Safe Harbour is a new supportive housing program for youth and single mothers in Surrey, BC, in partnership with SideBySide Children’s Village Society and supported by Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society, the Greater Vancouver Reaching Home Designated Community Entity, in partnership with Vancity Community Foundation
At a time when housing pressures continue to impact British Columbians of all walks of life, DIVERSEcity is proud to launch a new supportive housing program for youth. Safe Harbour is a transformative transitional housing program designed to support youth and young mothers fleeing violence and experiencing housing instability in Surrey.
Developed through a strong partnership with SideBySide Children’s Village Society, Safe Harbour provides safe, supportive housing and wraparound services for youth aged 16 to 30 who are escaping violence, facing homelessness, aging out of care or navigating complex life circumstances. DIVERSEcity operates three homes, two homes for youth and one for young moms, prioritizing support for Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who often face disproportionate barriers to housing and stability.
Safe Harbour represents a significant milestone for DIVERSEcity as we expand our commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of housing, mental health, community safety and social inclusion. More than just a place to live, Safe Harbour will offer residents access to individualized case management, mental health supports, employment and education pathways, life-skills development and community connections that foster long-term wellbeing and independence.
“For a long time now in our work supporting equity-deserving populations, we have recognized the importance that safe, stable housing has on individuals, their mental health and wellbeing, as well as their sense of belonging and ability to find their purpose,” said Neelam Sahota, Chief Executive Director, DIVERSEcity.
By combining SideBySide’s expertise in child and youth care with DIVERSEcity’s strengths in settlement, mental health, employment and community-based services, Safe Harbour offers a holistic response to youth homelessness and violence prevention.
Sheena Ram, Executive Village Director of SideBySide, said “Our work is rooted in something very simple, yet profoundly important, ensuring that vulnerable young people have a safe place to call home and a genuine opportunity to move forward in their lives. Behind every door we open is a young person carrying more than most of us can imagine — loss, instability, uncertainty and challenges that no one should have to face alone.”
One of the youth, a 17-year-old boy named Chimdi, who has moved into one of the homes, shared his story. “Over the past few months, I faced a lot of uncertainty and I didn’t know what my future would look like and there were days I didn’t know where I would sleep. Being supported by DIVERSEcity’s Safe Harbour program is more than just housing; it’s a community of people who believe in me and my aspirations. They listened keenly to my plans for the future and they took me seriously. I’ve been treated with dignity and respect. For other youth in a similar position, I just want to be an example of the kind of impact this program can have especially on young people. I want to show what is possible.”
Chimdi’s next steps? He was accepted into university in New York to study astrophysics. His plans are to be an astronaut!
A safe harbour where young people can heal
Lenya Wilks, Director, Community Inclusion, Health & Equity, at DIVERSEcity, added: “Safe Harbour demonstrates what is possible when community organizations, funders and government partners come together with a shared purpose and innovative solutions for complex social issues. Together, we are building more than housing, we are creating a safe harbour where young people can heal, belong and build hopeful futures.”
The initiative has been made possible through funding from the Reaching Home Program, Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, administered locally by Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society, the Greater Vancouver Reaching Home Designated Community Entity, in partnership with Vancity Community Foundation.