Raincity Housing Collective Agreement: A Comprehensive Overview
The Raincity Housing Collective Agreement is a landmark agreement between the City of Vancouver and Raincity Housing, a social housing provider in the city. The agreement is a major step towards addressing the ongoing issue of homelessness and providing affordable housing to those in need.
The agreement, signed in 2019, aims to provide 600 units of supportive housing to people experiencing homelessness across Vancouver. The units will be built over the next four years and will be operated by Raincity Housing. The agreement also includes a commitment to providing on-site support services such as healthcare, addiction support, and employment resources.
One of the key features of the Raincity Housing Collective Agreement is its focus on the principles of harm reduction. The agreement acknowledges that many people experiencing homelessness have complex mental health and addiction issues and requires that on-site support services be provided to address these issues.
The agreement also includes a commitment to using a Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing people experiencing homelessness with stable housing first and then addressing other issues such as health and addiction. This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing homelessness and improving overall health outcomes for those experiencing homelessness.
Another important aspect of the agreement is its focus on building relationships between tenants, staff, and the community. The agreement requires that tenants be involved in the decision-making process for their housing and that staff provide a safe and respectful environment for tenants. This approach recognizes that housing is more than just four walls and a roof, but is also about building a sense of community and belonging.
The Raincity Housing Collective Agreement is a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing issue of homelessness in Vancouver. The agreement’s commitment to harm reduction, Housing First, and building relationships between tenants, staff, and the community is a model that other cities can follow. By providing stable, supportive housing to those in need, we can work towards ending homelessness and building a more equitable and just society.
