Women leaving abusive relationships cannot afford to wait on a list. Co-ops can help by providing priority access into their co-op communities. To date, transition and second stage homes only meet women’s short term housing needs. Women require long term housing solutions. Please consider meeting with your co-op members to discuss whether you would like to adapt a policy which provides women who leave abusive relationships with priority status in co-ops.

Once your co-op has developed a policy to welcome women into their housing co-ops, we recommend that you begin building relationships with transition and second stage housing staff so they can suggest suitable applicants. Co-ops can also contact BC Housing’s priority placement for applicants as well. Subsidized units are in high need.

Use your co-op’s own selection process to choose the best candidate for your co-op.