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 Existence Project here: The Existence Project - Connecting The Community Through Storytelling https://www.theexistenceproject.ca ..read more

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, and Bruk Melles from the City of Vancouver about their work to support housing for Black communities. Guests: Jean-Claude Bakundukize, Co-Founder of Swahili Vision Internat ..read more

Vancouver’s Chinatown has been home to newcomers for generations, including many immigrants from China who were often excluded from other neighborhoods. In this episode, Sara talks with Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S, and Tim Lam, whose grandfather lived in Chinatown for many years. His home, Grace Manor was sold in 2021, leaving Tim’s grandfather and other residents without much time to find a new place to live. This is when S.U.C.C.E.S.S stepped in to run the building, with funding from the Province through BC Housing. Tim shares his grandfather’s journey, including the importance of cul ..read more

For many young people, moving into their first home is challenging. It’s even more so for youth with disabilities, who face additional barriers. In this episode, Sara talks with Linden, a resident of The Village at Pleasant Valley, Linden’s mother, Andrea, and Cindy Masters, executive director, Okanagan Village Housing Society. They discuss Linden’s journey to his own home and the importance of accessible housing. Guests: Linden, resident of The Village at Pleasant Valley Cindy Masters, executive director, Okanagan Village Housing Society Andrea, parent of Linden   ..read more

This past summer, Canada had its worst wildfire season on record. In this two-part series, Sara speaks with Kathleen MacKinnon from Turning Points Collaborative Society and BC Housing’s Nanette Drobot about how partners worked together using a trauma-informed approach to evacuate people experiencing homelessness from the raging wildfires in Kelowna. To learn more about Turning Points Collaborative Society, visit: https://turningpoints.ngo ..read more

Sara continues the conversation with Kathleen MacKinnon from Turning Points Collaborative Society and Nanette Drobot from BC Housing, exploring the warm community welcome folks received once arriving in Penticton, and the lasting impacts collaboration had on Turning Points staff. To learn more about Turning Points Collaborative Society, visit: https://turningpoints.ngo ..read more

This past summer, Canada had its worst wildfire season on record. In this two-part series, Sara speaks with Kathleen MacKinnon from Turning Points Collaborative Society and BC Housing’s Nanette Drobot about how partners worked together using a trauma-informed approach to evacuate people experiencing homelessness from the raging wildfires in Kelowna. To learn more about Turning Points Collaborative Society, visit: https://turningpoints.ngo ..read more

Kiwassa Neighbourhood House is helping young people in East Vancouver thrive, despite the many challenges they face. In this episode, Sara speaks with Rohani Seddiq, who runs Kiwassa's summer youth program at a BC Housing property. Rohani shares her story as a refugee and immigrant growing up in BC Housing, along with her mission to empower East Vancouver's youth.    To learn more about Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, visit kiwassa.ca  ..read more

Minister Ravi Kahlon shares his thoughts on the biggest housing challenges facing British Columbia and the efforts being made to address them. The Minister shares his vision for the future of housing in the Province. Sara also speaks to Minister Kahlon about what it means to be the first Minister dedicated to housing, his approach to leadership, and what he has learned in his first 10 months in the role. Guests:  Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, British Columbia    ..read more

Sara speaks to filmmaker Joseph Kafka and storyteller Patrick Stewart about an Indigenous-led video series titled ‘Where Are All My Relations’. Each story offers a human perspective on the data associated with an overrepresentation of Indigenous people in homeless counts. Home is a sense of belonging and connection. Patrick and Joseph explore the unique pathways into homelessness for Indigenous people.  They discuss how Indigenous-led approaches are offering hope for a brighter future. To watch the “Where are All My Relations?” video series, visit lnhs.ca or find them on YouTube ..read more