive, wraparound, and community-driven approaches that strengthen connection, wellness, and belonging. 

Fran shares how programs like the Culturally Aligned I...

*This episode was filmed during Minister Kahlon’s tenure as Minister of Housing.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, we take a closer look at two programs that are helping British Columbians stay housed—the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) and the Rental Assistance Program (RAP). 
 

These impactful supports provide monthly rent subsidies to seniors and low-income families, easing financial pressure and creating...

How do you create affordable, independent living in a small community? In this episode, we visit Fort St. James, where the new Neghuni Ghunli-un housing facility is providing 36 suites for older adults (55+). Developed in partnership with Nak'azdli Whut'en, this project is the result of a collaboration that reflects the Nation’s leadership in creating culturally safe, community-driven housing solutions. The Nak'azdli Whut'...

In this episode, we explore how organizations are redefining their approach to accessibility, broadening their lens and criteria to meet evolving needs. We’ll examine how accessibility has expanded to include not just physical aspects but also support for intellectual and cognitive needs, reflecting a more inclusive approach. 

Guests:

Brad McCannell, VP of Access and Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation

Doug Tennant, CEO, UN...

In this episode, we explore unique issues and solutions experienced specifically by individuals of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as they have navigated/continue to navigate the housing system. We will listen to the lived experience of 2-Spirit and Transgender folks, highlighting the uniqueness of their stories and challenges. Finally, a housing site that will be operating with queer mandates, will be highlighted to discuss the...

Brenda Knight of BC Indigenous Housing Society shares fond memories of being raised by her grandmother and the importance of intergenerational housing. That's why the society’s latest housing project at 1766 Frances St. in Vancouver (Chief Leonard George) will feature a dedicated space for grandparents ensuring that the wisdom and care of elders will be passed through the generations. The project will provide 81 affordable...

We’re back with Season 5 of Let’s Talk Housing—and we have a new host! Join Mita Naidu, BC Housing's Director of Content Strategy, as she dives into the stories, people, and partnerships shaping housing across B.C.  In this episode, we’re talking about BC Builds—a groundbreaking initiative tackling the housing crisis in British Columbia. The program uses under-used public land and strong partnerships to speed up rental hou...

In this special episode of Let’s Talk Housing, Sara Goldvine passes the torch to the podcast’s new host, Mita Naidu. The two reflect on Sara’s time as host, discussing key moments, housing policies, and progress made in BC’s housing sector. Together, they explore what’s next for Sara, the future of the podcast, and what the housing sector needs most to thrive. It’s a heartfelt conversation about challenges, opportunities, ...

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between pets and their owners living in the Downtown Eastside. For many in this community, pets are more than just animals—they are loyal companions offering unconditional love and support in challenging circumstances. 

We’ll also dive into the findings from a two-year pilot partnership between BC Housing and the BC SPCA, which sheds light on the unique experiences of pet ...

In this episode, we explore a unique housing development in Terrace that brings different generations together under one roof. This project offers not just homes, but a space where seniors and youth can connect, share stories, and build relationships.

Designed in collaboration with youth and families, on the ground floor will be Foundry Terrace, offering integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12 t...

This episode highlights BC Housing’s efforts to build resilient communities through innovative tenant engagement programs. By fostering social ties and preparing for emergencies, BC Housing creates supportive environments. It covers the Community Development Framework and the impact of events like the heat dome and flooding on residents. The collaboration with Building Resilient Neighborhoods emphasizes the importance of r...

Let’s Talk Housing S4 E2

From B.C. to Ontario: Innovative Strategies on Homelessness

This episode explores the common challenges and innovative solutions in social housing, drawing parallels between Ottawa Community Housing and BC Housing. Ottawa Community Housing’s CEO recently introduced the Complex Care Housing Strategy, which aims to support tenants emerging from chronic homelessness, as well as those living ...

In this episode, we sit down with B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, to discuss his expanded portfolio and the critical challenges facing the housing sector. We explore how the integration of housing and municipal affairs allows for greater collaboration and efficiency, the lessons learned from his previous term, and his priorities moving forward.

Guests: 

Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing...

Donalene Rapada of Hiyam Society and Dave Ward of Lu’ma Development Management discuss the partnership between the two Indigenous organizations, the projects they have been working on and how they’re ensuring that Indigenous rights are prioritized. This episode presents an opportunity to hear about the challenges and successes both organizations have had in providing housing options for Indigenous communities in the non-ma...

The Legion Veterans Village (LVV) is an integrated centre of excellence for veterans and first responders focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health. In this episode, Sara talks with Melissa DeGenova, Director of Development Partnerships at VRS Communities, a nonprofit that owns and operates the new homes, and Brian Mckenna, a veteran and resident of LVV. They discuss the unique needs of veterans a...

In this episode, Sara talks to Meera Mathew from the Existence Project and two storytellers to discuss how sharing personal stories can bring people from different backgrounds together and challenge the stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness. The Storyteller project helps people who've been homeless share their own stories to make a positive change in the way we talk about homelessness. Learn more about The E...

This special live podcast panel event was held in February to honour Black History Month. The episode explores the challenges Black communities face in finding safe and affordable housing in Metro Vancouver. Guest host Mary Gerges, Executive Director of Reconciliation & Equity Strategies at BC Housing, speaks with Modupe Bankole-Longe from Hogan’s Alley Society, Jean-Claude Bakundukize from Swahili Vision International...

Carla Guerrera of Purpose Driven Developments and Carla Busnardo, Board Member of Soroptimist House talk about their innovative and ground-breaking housing redevelopment project in Vancouver – a 13-storey concrete tower at West 13th Avenue and Cambie Street which will provide 135 units of affordable housing for senior women, women-led families, and workforce women. It’s the only project in North America that’s providing ho...