Supportive Housing (SRO) Management
Our experience with non-profit housing started in 1983, and we understand the unique requirements of not-for-profit societies, their funders, and funding programs.
Atira Property Management Inc. has managed the properties of its parent society: Atira Women’s Resource Society for more than 20 years. Our full range of professional property management services are designed to support the mandates of our not-for-profit housing societies.
If you’d like to request non-profit services, give us a call at (604) 439-8848 (Vancouver) or (604) 535-8080 (Surrey). Or for less urgent inquiries, send us an email.
Buildings demographics
In order to comprehend the demographic composition of the Hotel Portfolio, it is necessary to examine the demographics of the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Over the past few decades, there has been a prevailing sense that the conventional norms and regulations do not hold true and cannot be effectively applied in Vancouver’s DTES. The neighborhood is known for its challenging environment, and the lives of its residents are marked by complexity. The majority of individuals in the area face poverty and contend with issues related to substance abuse, mental and emotional well-being, as well as spiritual challenges. Moreover, a significant number of women are involved in street-level sex work. Sadly, many residents are vulnerable and prone to experiencing violence and exploitation. The Downtown Eastside is also home to a notable presence of individuals who prey on the most vulnerable citizens, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.
The neighborhood is widely recognized for its high rates of unemployment, homelessness, poverty, drug use, crime, violence, and engagement in street-level or survival sex work. According to the City of Vancouver’s DTES Local Area Profile of 2012, as well as the 5th and 6th Homeless Count in the City of Vancouver conducted in March 2012, among the approximately 18,000 people residing in the DTES, over 1,600 individuals were homeless during that year. Within this homeless population, 40% were reported to be dealing with mental illness, and 82% disclosed experiencing one or more health conditions. The challenging circumstances and societal stigma surrounding the residents of Vancouver’s DTES greatly impede their quality of life and limit their access to opportunities. Many individuals in the DTES struggle to secure employment, leading them to depend on societal and government income assistance in order to meet their basic needs and survive.
What we do
APMI is dedicated to employing low- or no-income residents from the DTES, preferably individuals who are currently living in SROs themselves. This approach aims to help these residents achieve financial stability while investing back into the social fabric of the DTES. By providing employment opportunities, APMI aims to break the cycle of poverty, reduce unemployment, decrease reliance on government funding, and create space in supported housing for other individuals as these resident employees transition to more stable housing themselves.
APMI follows a policy of employing individuals who have lived experience, aiming to fill 80 percent of their workforce with such individuals. This practice allows APMI to prioritize hiring individuals who have direct personal understanding of the challenges faced by residents in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community. By emphasizing the inclusion of those who have personally lived through similar circumstances, APMI aims to create a more empathetic and supportive environment for its employees and the residents they serve.
Buildings
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) stands as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in Canada. APMI oversees the management of 20 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels within the DTES, which offer secure, supportive and affordable housing for individuals who face difficulties finding stable housing, including both men and women. The dedicated staff at these hotels provide valuable support to tenants, helping them stabilize their lives, improve their independent living skills, and reintegrate with their communities.
- 566 Powell
- Carl Rooms
- Flint Hotel
- Hazelwood Hotel
- Patricia Hotel
- Sarah Ross
- Savoy Hotel
- Arco Hotel
- Hotel Canada
- Hutschinson Block
- Luugat Hotel
- Murray Hotel
- St. Helen’s Hotel
- Aayin
- Colonial Hotel
- Cordova Rooms
- Dominion Hotel
- Gastown
- Nora Hendrix Place
- The Tawow
- Patrick Anthony
Building Services provided
- Private rooms, with doors that lock in an apartment-style building
- Shared bathroom and kitchen
- Meal program
- Access to laundry facilities
- Access to support staff – 24/7
- Referrals to other community services
- Access to health supports
Staffing Compliment
Front Desk Workers
The position of front-desk worker includes maintaining the safety and security of the premises while on shift, responding to questions of tenants, answering the phone and responding to questions/taking messages from callers, undertaking hourly floor and room checks; to open doors for tenants (respectfully), keep hallways clear of all items, manage guest list, ensure safety of tenants by keeping an eye on the surveillance cameras, reporting any and all activity via logbook; and other duties as may be assigned by the building/program manager and or the property manager.
Building Services Worker Duties
Performs cleaning duties such as cleaning floors and carpets; disposing of garbage; cleaning windows; dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures; maintaining the cleanliness of the common areas, including bathrooms and the grounds. Reports any damage and/or problems in the building to the office logbook and to the Program Manager. Cleaning units to prep for move in and move out is a requirement.
Tenant Support Worker
Tenant support workers (TSWs) offer non-judgmental support, advocacy, and resource information to tenants of APMI. They establish and nurture relationships with collateral agencies and community groups, possessing specific knowledge about available community resources from both private and government sectors. TSWs prioritize and uphold absolute confidentiality for the organization and its clients. Their primary objective is to provide assistance to tenants, ensuring they maintain their housing and receive the necessary support.
Health Care Support Worker
The HCSW plays a vital role in providing daily support to the residents, addressing their diverse mental and physical health needs, and offering practical assistance. They also work to establish connections with health services within the community, ensuring that the residents can access the necessary resources for their well-being.
Partnerships
BC Housing is dedicated to providing subsidized housing options that come with comprehensive on-site support services. These services are specifically designed to cater to the needs of single adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who are either at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness. BC Housing recognizes the critical importance of addressing the housing needs of these vulnerable populations and works tirelessly to ensure they have access to safe and affordable housing solutions. By combining subsidized housing with on-site support, BC Housing aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes stability, empowerment, and improved well-being for individuals in need.
https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Supportive-Housing-Registry-Application-Form.pdf
- Step #1: Complete Page 2 and 3 of the Application Form in full.
- Step #2: Sign and date the Declaration and Consent on page 4.
- Step #3: Submit the application to this address: 297 E. Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1P2