JULY 2021
Project Highlights Project ighlights Housing Research & Education
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1 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
HOUSING SECTOR TRANSFORMATION
BC Housing’s Research Centre works in collaboration with housing sector partners to foster excellence in residential construction and find innovative solutions for affordable housing in British Columbia. Sharing leading-edge research, advances in building science, and new technologies encourages best practice. The Research Centre identifies and bridges research gaps to address homelessness, housing affordability, social housing challenges and the needs of distinct populations. Mobilizing knowledge and research expertise helps improve the quality of housing and leads to innovation and adoption of new construction techniques, Building Code changes, and enhanced education and training programs.
Visit the Research Centre Library on the BC Housing website to access a wealth of resources that support a strong housing sector. You can search online for current technical and socio-economic research, best practice guides, research reports, case studies, bulletins and videos on a wide range of topics that advance housing knowledge, lessons learned and innovative solutions.
Learn more about the Research Centre at www.bchousing.org
Copyright © 2021 all rights reserved.
HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021 2 I I JE T I LI TS | J NE 2020
Housing Research & Education TABLE OF CONTENTS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS › Community Acceptance of Non-Market Housing Toolkit....................................................... 8 › COVID-19 Response Emergency Shelters – Pandemic Data: Impacts and Outcomes Series ..................................................................................................... 9 › Documenting Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences of Homelessness. .................................. 10 › Exploring Impacts of Non-Market Housing on Surrounding Property Values – Full Report. .................................................................................................................................... 11 › Modular Housing Outcomes – Understanding Impacts for Residents and Local Communities...................................................................................................................... 12 › Preventing and Reducing Homelessness: An Integrated Data Project.............................. 13 › Province of BC Homeless Counts 2018 and 2020-21. ........................................................... 14 › Research Summary: Community Benefits of Supportive Housing .................................... 15 › Social Return on Investment (SROI) of Supportive and Affordable Housing in BC ......... 16 DISTINCT POPULATIONS › Annual Program Statistics and Outcomes for Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program ........................................................................................................................ 17 › Housing Options for Vulnerable Youth and Young Adults in BC. ........................................ 18 › Indigenous Housing Series: Building Knowledge Case Studies . ........................................ 19 › Interim Guide to Indigenous Housing Development and Design....................................... 20 › Student Research: Impacts of COVID-19 on Equity-Seeking Populations . ....................... 21 › Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Programs – Pandemic Data: Impacts and Outcomes Series ................................................................................................... 22 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY › Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Studies and Best Practices from BC Communities . ..... 23 › Building Knowledge and Capacity for Affordable Housing in Small Communities Final Report (Campbell River and Invermere) ........................................................................ 24 › Building Knowledge and Capacity for Affordable Housing in Small Communities – Webinar Series .............................................................................................................................. 25 › Community Housing for Resilient Communities................................................................... 26 › Evaluation of the Supporting Tenants, Enabling Pathways (STEP) Pilot .......................... 27 › Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters Program and the Rental Assistance Program Review .... 28 › Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Study ............................................................................ 29 › What Works: Securing Affordable and Special Needs Housing through Housing Agreements................................................................................................................... 30
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
Housing Research & Education TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOUSING SECTOR TRANSFORMATION › Business Transformation in the Community Non-Profit Housing Sector ......................... 31 › Comparative Analysis of Mixed Model Developments in Meeting Canadian Housing Objectives...................................................................................................................... 32
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
HOMEOWNER EDUCATION › Homeowner Seminars . ............................................................................................................... 33 › Maintenance Matters: Building Maintenance Bulletins........................................................ 34 EMERGING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY › British Columbia LEEP for Renovations. .....................................................................................35 › Cost and Benefits of Constructing to Post-Earthquake Operational Standards ..............36 › Documenting the Construction of an Innovative High Performance Wood-Frame Building . ................................................................................................................ 37 › Local Energy Efficiency Partnerships (LEEP) . .......................................................................... 38 › Metrics and Parameters for Shared Social Spaces ................................................................ 39 › Mobilizing Building Adaptation and Resilience. .................................................................... 40 › Modular Housing and the Affordable Housing Sector .......................................................... 41 › Predictive Digital Modelling of Social Interaction for Multi-Family Building Design. ..... 42 › Tiny Houses – An Alternative to Conventional Housing ....................................................... 43 INDUSTRY EDUCATION › BC Energy Step Code Builder Guide ......................................................................................... 44 › BC Energy Step Code Design Guide ‒ Supplement S3 on Overheating and Air Quality. .. 45 › Best Practice Guide for Air Sealing and Insulation Retrofits for Single Family Homes . . 46 › Best Practices for Window and Door Replacement in Wood-Frame Buildings (2020 Update) . .............................................................................................................................. 47 › Builder Guide to Site and Foundation Drainage – Best Practices for Part 9 Houses ...... 48 › Builder Insight Technical Bulletins. .......................................................................................... 49 › Building Enclosure Design Guide – Wood-Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (Second Edition) ........................................................................................................................... 50 › Building Envelope Guide for Houses ‒ Part 9 Residential Construction (Second Edition) ........................................................................................................................... 51 › Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide. .......................................................................... 52 › Building Smart Seminars, Workshops & Webinars ................................................................ 53 › Canadian Thermal Bridging Construction Details Database. ............................................. 54
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Housing Research & Education TABLE OF CONTENTS
› Design Guidelines for Condominium Balconies in British Columbia................................ 55 › Heat Pumps in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings.................................................................... 56 › High Performance Builder Training.......................................................................................... 57 › Illustrated Guide – Achieving Airtight Buildings ..................................................................... 58 › Illustrated Guide ‒ R22+ Effective Walls in Residential Construction in BC (Second Edition) ........................................................................................................................... 59 › Illustrated Guide – R30+ Effective Vaulted and Flat Roofs in Residential Construction in British Columbia. ............................................................................................ 60 › Illustrated Guide – Seismic Bracing Requirements BC Building Code Part 9 ................... 61 › Illustrated Guide for Fire and Life Safety Requirements in Part 3 and 9 of the BC Building Code. ........................................................................................................................ 62 › Integrated Design Process Education Project........................................................................ 63 › Technical Guide for the Design and Construction of Tall Wood Buildings in Canada. .. 64 › Testing R22+ Wall Assemblies .................................................................................................... 65 › Zero Energy Buildings and Heat Pumps Science Exhibit ..................................................... 66 INDUSTRY RESEARCH › BC Energy Step Code Market Response Monitoring Project ................................................ 67 › Building Performance Monitoring and Assessment of an Innovative Six-Storey Building in Victoria....................................................................................................................... 68 › Comparison of Effectiveness of Ventilation Systems to Deliver Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Individual Suites . .................................................................................... 69 › Design Versus Actual Energy Performance in Social Housing Buildings ........................... 70 › Exploring the State of Building Sector in Non-Metropolitan Areas of British Columbia...................................................................................................................... 71 › Exterior Air Barrier Research for Highly Insulated Deep Wall Assemblies in Cold Climates. .......................................................................................................................... 72 › Field Evaluation of Roof Sheathing Surface Treatments – Asphalt Shingle Sloped . .......... Roofing Research Study (Phase 2) ............................................................................................ 73 › Impacts of Oxygen Deprivation and Noxious Gas Circulation During Fire Development in Energy Efficient Homes ................................................................................. 74 › Improving Efficiency in Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems ............................................... 75 › Indoor Air Quality in BC Social Housing Buildings . ............................................................... 76 › Innovative Procurement in Social Housing Construction – Documenting the First IPD Project in British Columbia. ....................................................................................... 77 › Monitoring Indoor Air Quality in a Six-Storey Passive Building in Fort St. John .............. 78 › Sound Transmission of Wood-Frame Wall Assemblies . ....................................................... 79 › Temperature, Airflow and Moisture Patterns in Attic Roofs ................................................. 80 › Vienna House – Innovative High Performing Affordable Housing Research .................... 81
Reflects sustainable housing solutions and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
RESEARCH THEMES
Socio-Economic Research
Socio-economic research provides important information on trends, demographics, best practices and supply-and-demand indicators to help government and housing providers make informed decisions. Key areas of focus include: › Addressing homelessness – Our research on homelessness examines accessible, appropriate and affordable housing options for every person who needs a safe place to live. This includes research on best practices in addressing homelessness, as well as community acceptance, and evaluations of programs and services. › Distinct populations – BC Housing conducts research on housing issues facing distinct populations, including seniors, families, youth, Indigenous individuals and families, and people with disabilities. We also look at the key housing indicators in our province — such as household composition, median age, age and condition of housing stock, income and other factors. › Housing sector transformation – Non-profit housing providers face many challenges. These include dealing with aging buildings, limited new programs and operating funds. BC Housing partners with other agencies to conduct research that leads the transformation of the social housing sector. Through our research, we’re profiling innovative ways to build the sector’s capacity and to deliver and manage housing. › Housing affordability – The provincial government is committed to making life more affordable for British Columbians. A historic level of new provincial investments has been dedicated to initiating and expanding housing programs that will create more affordable homes for people who live and work in our communities. At the same time, BC Housing is researching ways to improve access to housing for all British Columbians. This includes working to increase density and improve the availability of affordable rental housing around transit stations.
4 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
RESEARCH THEMES
Technical Research
Technical research leads to innovations that improve how residential buildings are designed and constructed and offers insights into sustainable housing solutions and best practice. Key areas of focus include: › Industry research – Our building science research enhances the quality of residential construction through innovative design tools and construction practices. Pilot studies and building detail guides developed in collaboration with industry partners provide solutions for better performance and durability of residential construction in B.C. › Emerging design and technology – The continuous evolution in housing design and construction provides opportunities for the Research Centre to participate in projects that integrate new technologies and methods of construction. The focus is on delivering affordable, resilient and community integrated buildings. Working with partners, BC Housing facilitates pilot studies, advances best practices, fosters the development and adoption of technological innovation, and builds capacity to meet the changing needs of industry and B.C. communities. › Industry education – BC Housing works with external partners to share information on best building practices, leading-edge research and building code changes for the construction and design of homes in B.C. Our Research Centre Library and Learning Centre offer a range of online resources and help disseminate knowledge on emerging technologies, high performance housing, seismic and fire safety requirements, and other topics of importance to the industry. › Homeowner education – Consumer resources cover a variety of topics and highlight the importance of maintenance and renewal planning to protect a building’s assets, the owners investment and create a comfortable living environment. Building systems that are routinely inspected and maintained perform better and have a longer service life.
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Housing Research & Education RESEARCH CENTRE IMPACTS
Making a Positive Impact, Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Housing Solutions
› Leads over 75 research and education projects creating an ever-growing impactful body of knowledge. › Works in collaboration with 100+ housing sector partners, leveraging funding and expertise for maximum positive impact. › Undertakes research that brings value to the sector by developing a body of evidence that can be used to transform business practices, change behavior, and create more inclusive and resilient communities. › Supports research that provides a social return on investment, recognizing that every dollar invested in supportive housing creates three to five dollars in social and economic value. › Supports local, national and international events, exchanging knowledge and leading-edge ideas to advance the housing sector in BC and beyond. › Fosters innovation in the housing sector through the Building Excellence Research & Education Grants program with $3.29 million in grants awarded to date, supporting 100 new research and education projects. › Provides scholarships and bursaries to support up and coming industry professionals and trades.
75 + Projects
100 + Partners
= $
/ $ $ $
$ $
Million 3.29 $
100 Research & Education Projects
› Develops best practice guides for industry that are also used as curriculum by institutions in educating our next generation of design and construction practitioners.
› Provides forward-looking market intelligence and housing data to help residential construction professionals, housing sector partners and homeowners make informed decisions.
› Leads multi-year, multi-stakeholder knowledge and capacity building projects.
› Provides intelligence on socio-economic and demographic data, using state-of-the-art dashboard capabilities, to help Government and sector partners make informed decisions, identify emerging trends and housing solutions.
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Housing Research & Education TABLE OF CONTENTS BC Housing’s Research Centre is focused on technical and socio-economic research to advance best practice and create a strong housing sector in British Columbia. We work in collaboration with other levels of government, consumer and industry organizations, research organizations, education institutions and non-profit associations to carry out research projects and initiatives with impactful results.
Distinct Populations Studies the impacts of 30 + modular housing sites on residents and communities, including the positive impact on homelessness, housing stability, quality of life and health of residents. - Conducts research to better understand the housing needs of regional communities, support subsidized housing, and provide more affordable housing in rural and urban areas of the province, including Northern British Columbia. - Provides data to inform program planning as well as cross-governmental research on Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program which provides women and children with a temporary place to stay, support services, and assistance. Housing Affordability Undertakes research to build knowledge and capacity for affordable housing in small B.C. communities, identifying regions that require greater capacity and support as well as municipalities that have successfully implemented affordable housing initiatives. Industry Research Works with partners to develop unique platforms, such as the Canadian Thermal Bridging Construction Details Database with more than 500 construction details and thermal calculations for all types of buildings, energy standards, and climates across Canada to enhance building design and construction. - Undertakes research to measure the efficiency of building envelope retrofits on existing multi-unit social housing buildings in British Columbia to improve current retrofit practices and air quality for residents.
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Industry Education Delivers Building Smart seminars and webinars, BC Housing’s signature education program for knowledge mobilization, to help advance the adoption of innovative building practices. Provides pre-packaged educational videos on a wide range of topics for self-paced Learning on Demand. 38,800 + in person attendees 11,000 + webinar attendees 475 + customized education seminars 400 + Learning on Demand attendees Addressing Homelessness Coordinates a homeless count, providing valuable data and an overall snapshot of homelessness in B.C., to monitor trends and create better services, supports and programs. - Provides toolkits with strategies and links to resources to assist stakeholders working with neighbours, local governments, and others to gain community acceptance for non-market housing. - Undertakes research to explore modular construction of supportive housing as an innovative approach to rapidly address homelessness across British Columbia. Housing Sector Transformation Provides case studies highlighting how BC Housing has worked with non-profit providers to redevelop their sites, sharing lessons learned to support the sector in building capacity, becoming more self-sufficient, and increasing housing options. ▶
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Socio-Economic Research
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Technical Research
Homeowner Education Shares research and knowledge to provide safe, durable, energy efficient and affordable homes for B.C. families and residents. - Fosters best practices in residential construction, giving homebuyers even greater confidence in their new home purchases. - Works in collaboration with housing sector partners to deliver consumer-focused educational seminars to educate homebuyers and homeowners on the importance of maintenance and a range of residential construction topics of interest.
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Emerging Design and Technology Leads the Mobilizing Building Adaptation and Resilience project in collaboration with more than 30 organizations, including industry and local, provincial and national agencies to accelerate the uptake of resilient building design in Canada and contribute to climate and disaster resilience in local communities.
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Community Acceptance of Non-Market Housing Toolkit
Description This comprehensive toolkit provides non-profit housing providers, local governments and other stakeholders with key resources for working with communities to gain acceptance of non-market housing developments. It includes tips for communicating with community stakeholders, as well as strategies to address common neighbour concerns, demonstrate support to local governments, and mobilize supporters. Approaches to gaining community acceptance and communication channels continue to evolve and transform. Based on shared knowledge and research, the toolkit explores how to best utilize social media and website content, as well as lessons learned from non-market housing developments across British Columbia. As part of the Community Acceptance series, the toolkit addresses when and how to engage the community and how to work toward community support for your development. It also includes useful resources for messaging, toolkit design and sample Frequently Asked Questions. Impact The Community Acceptance of Non-Market Housing Toolkit will mobilize stakeholders to use a variety of tools to gain community acceptance of new affordable and supportive housing.
Status: Reports available online at www.bchousing.org Awards: 2020 Award for Planning Excellence, Planning
Publications and Media – Canadian Institute of Planners
Audience: Non-profit housing
providers, municipalities, planners, developers, and other stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
COVID-19 Response Emergency Shelters – Pandemic Data: Impacts and Outcomes Series
Description Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, BC Housing has been working with regional health authorities, municipal partners and non-profit shelter and housing providers to develop community-based response plans. This includes identifying locations where vulnerable individuals, such as those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, would be able to recover and self- isolate. These sites are vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They allow shelter providers to maintain safe distances between people in existing shelters, free-up acute care beds in hospitals, and prevent crowding. Shelter providers operating COVID-response emergency shelters enter data about each stay at their sites into the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS). BC Housing uses this database to collect information about shelter usage for BC Housing-funded shelters. The reports in this series summarize the data provided to BC Housing during the pandemic period by shelter providers operating COVID-response emergency shelters. This series will provide semi-annual updates during the pandemic. Impact This data helps inform current and future pandemic decision-making as well as emergency planning. The project shows the impact of the pandemic on the emergency shelter sector and how the shelters affect people experiencing homelessness.
NEW PROJECT Status:
Project underway Audience: Non-profit housing providers,
municipalities, provincial government, public, and other stakeholders
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9 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Documenting Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences of Homelessness
Description The purpose of this project is to better understand homelessness in ways that are not possible through a point-in-time homeless count. The Province of B.C. hopes to provide a broader perspective that reflects the Indigenous definition and experience of homelessness by producing a series of short, impactful videos. These videos will complement the point-in-time homeless counts in B.C. and tell the story of homelessness from an Indigenous perspective. Objectives include ‘looking behind the count’ to gain a better understanding of the pathways into homelessness that are specific to Indigenous people. This includes the systemic and historical factors that contribute to homelessness. The videos will foster understanding about what homelessness means for Indigenous people and highlight successful strategies to address and prevent it. Impact This project seeks to raise awareness and understanding of the unique experience of homelessness among Indigenous people in B.C.
Status:
Project underway
Partners:
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Provincial Indigenous Homelessness Committee for BC, Lu’Ma Native Housing Society, Prince George Native Friendship Centre, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness – Vancouver Island
Audience:
All levels of government, policy makers, general public, business community, architects, builders, medical providers, service providers, school boards, First Nations communities, Indigenous people, Indigenous housing professionals, foundations, researchers, and students
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SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Exploring Impacts of Non-Market Housing on Surrounding Property Values – Full Report
Description When new non-market housing is announced, neighbours often ask about the impacts on surrounding property values. BC Housing engaged Insight Specialty Consulting to undertake research to understand the market impacts of the introduction of non-market housing into a neighbourhood. The Exploring Impacts of Non-Market Housing on Surrounding Property Values – Full Report explores median assessed residential property values and median sale prices for the most common residential type surrounding the case study sites. Median assessed values for nearby commercial properties are also examined. In addition, other factors such as land use changes, availability of services, and local and broader economic changes are considered. Impact This research can be used by those engaged in the development of non-market housing to answer concerns from neighbours about the possibility of impacts on property values.
Status: Available online at www.bchousing.org Audience: Non-profit housing providers, municipalities, neighbours
of non-market housing, planners, developers, and other community stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Modular Housing Outcomes – Understanding Impacts for Residents and Local Communities
Description In 2017, the Government of British Columbia announced the Rapid Response to Homelessness Program as an immediate response to address homelessness across B.C. The Province committed $291 million over two years to build 2,000 modular supportive housing units for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The modular housing evaluation examines the impacts of modular housing on residents and local communities. The specific outcomes reviewed include: impacts on homelessness, housing stability, quality of life, health of residents, community acceptance and use of emergency health care services. Resident outcomes for the first 17 modular supportive housing developments are available online. Impact This study supports building community acceptance of supportive housing by demonstrating positive impacts and lessons learned from developing modular housing.
Status: Available online at www.bchousing.org Partners: City of Vancouver, non- profit housing providers, health authorities Audience: Non-profit housing providers, community associations, policy makers, and other housing stakeholders
HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021 12
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Preventing and Reducing Homelessness: An Integrated Data Project
Description This project will link data from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and BC Housing to identify the cohort of people who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless in B.C. This includes demographic information, pathways into homelessness, and the cross-government interventions that helped them exit homelessness. Establishing this integrated data set supports government’s actions on homelessness and poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC. Impact Insights from this project will help government evaluate the effectiveness of its policy and program decisions and improve services for British Columbians.
NEW PROJECT Status:
Project underway Partners: Ministry Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Citizens’ Services, Attorney General and Ministry Responsible for Housing Audience: Policy makers, provincial and
federal governments, local governments, researchers
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Province of BC Homeless Counts 2018 and 2020-21
2018 Report on Homeless Counts in B.C. 1
MAIN BARRIERS TO ACCESSING HOUSING
Highlights This infographic includes data from 24 homeless counts conducted in communi�es across B.C. The counts took place in 2017 and the spring of 2018. This data provides an overall snapshot of homelessness in B.C., informs B.C.’s Homelessness Ac�on Plan, and will provide a baseline to measure progress.
51% 53%
Reⁿt too high
Iⁿcome too low No available suitable housiⁿg ,
30%
SOURCES OF INCOME
63% Sheltered 37% Unsheltered
7,655 People were iden�fied as experiencing homelessness
40 % Income assistance
29 % Disability benefit
Description The 2018 Report summarizes findings from 24 homeless counts conducted in communities across British Columbia. The findings also include shelter data from communities that did not conduct a homeless count. The result is an overall snapshot of homelessness in B.C. The data presented provides a baseline to measure progress. In spring of 2018, the Province of British Columbia funded homeless counts in 12 B.C. communities. The Homelessness Services Association of BC, Urban Matters and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association coordinated these counts and com - bined the results with available data from 12 additional counts and shelters to prepare this report. A total of 28 homeless counts were planned for spring 2020. These counts were scheduled to take place in 16 provincially-funded communities and 12 other communities that received funding from the federal government and other sources. Pilots of extended counts over four or five days in two provincially-funded communities were also planned to assess how results from this approach may differ from the 24-hour Point-in-Time methodology. Thirteen counts were completed in March 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining counts were postponed until 2021. In total, the following counts were completed in 2020-21: • 16 Provincially-funded counts (including two extended counts) • 6 Federally-funded counts • 3 Independently-funded counts Impact Homeless Counts inform our understanding of the demographics and service needs of people who experience homelessness.
29 % Self or
18 % Employed
informally employed
GENDER IDENTITY
30 %
2 %
68 %
LENGTH OF TIME HOMELESS
52% 31%
had been homeless for one year or more
Male
Female
Other Geⁿder Ideⁿtity
had been homeless for less than six months
AGE BREAKDOWN
HEALTH CONDITIONS
AGE BREAKDOWN
15 % 20 %
Youth (Under 25 years of age)
56 %
Addic�on
58 % reported two or more health condi�ons
Seniors (55 years of age and over)
44 %
Medical Condi�on
40 %
Mental Illness
29 %
Had been in foster care, a youth group home, or under a youth agreement
33 %
Physical Disability
INDIGENOUS OVERREPRESENTATION
LENGTH OF TIME LIVED IN COMMUNITY
OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS SELF-IDENTIFIED AS INDIGENOUS 38%
21% 28% 50%
lived in community ten years or always
COMPARED TO 6% OF THE GENERAL POPULATION (2016 CENSUS)
lived in community one year to less than ten years
lived in community less than one year
1 Percentages are based on the number of people who responded to survey ques�ons and not the total number of people iden�fied as experiencing homelessness.
2020 community profiles and 2018 report available online at www.bchousing.org
Status:
Partners: Homelessness Services Association of BC, Urban Matters and BC Non-Profit Housing Association Audience: Non-profit housing providers, community agencies, and government policy makers
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Research Summary: Community Benefits of Supportive Housing
Description This document includes key information, facts and statistics to help neighbours and local organizations understand the benefits of supportive housing. The Community Benefits of Supportive Housing Research Summary also provides an overview of pathways into homelessness and summarizes key findings from research that demonstrate the positive impact of supportive housing for communities. Issues that are addressed include the impacts of supportive housing on property values, the costs of supportive housing relative to the costs of homelessness, and resident outcomes. Impact This research demonstrates the benefits of supportive housing for communities to address concerns and increase understanding and acceptance for this type of housing.
Status: Summary available online at www.bchousing.org Awards: 2020 Gold Roof Award for
Knowledge to Action – Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Audience: Non-profit housing
providers, municipalities, neighbours of supportive housing, and other stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Social Return on Investment (SROI) of Supportive and Affordable Housing in BC
Description BC Housing commissioned three studies to examine the social and economic value created by affordable and supportive housing in British Columbia. These studies follow the internationally standardized Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology. SROI analysis combines quantitative, qualitative, and participatory research techniques to demonstrate the value of outcomes from different stakeholder perspectives. The result is a ratio that compares the total amount invested in a social initiative to the financial value of social and economic outcomes that are achieved, showing — in monetary terms — the financial benefit of social investments. The following housing developments were examined as case studies: • Affordable housing developments: Dahli Place and Pembroke Mews in Victoria, Qualicum Park Village in Qualicum Beach and Ellendale in Surrey. • Dedicated-site supportive housing: The Budzey Building in Vancouver, Cardington Apartments in Kelowna, The Kettle on Burrard in Vancouver, Queens Manor in Victoria and Wesley Street in Nanaimo. • Scattered-site supportive: Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna, CMHA Mid-Island Branch in Nanaimo , Lookout Housing and Health Society in Surrey, MPA Society in Vancouver and Pacifica Housing in Victoria. Impact The Social Return on Investment series of reports show that a range of significant social and economic value is created through investment in affordable and supportive housing.
Status: Report available online at www.bchousing.org Audience: Non-profit housing providers, municipalities, developers, and other industry stakeholders
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SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Annual Program Statistics and Outcomes for Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program
Description BC Housing’s Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program (WTHSP) funds more than 110 transition houses, safe homes, and second stage housing for women —with or without children —who are at risk of violence, or who have experienced violence. These programs provide women and children with a temporary place to stay, support services, referrals and assistance in planning next steps. Each quarter, transition houses, safe homes, and second stage housing sites funded through WTHSP submit forms to BC Housing, recording administrative and outcome data regarding the programs. This series shows annual data aggregated for each of the three WTHSP program types and trend data where available. Impact This data informs program planning as well as cross-government research, and demonstrates accountability for funding of the Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program (WTHSP). The annual reports also provide information to WTHSP providers and other stakeholders about the demographics and outcomes of those accessing WTHSP programs to support planning processes.
Status: Report available online at www.bchousing.org Audience: Non-profit housing providers, other levels of government, and other community stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Housing Options for Vulnerable Youth and Young Adults in BC
Description This research examines five housing models for vulnerable youth and young adults: the Foyer Model, Host Homes, Convertible Leases, Low Barrier Scattered Site and Low Barrier Congregate Site housing. The report analyzes essential design and program characteristics of each housing model against two sets of key considerations: suitability for the needs of subpopulations of youth, and factors to consider for implementation, including costs, stakeholder acceptance, and the extent to which the options are applicable in urban or rural communities across B.C. Based on a literature review and qualitative interviews with housing experts, this study examines the suitability of the housing models for six subpopulations of youth who are overrepresented in the youth homeless population. This includes youth who are LGBTQ25+, Indigenous, aging out of care, living with high acuity mental health issues, actively using substance and in recovery. Impact The Housing Options for Vulnerable Youth and Young Adults report supports all levels of government and the non-profit sector in identifying best practices when considering housing options for youth. It supports policy and program development and can be used in presentations to councils to build community acceptance of housing for youth.
Status: Report available online at www.bchousing.org Partners: Simon Fraser University, School of Public Policy Audience: Non-profit housing providers, municipalities, developers, and other stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Indigenous Housing Series: Building Knowledge Case Studies
Description This case study series highlights housing providers and programs that serve Indigenous women, youth, and families who are in need of housing support and facing child welfare intervention. The case studies provide information on program components and support, and considerations for design and maintenance of space. They also examine key practices, program highlights, challenges and successes. The information included in the series may assist other housing providers to create or expand wrap around support services to help families stay together. The case studies focus on the following housing providers and programs: Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Ksan House, Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, Lu’ma Native Housing Society, Tamitik Status of Women, Vancouver Native Housing Society, and the Urban Native Youth Association. Impact The Indigenous Housing Series informs practices of other housing providers looking to create or expand wrap around support services to help families stay together.
Status: Reports available online at www.bchousing.org Audience: First Nations housing professionals, non-profit housing providers, developers, and other stakeholders
1199
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Interim Guide to Indigenous Housing Development and Design
Description Designing and building homes that better meet the needs of First Nation communities is a growing area of interest and research, with new work being undertaken across British Columbia and Canada. The resource guide was developed based on existing secondary research and interviews with First Nations Housing Managers from around B.C., and focuses on community planning for housing design. This includes technical, demographic and cultural considerations. This guide is a good starting point for First Nations and their partners, and highlights resources to help ensure that new housing best meets the needs of the community. Impact The Interim Guide to Indigenous Housing Development and Design provides a high level starting point for First Nations and their partners to help plan and build housing that meets community needs.
Guide available online at www.bchousing.org
Status:
Audience: First Nations housing
professionals, non-profit housing providers, developers, and other stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Student Research: Impacts of COVID-19 on Equity-Seeking Populations
Description The purpose of this project is to document impacts of recent pandemics on equity-seeking populations and lessons learned. This research also highlights initiatives undertaken by all levels of government, including First Nations communities, in response to COVID-19. In particular, the research documents initiatives to assist at-risk populations, including people experiencing homelessness. This project was undertaken by three students at UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning. The research includes: • a literature review to document impacts and lessons learned from recent pandemics, including COVID-19, SARS, MERS, and H1N1, particularly in terms of impacts related to health and housing • a literature review to document initiatives undertaken by the federal, provincial/territorial governments, First Nations communities, and local governments in Canada in response to COVID-19, particularly initiatives targeted to assist equity-seeking populations • a literature review and case studies to learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on people experiencing homelessness as well as initiatives under - taken in Canada and other countries to specifically address their needs Impact This research project will enhance understanding about how pandemics can affect equity-seeking populations and will inform policy and program planning to increase resilience.
Status: Project underway Partners: UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning Audience: City planners, community
agencies, general public, housing providers, local governments, non-profit housing providers, non- profit sector, other levels of government, provincial and federal government, researchers, and students
2211
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
DISTINCT POPULATIONS
Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Programs – Pandemic Data: Impacts and Outcomes Series
Description Through the Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Programs (WTHSP), BC Housing supports more than 110 transition houses, safe homes and second stage housing programs for women with or without children who are at risk of violence, or who have experienced violence. The programs provide women and children with a temporary safe place to stay, support services, referrals and assistance in planning next steps. In April 2020, BC Housing began setting up expansion sites across British Columbia as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This ensured continuing support for women and children fleeing violence who require their own room to self-isolate, quarantine or due to vulnerable health. These spaces also helped create physical distancing at existing WTHSP sites. The expansion sites are mostly located in hotels and motels around the province, secured by BC Housing or a WTHSP provider. The report summarizes the administrative data provided by WTHSP expansion and existing providers to BC Housing during the pandemic period. It includes information about stays at WTHSP expansion and existing sites, who is accessing the programs, program statistics and outcomes. Impact This data helps inform current and future decision-making and emergency planning. The information shows the effect of the COVID-19 on the WTHSP sector and how the sector has continued to support women and children experiencing violence during the pandemic.
NEW PROJECT Status:
Project underway Audience: Non-profit housing providers,
municipalities, provincial government, public, and other stakeholders
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Studies and Best Practices from BC Communities
Description Many B.C. municipalities now have policies and zoning in place to allow for secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Despite the introduction of the policies, there has been a slow uptake in adding secondary suites and ADUs. This research project looks to understand the current situation in B.C.’s small and medium-sized communities including the main barriers to the construction of ADUs and lessons learned. The research findings will be used to develop a set of best practice guidelines that will encourage and support a greater uptake of ADU housing units throughout B.C. Impact Providing best practice guidelines to encourage greater use of accessory dwelling units in B.C.’s small- and medium-sized communities will help ease the lack of rental housing and improve housing diversity in the province.
Status: Report available online at www.bchousing.org Partners: WCS Engagement + Planning Audience: Builders, planners, and non-profit housing sector
2233
HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Building Knowledge and Capacity for Affordable Housing in Small Communities – Final Reports (Campbell River and Invermere)
Description Affordable housing continues to be a growing concern for communities large and small throughout British Columbia. Most small communities have policies in their Official Community Plans supporting the development of affordable housing, yet implementation of these policies remains a challenge. In the larger urban centres, tools such as density bonuses, inclusionary zoning, amenity cost contributions and development cost charges can be used to support the creation of affordable housing units. However, in smaller communities, these tools may not be as effective or even possible, due to lower density nature and/or rural culture, or the lower demand for development. This research looks at the current situation of affordable housing for small communities in eight regions within B.C. The study identifies areas that require greater capacity and support, as well as municipalities that have successfully implemented affordable housing initiatives. Impact This project focuses on building the knowledge and capacity of small communities to develop more affordable housing, and targets workforce (lower to middle income) housing needs.
Status: Available online at www.bchousing.org Partners: Whistler Centre for Sustain - ability, Columbia Basin Trust, Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation, Real Estate Foundation of BC, other partners
Audience: Builders, planners,
governments, and the non-profit sector
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HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
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