June 27, 2024, Unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Burnaby, B.C. — AMSSA has released a report titled “Working Towards Change: Understanding and Addressing Newcomer Housing Needs.”
The report provides insights from a year-long study that explores the intersection of housing and settlement for newcomers to B.C.
“This report emphasizes the complex relationship between housing, health, language proficiency, and employment, highlighting how these factors influence newcomers’ experiences in finding and retaining housing,” said Katie Crocker, Chief Executive Officer of AMSSA. “The issues newcomers face are complex. To realize the full benefits of newcomers to B.C. and adequate housing for all, it requires holistic, collaborative approaches which is why we are pleased to have partnered with United Way BC on this needed research project.”
The research project, funded by United Way BC, and guided by a Housing Advisory Committee, delves into the unique experiences newcomers face regarding housing and provides insights into topics such as affordability, discrimination, overcrowding, and hidden homelessness. Proposing actionable solutions to address newcomer needs, the report explores the role of the settlement sector, collaboration between different entities that relate to housing, and the levels of government and intergovernmental communication in shaping housing policy.
“The current scarcity of affordable housing and the impacts of inflation are felt acutely by all; but accessing housing, an already difficult step in the integration journey of all newcomers, is currently more than difficult for too many,” said Kim Winchell, Provincial Director, Community Impact and Investment at United Way BC. “By engaging with key stakeholders and partners, we can understand the needs of BC residents better while identifying critical gaps in knowledge that stand in the way of developing effective solutions.”
The study outlines several recommendations for both short-term and long-term changes including:
- Developing settlement sector-owned accommodations to provide longer-term initial housing for government-assisted refugees.
- Strengthening relationships between the settlement and housing sectors to support newcomers more effectively.
- Increasing the representation of newcomers in provincial and national housing strategies to ensure their unique needs are addressed.
- Advocating to better align federal immigration levels planning with provincial and municipal growth planning.
AMSSA extends heartfelt gratitude to United Way BC for funding this research project and for their support. Special thanks are also extended to the Housing Advisory Committee members and to the co-chairs, Shelly D’Mello (CEO of Intercultural Association of Victoria) and Patrick MacKenzie (CEO of Immigrant Employment Council of B.C.), for their invaluable knowledge, expertise, and feedback.
“A safe place to sleep, eat, and rejuvenate is the bedrock of healthy communities, and affordable, safe, and accessible housing is vital for our prosperity. Research shows that increased housing demand and immigration are closely intertwined, driving economic growth. We know new residents breathe life into communities, and access to adequate housing is essential for their successful integration and contribution. By meeting housing needs, we cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous society where all can thrive.” – Shelly D’Mello, Chief Executive Officer, Intercultural Association of Victoria, Co-chair of AMSSA Housing Advisory Committee.
“To remain a magnet for the kind of talent B.C. needs to grow its economy, we need a coordinated approach to planning and building the kind of housing that supports all British Columbians, including newcomers. All levels of government, the private sector, and BC’s settlement agencies must work together to ensure that prospective immigrants can see a complete future here, not just a job.” – Patrick MacKenzie, CEO of IECBC, Co-chair of AMSSA Housing Advisory Committee.
The full report is available for download here.
About AMSSA
The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of British Columbia (AMSSA) is the provincial umbrella association for agencies serving newcomers. The organization strengthens over 90 member agencies, as well as hundreds of community agencies that serve newcomers and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to fulfill their mandates.
About United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s North, Interior, Lower Mainland, and Central & Northern Vancouver Island
United Way BC supports healthy, caring and inclusive communities by strengthening vital connections that support people in need. Representing the five regions of Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, and Northern BC, our organization serves a population of more than 4.5 million people, with a focus on urgent response, kids and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health and food security.
