Pacifica Housing News

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Pacifica Housing Impact Report
2023 Impact Report
With affordable housing and homelessness front and center in the news — and with provincial and national elections around the corner — we want to provide an update on what we've been doing at Pacifica Housing. Below you will find a link to our 2023 Impact Report. We are excited to share examples of what is working and what we need more of to combat the housing crisis.

We want to draw particular attention to the powerful impact stories that showcase the resilience of those we serve, the dedication and ingenuity of our staff, and the effectiveness of the Housing First model.

Addressing the housing crisis takes all of us working together towards holistic, meaningful change. Thank you for standing with us and being part of this vital work. We hope you take a few moments to read our full report and see the difference you have helped create in our efforts to advance the independence of individuals and families through equitable housing and supportive services.
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The Aurora Open House
06 June - Welcome to The Aurora!
On Friday, June 2nd, we welcomed neighbours and community partners to an open house at the newest supportive housing site we operate, The Aurora, in Central Saanich. Over the course of the day, we hosted well over 100 individuals who came to see the beautiful new building, learn more about supportive housing, and have the chance to ask questions and offer feedback to staff...
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Dalmatian is now open
02 May - The Dalmatian Is Now Open!
The past week has given us several opportunities to celebrate and recognize the official opening of The Dalmatian.

The Dalmatian is the first of its kind in Victoria. Located above the new Victoria Fire Hall No.1, it consists of 130 affordable homes and is a combination of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is the result of a partnership between the City of Victoria...


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April 13th CBC Interview (Website)
21 April - Times Colonist Opinion Piece: We need supportive housing that works for every community
We are thrilled with the number of new supportive housing sites opening across the capital region, however, more is still needed to meet growing homelessness in our communities. This includes additional units and better infrastructure put in place in existing older buildings.

We, along with Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, Victoria Cool Aid Society, and Our Place Society give commentary on what needs to happen in this opinion piece for the Times Colonist:


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April 13th CBC Interview (Website)
14 April - Listen to Pacifica Housing CEO, Carolina Ibarra, speak with CBC Radio host Jason D'Souza about the BC Government's new Housing Plan.
On April 13th Pacifica Housing CEO, Carolina Ibarra, interviewed with CBC Radio Host Jason D’Souza to chat about the BC Government’s latest housing plan. Take a listen to hear her talk about what she hopes to see come out of the plan, and what needs to change...
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Feb 28 CBC Interview
28 February - Pacifica Housing CEO Talks Affordable Housing Needs and BC's Upcoming 2023 Budget Announcement on CBC Radio
Today is Budget Day in British Columbia, as the Minister of Finance Katrine Conroy will stand in the House to deliver the 2023 Budget Speech. Pacifica Housing CEO Carolina Ibarra joins Michelle Eliot, host of CBC Radio's BC Today to talk about the upcoming budget...
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A View from Supportive Housing Leading Into 2023
03 February - Long Reads: A View from Supportive Housing Leading Into 2023
Our homelessness and drug toxicity crisis is deepening. Yet, we do have bright spots among the seemingly insurmountable challenges. The solutions are in plain sight, they just need to be consistently and cohesively applied. Hear (read) me out and consider the following...
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Jan 10 CBC Interview (Website)
10 January - Pacifica Housing CEO joins CBC radio to discuss the Office of the Auditor General's report into chronic homelessness.
A report released in November 2022 by the Auditor General's Office of Canada focused on chronic homelessness and the effectiveness of the current federal government's National Housing strategy. The report found that there was minimal federal accountability...
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VIHLN News Release
06 January - City of Victoria takes decisive steps toward housing affordability
The Vancouver Island Housing Leadership Network (VIHLN) is a coalition of non-profit affordable housing providers who serve on the frontlines of the housing crisis. We commend the City of Victoria for passing a motion that includes instructing staff to explore the implications of formally endorsing the six calls to action for municipal governments to address our housing crisis issued this past September. Addressing such a motion this early in their term demonstrates a clear commitment to housing affordability...
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Central Saanich SH
01 December - Pacifica Housing to Operate New Supportive Housing in Central Saanich

Pacifica Housing is very pleased to share that we will be the operators of the new Supportive Housing site under construction at 1909 Prosser Road in Central Saanich. BC Housing is purchasing a building with 39 new permanent homes that will be used for supportive housing for people who are marginalized and experiencing homelessness in Central Saanich...

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CBC Radio
18 November - Carolina Ibarra speaks with CBC Radio's Michelle Eliot
On the day new BC Premier David Eby is sworn in, Pacifica Housing CEO Carolina Ibarra joins Michelle Eliot, host of CBC Radio’s BC Today to talk about the need for the prioritization of purpose-built affordable housing of all types in British Columbia.

Click on the link below to hear Carolina's live, on-air segment and further discussion on how all levels of government have a role to play in combating the housing crisis.
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Remembrance Day
11 November - Remembrance Day
Please note that Pacifica Housing offices will be closed on Friday, November 11 for Remembrance Day. We will be open to serve our community on Monday November 14th.




A call to action
26 September - Listen to Pacifica Housing CEO Carolina Ibarra talk about purpose-built affordable housing on CBC Radio
Carolina Ibarra, Pacifica Housing CEO, joined CBC Radio One Victoria’s Rohit Joseph to discuss the Vancouver Island Housing Leadership Network's (VIHLN) six calls to action for local governments leading up to municipal elections. Municipalities have a huge role ...
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A call to action
22 September - Vancouver Island non-profit housing providers issue calls to action in advance of municipal elections
Fourteen non-profit housing providers from Vancouver Island released a list of calls to action for local governments and candidates for office today in Victoria. The organizations, together under the banner of the Vancouver Island Housing Leadership Network (VIHLN), oversee over 6,000 housing units...
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30 June - Pacifica Housing CEO on CBC Radio to Discuss Affordable Housing
Carolina Ibarra, Pacifica Housing CEO, joined CBC Radio host Gregor Craigie to discuss the current state of affordable housing on the Island and the challenges we face in creating more affordable housing stock in the region.
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29 April - Impact Report 2021
We are proud to share our 2021 Impact Report. If 2020 was the year of resiliency, 2021 was the year of collaboration and determination. Read about how we served the community through housing and supportive services in challenging times.
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A Message from the CEO
25 April - Creating Thriving Communities Means Supporting People in Transition
By Carolina Ibarra - Chief Executive Officer, Pacifica Housing

The Nanaimo News Now recently published an article titled "Prolific offender returns to supportive housing following Nanaimo crime wave." Although the title is unfortunate, the article touches on...
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23 Feb - Call for Expressions of Interest to join the Pacifica Housing Board of Directors
Participation as a Director of Pacifica Housing is rewarding, interesting, and provides a high level of satisfaction. It is an opportunity to make an important contribution to the well-being of thousands of individuals and families, as Pacifica Housing is one of the largest providers of affordable housing and supportive services on Vancouver Island.
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11 Jan - Resident Notice Update on Temporary COVID-19 Operational Changes
As the provincial government has announced several new restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacifica Housing’s head office at 827 Fisgard Street in Victoria will be open to the public on a limited basis to allow residents to pay rent, deliver documents or attend to urgent tenancy related matters in person.... ...
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21 Dec - Operational Measures for COVID-19 Prevention
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our highest priority remains the health and safety of our residents, clients, and staff members. In response to the growing COVID-19 cases on the Island, Pacifica Housing will be scaling back our in-person interactions and limiting our office hours and services to scheduled appointments. These changes will remain effective immediately until January 7, 2022. We will re-evaluate the operational measures prior to January 7, 2022... ...
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23 Nov - City of Victoria Building Blocks: Affordable Housing and Co-location
Pacifica Housing was pleased to present at the City of Victoria Building Blocks Lunch and Learn series on Affordable Housing and Co-location last week...
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19 Nov - Meet Inge: Pacifica Seniors Lodge Resident
Pacifica Housing prides itself on cultivating thriving communities. At Pacifica Seniors Lodge (PSL) in Nanaimo, our 92-year-old resident, Inge is not only inspiring her neighbours and staff, but also the community. ...
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16 Nov - Pacifica Housing Receives the 2021 BCNPHA FortisBC Energy Conservation Leader Award
Pacifica Housing was pleased to present at the City of Pacifica Housing is proud to be awarded the 2021 Fortis Energy Conservation Leader Award....
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