Atira Women’s Resource Society Expresses Deep Disappointment Over Vancouver City Council’s Decision to Temporarily Freeze New Supportive Housing Funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC – February 27, 2025
Atira Women’s Resource Society expresses deep disappointment following Vancouver City Council’s approval of the motion to temporarily pause new supportive housing units in the city. Donna-Lynn Rosa, CEO of Atira, along with 80 other speakers, spoke passionately at City Hall yesterday, opposing the motion and urging Council to reconsider its decision.
In addition to the speakers, there were oppositions from many nonprofit organizations and a letter was sent by Member of Parliament for Vancouver East, Jenny Kwan.
During her address, Rosa expressed her concern over the proposed freeze and the potential negative impacts it would have on those who are already marginalized in Vancouver.
Rosa also pointed out the lack of public consultation in the decision-making process.
“The items that have been discussed today involve public housing, public safety, and the public good—but you’ll notice there has been no public consultation. There has been no consultation with the people who use these services or provide these services. Council will remember the last time they decided to take action in the DTES without engaging the community—known as the Hastings sweep—all that did was push folks away for a moment, into parks and side streets and unsafe situations, and erode the relationship between the City and the community. By all accounts, that was an embarrassing and dehumanizing approach endorsed by this Council. Please don’t make that mistake again,” she said.
Rosa further emphasized the negative consequences of freezing supportive housing development, especially as Vancouver continues to struggle with a growing housing crisis.
“There has been no thought towards how this will impact the residents of Vancouver affected by the growing housing crisis and who will continue to be affected as long as they can’t reach ABC’s ‘middle-class’ housing income of between $90,000 and $190,000,” Rosa added.
She expressed strong support for Councillor Bligh’s proposal, which was later rejected by the Council, to invite representatives from the Ministry of Housing and BC Housing to discuss the implications of the freeze and work together with service providers to determine the actual need for supportive housing units in Vancouver.
Rosa also underscored the importance of not viewing individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability as disposable.
“These individuals have worked hard to build their lives, their families, and their communities right here in Vancouver. They are not disposable or easily ‘displaced,’” Rosa stated. “And if ABC truly stands behind their proposal, they should have no problem allowing Federal and Provincial oversight.”
Rosa concluded with a call to continue supporting the development of new supportive housing.
“Collaborating with experienced nonprofit housing providers is essential to creating more supportive housing for vulnerable populations. I urge City Council to reconsider this motion and continue investing in new housing to meet the urgent needs of those relying on us for safety and stability,” Rosa said.
Atira remains committed to continuing its work to support and serve women, children, gender diverse folx and other marginalized groups. As BC’s largest supportive housing provider, we have endured and triumphed over 41 years of challenges, driven by the resilience of Atira’s staff with lived experience and our unwavering commitment to our mission. However, continuing to serve and support those in need will become increasingly difficult without the critical support of the city.
Atira Women’s Resource Society
Media Contact:
Tannaz Alesafar
Director of Communications
Atira Women’s Resource Society
Phone: 604-830-1923
Email: tannaz_alesafar@atira.bc.ca
media@atira.bc.ca