Last November, we envisioned an Immigrant Housing Action Plan Together

“I will not be discouraged by all the challenges we have! I'm hoping to support in building connections I see between initiatives communities are dreaming of and people able to push the needed!”

(Participant)

On Friday, November 22, 2024, we gathered at the Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion for an exciting dialogue focused on tackling the housing challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in our region. We came together on indigenous lands with open hearts and minds, acknowledging the continued displacement of the Indigenous peoples in our regions, to explore real inclusive solutions, share stories, challenge the anti-immigrant narratives, and create actionable strategies for positive change. The need for testing all housing solutions for equitable access against housing needs and affordability for Indigenous and immigrant communities was felt strongly. The energy was palpable, as we all networked, shared, and expressed our commitment to solving the housing crisis for immigrants.

The event brought together a wide range of participants from various institutions and sectors, ensuring that the discussions were inclusive and comprehensive.

Our heartfelt thanks to the expert panel moderated by Louis James from Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), featuring key speakers who shared valuable insights. Dr. Soraya Centeno from Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR) discussed the complex realities immigrants face in navigating housing on Vancouver Island, while Janna Fabrikova from Ukrainian-Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island (UCCSVI) presented the Kiwanis Village project, an innovative solution for displaced Ukrainians. Luke Mari (Aryze) provided a developer’s perspective on supporting refugee families.

The heart of the event came to life seeing everyone thoroughly engaged in group discussions. Several partnerships and ideas began to emerge during these conversations, such as shared community housing initiatives, support for mental health through stable housing, and creative solutions to combat isolation.

The sense of creative urgency and collaborative spirit carried through every conversation. It was clear that people weren’t just talking—they were committed to turning these ideas into action.

“I learned how the mental health of immigrants is directly affected by housing insecurity. It’s made me think differently about how we approach housing solutions.”

Participant

“Connecting with other organizations and hearing from developers about the potential for immigrant-centered housing was inspiring. I’m ready to take action with new partners.”

Participant

Throughout the day, new connections were made, and many attendees expressed a desire to continue collaborating. People were exchanging contact details, discussing future initiatives, and brainstorming how to pool resources to create sustainable housing solutions—our real partners in hope.

One participant shared, “This event has helped me understand the importance of working across sectors. Developers, community organizations, and local governments all need to collaborate to make real change. I’m excited to connect with more partners.”

We were thrilled to see these exciting partnerships take root, and we can’t wait to see where they lead in the coming months.

So, What’s Next?

For those who couldn’t attend, please know we need you and we hope to see you at future events. Stay tuned for the Hope for Home Housing Action Plan in the making, which will document all the discussions and contributions that took place at the event. This short yet comprehensive document will be an invaluable resource to guide our community’s next steps in addressing immigrant housing issues.

You are invited to further share and engage with the Housing Event Guide that you can access here.

Additionally, we’d like to invite you to become a GVLIP sector partner. Your expertise, ideas, and passion are vital to creating lasting change in our region. If you’re interested in joining forces to help build a more inclusive and accessible housing plan, please reach out to us at gvlip@icavictoria.org.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in Hope for Home. Your energy, passion, and commitment to change are the driving forces behind the success of this event. Whether you were able to join us in person or are reading this report from afar, we need your continued involvement to make these ideas a reality. A big thanks to Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, Aryze, BC Government Ministry of Housing, British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), Capital Region Housing Corporation, Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, City of Victoria, Community Social Planning Council for Greater Victoria, (Capital Regional District) CRD, Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), District of Central Saanich, District of Saanich, Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Greater Victoria Housing Society, Island Health, Ministry of Attorney General, Multicultural and Anti-Racism Branch, Sanpra Real Estate Inc., SD61, The Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition, Township of Esquimalt, Ukrainian-Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, VICCIR, Wiser Projects, and Royal Roads University for your amazing participation and invaluable contributions.

Let’s continue to stay connected through partnership initiatives, ongoing dialogue, and the development of the comprehensive housing document that will reflect all our shared contributions.

Stay tuned, stay connected, and get ready to be part of the next chapter in building a better, more inclusive housing system.