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 families and youth can thrive. These programs demonstrate that housing is more than shelter — it’s a foundation for personal growth, empowerment, and community connection.

The episode reinforces BC Housing’s commitment to holistic, people-centered approaches that support tenant well-being, strengthen local partnerships, and build inclusive, thriving communities across B.C. It directly aligns with the organization’s broader goals of advancing equity, resilience, and social connection in the housing ecosystem.

Guests:
Shaleen Pillay-Naidu, Manager, Tenant Engagement, Housing & Health Services
Amber Bell, Tenant Engagement Worker, Housing & Health Services

The Tenant Activity Grant (TAG) is a program that provides activity grants for tenants living in BC Housing directly-managed properties.

If you are a tenant of a BC Housing building, you can apply for funding for projects, activities, workshops and parties at your housing site. You can contact your Tenant Support worker for more information and how to apply

Learn more: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/tenant-programs-resources/community-programs-services/tenant-activity-grant

#podcast #home #housing

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