Let’s Talk Housing Season 6 Episode 1

In this episode, host Mita speaks with Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH). Together, they explore how ACEH is transforming housing across Vancouver Island through culturally supportive, wraparound, and community-driven approaches that strengthen connection, wellness, and belonging.

Fran shares how programs like the Culturally Aligned Integrated Support (CAIS) — providing 200 rental supplements and seven streams of wraparound care — are improving housing stability across the island.

The conversation also spotlights Sacred Cradle House / Xexe Pahlatsis’lelum (ZEH-zeh pah-HAHL-tsis-LEH-lum), a new home guided by the voices of mothers, matriarchs, and Elders, blending housing, culture, and care for Indigenous families. Through stories of partnership and community leadership, this episode highlights how housing can be a pathway to healing and hope for generations to come.

Guests: Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Director, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness

About:
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is an Indigenous-led non-profit on Vancouver Island dedicated to ending Indigenous homelessness through culturally supportive housing, wraparound care, and system change. Guided by the voices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, ACEH’s “Big House” model blends housing with land-based healing, Elder guidance, and harm reduction rooted in culture. Their programs support individuals, families, and youth through community-driven approaches that restore belonging and wellness. ACEH also advocates for policies that address systemic barriers and advance reconciliation in housing across British Columbia.

Learn more: https://acehsociety.com

#podcast #housing #indigenous

*This episode was filmed during Minister Kahlon’s tenure as Minister of Housing.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, we take a closer look at two programs that are helping British Columbians stay housed—the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) and the Rental Assistance Program (RAP).

These impactful supports provide monthly rent subsidies to seniors and low-income families, easing financial pressure and creating more room for stability, health, and dignity. We’ll explore how these programs work, who they’re designed for, and why they matter, especially in today’s housing landscape. We’ll also highlight the recent changes to the programs that allow more people to qualify for these benefits, as well as increased subsidies to keep up with inflation.

At a time when affordability remains a major concern, this episode highlights how targeted government support can create meaningful, measurable change—helping people not just stay afloat but move forward.

Guests:

· Ravi Kahlon, Former Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia

· Alison Silgardo, CEO, Seniors Services Society of B.C.

About:
To learn more about BC Housing’s RAP and SAFER programs, visit:
Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) | BC Housing

RAP/SAFER Clients: Annual Reapplication and Updates | BC Housing

Learn more about the Seniors Services Society of B.C. here: Supporting vulnerable adults 60 years+ | Seniors Services Society

#podcast #home

How do you create affordable, independent living in a small community? In this episode, we visit Fort St. James, where the new Neghuni Ghunli-un housing facility is providing 36 suites for older adults (55+). Developed in partnership with Nak'azdli Whut'en, this project is the result of a collaboration that reflects the Nation’s leadership in creating culturally safe, community-driven housing solutions. The Nak'azdli Whut'en Nation’s involvement also ensures this project meets the unique needs of its people.

Our guests discuss the challenges of rural housing, the importance of helping seniors age in place, and how keeping elders connected strengthens families, especially in small communities. They also explore why expanding housing efforts into smaller communities is crucial and why focusing beyond the Lower Mainland matters for the future.

Guests:

Paula Wylie, Executive Director, Connexus Community Resources

Kris Neilsen, Family Services and Housing Program Manager, Connexus Community Resources

Learn more about Connexus Community Resources here: https://connexus.ca/

#podcast