Paws and People: The Lifeline of Pets in the Downtown Eastside

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between pets and their owners living in the Downtown Eastside. For many in this community, pets are more than just animals—they are loyal companions offering unconditional love and support in challenging circumstances.

We’ll also dive into the findings from a two-year pilot partnership between BC Housing and the BC SPCA, which sheds light on the unique experiences of pet owners in the DTES and the need for customized, pet-friendly housing policies.

Guests:
Co-Host: Mita Naidu, Director of Content Strategy, BC Housing

Diane Waters, Outreach Specialist - Outreach Programs, BC SPCA

Mandy Isaacs, Assistant Manager, Vancouver Community Animal Centre/Shelter, BC SPCA

British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. We need to find innovative solutions.

The Province has an ambitious plan to address the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in BC’s history.

Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the province’s agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province.

BC Housing doesn’t do this alone. To address the challenge, it’s working with hundreds of partners. In Let’s Talk Housing Season Three, you’ll get to hear from those delivering exciting affordable housing solutions.

Hosted by Sara Goldvine, episodes address deep-rooted societal issues:

• the right to affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate housing
• mental health challenges
• homelessness
• meeting the needs of women and children leaving violence
• fostering community acceptance
• role of the private sector
• Impacts of climate change on housing.

About BC Housing

BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.

We work in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.

Who we serve

• Individuals who are homeless
• Individuals with disabilities
• Indigenous individuals and families
• Women and children at risk of violence
• Low-income seniors and families
• Buyers of new homes

Learn more about BC Housing here: https://www.bchousing.org/

For more news on our latest projects and developments, visit: https://news.bchousing.org/

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