Once the boxes were unpacked and their belongings were carefully put away, 11 low-income seniors could finally rest and enjoy their new below-market rental home at the Uptown West project. But that journey into housing security took a team of people working behind the scenes to expedite their transition smoothly and efficiently.

For months, the SSSBC Housing Team worked hard to review applications, conduct interviews and gather paperwork from each client quickly. They provided financial assistance for those that couldn’t afford items like damage deposits, first month’s rent and moving costs. They assisted each client with the SAFER rent subsidy and helped stabilize income for those who needed it. As the opening drew closer, they arranged and attended tours of the units and worked with building managers to coordinate placements.

While this is exactly the work that the housing and outreach team does every day, the speed of this project was unique. Applications opened just before Christmas and the first client moved in in February. The team worked non-stop to fill the units as quickly as possible while ensuring that each client met the strict criteria including age, income and the ability to live independently.

From the moment the first client moved into the building, the excitement was palpable and the impact was immediate. One senior was prevented from becoming homeless because the team was able to move quickly to secure a unit and move them in within a month of being evicted.  By the end of April, all clients had moved in, relieved to leave behind the stress and worry of not knowing how they would afford a place to live.

The ribbon cutting on April 23rd was both emotional and gratifying for our team.

“It felt good knowing that our clients now have a safe, new, affordable home close to everything they need”, said Housing Navigator Tara Brunet. “All the hard work was definitely worth it, especially when you see all the amenities that our seniors have access to. I can’t wait to hear how they are enjoying it all and connecting with the Uptown community.”

SSSBC Housing Manager Sogol Haji Hosseini added, “I’m so proud of our team and the collaboration between SSSBC and the staff at PC Urban and CHARD Development Group. It’s obvious that everyone involved cares deeply about the well-being of seniors and that gives me hope for the future.” She added, “We look forward to continuing partnerships with housing providers to ensure seniors have safe, affordable homes and are protected from homelessness and its ripple effects.”

While this project has wrapped up, the work to connect seniors to affordable housing and the support they need continues for Seniors Services Society of BC staff each and every day.

Alison Silgardo, CEO of the Seniors Services Society of BC explained, “We’re celebrating this milestone, but we know that there are many more seniors in BC who are facing a housing crisis. Our work never stops, but behind every success story is a person whose life was changed for the better and that drives us to continue.”