BC Housing Action Coalition

BC Housing Action Coalition Launches to Address Housing Crisis from Human Rights Perspective

Friday, December 6, 2024

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER, BC - Last Friday marked the official launch event of the BC Housing Action Coalition (BCHAC), a groundbreaking alliance of community groups, non-profit organizations, labour unions, and other entities united in their mission to achieve safe, dignified, and affordable housing for all British Columbians.

The BCHAC distinguishes itself by collaboratively approaching the housing crisis through a human rights lens, advocating for equitable access to housing across the province. The coalition’s formation comes at a critical time when housing affordability and accessibility continue to be pressing issues for many BC residents.

“We believe that housing is a basic human need, not a commodity for profit,” said Ashley Shapiro, chair of the BCHAC. “Our coalition is committed to fostering communities rooted in solidarity, not exploitation.”

The BCHAC has outlined six key priorities that will guide their advocacy efforts:

  1. Promoting housing as a basic right
  2. Establishing municipal land banks and community land trusts
  3. Supporting and empowering tenant organizations
  4. Implementing comprehensive eviction protections
  5. Providing comprehensive support for vulnerable populations
  6. Legalizing and supporting tent cities as immediate housing solutions

These priorities reflect a holistic approach to addressing both short-term and long-term housing concerns. The coalition emphasizes that solutions to the housing crisis already exist and have been tested worldwide.

Dozens of attendees gathered to hear eight speakers from various sectors of the housing spectrum share insights on implementing these solutions. The BCHAC stressed the importance of collaboration, stating that their impact is strengthened through unified efforts.

The coalition also acknowledged the event’s location on traditional and unceded territories, highlighting the need for inclusive housing solutions that address historical inequities. The symbolism of the location was particularly poignant, as it took place across from the former site of Little Mountain Social Housing - once home to 224 units of social housing before its controversial demolition in 2009. The Little Mountain site did not see the development of new affordable housing for over 15 years. The site still stands as a stark reminder of displaced communities still waiting for promised replacement housing, exemplifying the ongoing broken promises of the for-profit housing sector in the region.

As the BC Housing Action Coalition begins its work, it invites all interested parties to join in their efforts to ensure that safe, affordable housing becomes a reality for everyone in British Columbia.

For more information about the BC Housing Action Coalition and how to get involved, please visit www.bchac.org.

Contact:
Ashley Shapiro
BC Housing Action Coalition
admin@bchac.org