Richmond housing shortage has social service agency in crisis mode

A social service agency in Richmond, B.C., says it's stretched to the limittrying to keep up with a dramatic rise in people seeking a place to live.

CHIMO Services executive director Diane Sugars says her organization's focus isn't even housing it's helping families in crisis and women and children experiencing domestic violence.

But the issue has become its focus by default because Richmond's rental vacancy rate is at less than one per cent.

"Since last year, we've seen an almost 50 per cent increase in requests for finding housing," Sugars told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

Sugars says Richmond sees homelessness caused by mental health problems and addiction, but they also see seniors living in their cars andfamilies whose home has been sold and left with only a few weeks to move.

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She says in recent weeks, they have tried to prevent three single mothers from going homeless.One was living in her car, one lived in her church and another had to use Airbnb until her money ran out.

'Not being a good neighbour'

Sugars went before Richmond City Council last week to tell them of the increasing demands on her staff.

She says the city is "not being a good neighbour" because many residents aren't able to find a homeand are forced to move to other cities and take up housing there.

"Their response was this is a provincial issue and that's where we should go for assistance," she said. "My feeling is our mayor, Mayor Brodie, should take a leadership role in ending homelessness in Richmond because it can be done."

Brodie says he feels the city is doing all it can.He says the city has secured 1,400 low-income housing units and has spent over $44 million for seniors housing and housing for at-riskfamilies, among other actions.

"But it's an endless challenge that you have," Brodiesaid.

The city is focused on densifying to create more homes,Brodiesays, and new developmentsare required to havea minimum of five out of 80 units ofaffordable housing.

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast

To hear the interview withDiane Sugars, click the audio labelled:Diane Sugars on Richmond's housing problems

To hear the interview with Malcolm Brodie, click the audio labelled: MalcolmBrodieon Richmond's housing problems