More Housing Resources

Housing can come in different forms and cater to different needs. Here you can find information on micro-suites, artist-in-residence opportunities, support services and resources for women, children, Indigenous artists, LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families.

Shared Residential Student Housing

Micro-suites

Micro-suites are small bachelor-style apartments, usually with an induction cook-top, microwave, bed, desk and sink. They may come with or without a private bathroom. These are an option if you are interested in living alone with few personal belongings and plan to be outside rather than stay at home. They are typically in central locations and should be seen in-person to see if it’s a good match. Many students try them and find it too cramped and small but this type of housing may work for some people.

APT Living – An apartment building located in between the Shaughnessy and Fairview neighbourhoods. Bachelor and one bedroom suites available. Prices range from $900-$1100/month.

Artist Residences

Are you wondering what housing opportunities exist for practicing artists? The application and placement process is usually competitive but having affordable, comfortable accommodations within an artistic community may be worth it. There are often long waitlists. Here are a few options below.

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach Art Student Dormitories: A new art student dormitory program hosted by the HI Vancouver hostel. Log into the Housing Blog to get more information on this new opportunity.

Skwachàys Lodge – The Artist-In-Residence program caters to Aboriginal self-identified artists at any stage in their development. The program is under the umbrella of Vancouver Native Housing and BC Housing. Artists are expected to volunteer 8 hours/month and are supported by an award-winning artist community.
Concord Gardens – Artist lofts supported by Richmond’s Affordable Housing Strategy.
321 Railway – Artist live/work studios in the Downtown East Side.
Arc Live Work Studios – Artist live/work studios between the Downtown East Side and North of Commercial Drive.
City of Vancouver Artist Studio Award Program – A competitive award studio program held by the City of Vancouver.

Resources for Families, Women and Children

New Chelsea Society – The society provides affordable housing to families.
Sheway – A comprehensive list of affordable housing for women and children.
The Budzey – Supported housing for women and women-led families.
Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) – The VNHS aims to provide safe, secure housing and community support for Aboriginal individuals, “seniors, youth, women at risk, persons living with mental illness, as well as those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless”.
Safe Homes and Transition Homes for Women Fleeing Violence – BC Housing has compiled a list of services and programs for women fleeing violence.

Resources for Aboriginal Students

Youth Services (below) lists services and support also geared towards Aboriginal youth and students.

Skwachàys Lodge – The Artist-In-Residence program caters to Aboriginal self-identified artists at any stage in their development. The program is under the umbrella of Vancouver Native Housing and BC Housing. Artists are expected to volunteer 8 hours/month and are supported by an award-winning artist community.
Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) – The VNHS aims to provide safe, secure housing and community support for Aboriginal individuals, “seniors, youth, women at risk, persons living with mental illness, as well as those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless”.

Resources for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth

Youth Services (below) lists services and support also geared towards LGBTQ2S+ youth and students.

QMUNITY Youth Services – QMUNITY provides counseling, youth drop-ins, one-on-one peer support, social/support groups and more.
RainCity Housing Support for LGBTQ2S+ Youth – RainCity offers a free housing service for youth to support their long-term success and independence.

Youth Services

Here are a variety of services geared towards youth in their teens to early twenties, youth in crisis and youth who are LGBTQIA2S+ and/or Aboriginal.

Broadway Youth Resource Centre – An information hub providing support to youth on “social, health, education, employment, and life skills”.
Vancouver Housing Support and Assistance – The Broadway Youth Resource Centre provides drop-in services, search help and support, crisis subsidies and furniture assistance to youth.
Vancouver Housing Waitlist – The waitlist to apply for youth housing programs at Thompson Court, The Annex and Kwayatsut.
Kwayasut – A two year supported housing program for Aboriginal youth, LGBTQ2S+ youth and youth under the age of 19. The age of participants range from 16-24. Participants meet with a support worker weekly to outline personal goals and to prepare for long-term success.
Housing Rental Assistance Program – A support service for youth from 16-24 who require help finding housing.
BYRC Resource Room – A drop-in program for youth from 13-24 who want to meet other youth and connect with a support worker and support services.
Youth to Adult Transition Program – A support program for youth from 15-18 to build skills and counselling to live independently.
Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) – The VNHS aims to provide safe, secure housing and community support for Aboriginal individuals, “seniors, youth, women at risk, persons living with mental illness, as well as those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless”.