For Immediate Release
April 24, 2024
Seniors benefit from new partnership with supportive non-profit organization
VICTORIA — Seniors and people with diverse abilities at Campbell Lodge are enjoying services provided by a new partnership with Whole Way House, an organization dedicated to improving the experience of those living independently in non-profit housing by creating a sense of community and belonging.
Campbell Lodge is a 100-unit building in the Fairfield neighbourhood which was recently renovated, improving comfort and safety for residents while extending the lifespan of the building. It is part of Greater Victoria Housing Society’s (GVHS) portfolio of 19 buildings in the region, providing high-quality affordable rental housing to seniors, families, working adults and persons with diverse abilities.
While the building is in great shape, Campbell residents may be at risk of loneliness, isolation, and need support to continue living on their own. Recognizing the need to fill this gap, local developer Ryan Jabs of Lapis Homes, and his colleague Jenine Basaraba, stepped in to support a two-year pilot project with Whole Way House.
Whole Way House has a dedicated staff person on-site who enables seniors to age in place with dignity. Residents benefit from assistance with government paperwork, support with cleanliness, and help with accessing health and social services. The program also supports community building through activities such as shared meals, arts & crafts, movie nights, and field trips.
“Over 50 residents joined our recent Easter dinner, and the high attendance shows that residents are finding enjoyment and benefit from the program,” says Jenny Konkin, President of Whole Way House. “We are so pleased to be working with GVHS to support the residents at Campbell Lodge, our first project on Vancouver Island.”
“GVHS is a leading provider of affordable rental housing in the region, and our mission includes working with our residents to ensure high quality tenancies and prevent the risk of homelessness,” added Virginia Holden, Executive Director of GVHS. “This new program fills a gap that is not met elsewhere in the system to allow seniors to stay longer and happier in their homes as they age, and we are grateful to Lapis Homes and Whole Way House for bringing this together.”
Ryan Jabs of Lapis Homes is pleased to see residents becoming involved with the program and with their neighbours so quickly. He says, “More and more people in Victoria and across the country are feeling isolated, many with few opportunities to connect with people around them. When I learned about the work Whole Way House was doing to transform buildings into communities, I was excited to step up and fund this pilot program in Victoria.”
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Media contact, including interview requests for Virginia Holden & Jenny Konkin:
Vanessa Schneider
Manager of Communications and Engagement
Greater Victoria Housing Society
(250) 661-8304
[email protected]
About Greater Victoria Housing Society
Founded in 1956, the Greater Victoria Housing Society is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate income families, seniors, working singles, and adults with diverse abilities who live independently.
We believe that safe and affordable housing is essential to a person’s well-being and a foundation for success in life. We imagine a community where everyone feels at home, where everyone has a home.
Learn more: https://www.greatervichousing.org/
About Whole Way House
Whole Way House provides community building programs and tenant support services to low-income seniors, veterans, families and vulnerable residents to build healthy community in non-profit housing.
We partner with landlords to help reduce the risk of homelessness, increase quality of life and rebuild a sense of belonging.
We currently operate in the Downtown Eastside, across Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey and now Victoria.
Learn more: https://wholewayhouse.ca/
About Lapis Homes
Lapis Homes is a family-run home-building company that creates small multi-family communities that give residents a place to get to know one another and with people in their neighbourhood. We build homes in well-loved neighbourhoods that are well connected by transit, cycling and sidewalks, so that people can spend less time in a car and more time with their families, friends and neighbours.
Learn more: https://www.lapishomes.com/
