Let’s Talk Housing 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 Integrated Support (CAIS) — providing 200 rental supplements and seven streams of wraparound care — are improving housing stability across the island.
The conversation also spotlights Sacred Cradle House / Xexe Pahlatsis’lelum (ZEH-zeh pah-HAHL-tsis-LEH-lum), a new home guided by the voices of mothers, matriarchs, and Elders, blending housing, culture, and care for Indigenous families. Through stories of partnership and community leadership, this episode highlights how housing can be a pathway to healing and hope for generations to come.
Guests: Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Director, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
About:
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is an Indigenous-led non-profit on Vancouver Island dedicated to ending Indigenous homelessness through culturally supportive housing, wraparound care, and system change. Guided by the voices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, ACEH’s “Big House” model blends housing with land-based healing, Elder guidance, and harm reduction rooted in culture. Their programs support individuals, families, and youth through community-driven approaches that restore belonging and wellness. ACEH also advocates for policies that address systemic barriers and advance reconciliation in housing across British Columbia.
Learn more: https://acehsociety.com
#podcast #housing #indigenous
*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 more room for stability, health, and dignity. We’ll explore how these programs work, who they’re designed for, and why they matter, especially in today’s housing landscape. We’ll also highlight the recent changes to the programs that allow more people to qualify for these benefits, as well as increased subsidies to keep up with inflation.
At a time when affordability remains a major concern, this episode highlights how targeted government support can create meaningful, measurable change—helping people not just stay afloat but move forward.
Guests:
· Ravi Kahlon, Former Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia
· Alison Silgardo, CEO, Seniors Services Society of B.C.
About:
To learn more about BC Housing’s RAP and SAFER programs, visit:
Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) | BC Housing
RAP/SAFER Clients: Annual Reapplication and Updates | BC Housing
Learn more about the Seniors Services Society of B.C. here: Supporting vulnerable adults 60 years+ | Seniors Services Society
#podcast #home
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'en Nation’s involvement also ensures this project meets the unique needs of its people.
Our guests discuss the challenges of rural housing, the importance of helping seniors age in place, and how keeping elders connected strengthens families, especially in small communities. They also explore why expanding housing efforts into smaller communities is crucial and why focusing beyond the Lower Mainland matters for the future.
Guests:
Paula Wylie, Executive Director, Connexus Community Resources
Kris Neilsen, Family Services and Housing Program Manager, Connexus Community Resources
Learn more about Connexus Community Resources here: https://connexus.ca/
#podcast
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, UNITI
Julianne (Jewels) Cressman, Community Advocate
About the Rick Hansen Foundation:
In 1985, Rick Hansen set out on the Man In Motion World Tour; a 26-month, 34 country, 40,000 km wheelchair marathon. The Tour raised $26 million and changed the way people with disabilities were perceived. The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF), established in 1988, is part of its legacy. For over three decades, RHF has removed barriers, changed attitudes and funded spinal cord injury research and care.
Today, roughly one in four Canadians identify as having a disability, and that number is growing as our population ages. Globally, over 1.3 billion adults identify as having a disability. We’re working on breaking down one of the most fundamental barriers that people with disabilities still face: physical barriers in the places where we live, work, learn and play.
Learn more: https://www.rickhansen.com/
About UNITI:
UNITI offers quality services to people with developmental disabilities and their support networks. We also provide affordable and inclusive rental housing in Surrey. Through community engagement, we increase awareness about inclusion, advocacy and disability rights. We firmly believe that together we’re stronger.
Learn more: https://uniti4all.com/
#podcast #home
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 factors that our guests have seen first-hand as positive considerations at sites that support 2-Spirit, Trans and Queer communities.
Guest host
Jennifer Breakspear, Associate Vice President, Service Delivery and Regional Operations, BC Housing
Guests:
Ryan De Bruyn, Resident Support Worker, McLaren Housing Society of BC
Sekani Dakelth, Indigenous Facilitator and Consultant, First Nations Health Authority and City of Vancouver
Samantha Dray, Technology Programs Coordinator, BC Housing
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 rental units for Indigenous individuals and families.
We will also highlight how this development not only addresses the urgent need for affordable housing but also supports the City’s sustainability goals and serves as a visual reminder of the historic cultural practices of the Indigenous Peoples who have called these lands home.
Guests: Brenda Knights, CEO, BC Indigenous Housing Society
Co-Host: Qwuy'um'aat Elliott, Development Manager, BC Housing
About:
The BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) is dedicated to providing safe, attainable housing for Indigenous individuals and families living in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
The BCIHS is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and employs approximately 100 people. Founded in 1984, they currently manage a portfolio of 21 buildings and over 900 units, supporting over 1,300 Indigenous individuals and families. BCIHS works in partnership with federal and provincial government agencies to subsidize tenant rent contributions and achieve affordability for individuals and families.
#podcast #housing
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 housing development for middle-income earners. We also hear from Amal Abdullah, Project Coordinator at Renewable Cities. She worked on a detailed case study that breaks down how BC Builds works and the steps being taken to build homes faster across the province.
Learn more about BC Builds here: https://www.bcbuildshomes.ca/ Learn more about Renewables Cities here: https://www.sfu.ca/renewable-cities.html
Guests:
Lisa Helps, Executive Lead for BC Builds Project Origination and Process Innovation, BC Housing
Amal Abdullah, Project Coordinator, Value Added Housing and Renewable Cities, SFU
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, and the path forward for creating inclusive communities.
Guest:
Co-Host: Mita Naidu, Director of Content Strategy, BC Housing
British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.
The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.
Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.
BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.
Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:
About BC Housing
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
Who we serve
Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/
For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/
#podcast #home
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 owners in the DTES and the need for customized, pet-friendly housing policies.
Guests:
Co-Host: Mita Naidu, Director of Content Strategy, BC Housing
Diane Waters, Outreach Specialist - Outreach Programs, BC SPCA
Mandy Isaacs, Assistant Manager, Vancouver Community Animal Centre/Shelter, BC SPCA
British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.
The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.
Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.
BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.
Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:
About BC Housing
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
Who we serve
Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/
For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/
#podcast #home
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 to 24 and their families
British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.
The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.
Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.
BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.
Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:
• the right to affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate housing
• mental health challenges
• homelessness
• meeting the needs of women and children leaving violence
• fostering community acceptance
• role of the private sector
• Impacts of climate change on housing.
About BC Housing
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
Who we serve
• Individuals who are homeless
• Individuals with disabilities
• Indigenous individuals and families
• Women and children at risk of violence
• Low-income seniors and families
• Buyers of new homes
Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/
For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/
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 relationships and support systems in helping residents thrive. The core message is that housing is about creating a sense of belonging and support, not just buildings.
British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.
The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.
Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.
BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.
Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:
• the right to affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate housing
• mental health challenges
• homelessness
• meeting the needs of women and children leaving violence
• fostering community acceptance
• role of the private sector
• Impacts of climate change on housing.
About BC Housing
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
Who we serve
• Individuals who are homeless
• Individuals with disabilities
• Indigenous individuals and families
• Women and children at risk of violence
• Low-income seniors and families
• Buyers of new homes
Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/
For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/
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 with mental health, substance use, behavioral challenges, and health issues related to aging.
We’ll discuss this strategy and its reception, share tenant stories, and highlight what Ottawa and BC are doing to tackle homelessness.
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British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.
The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.
Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.
BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.
Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:
About BC Housing
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
Who we serve
Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/
For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/
#podcast #housing
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 and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia
#podcast #housing
