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About Us
The Lower Mainland Network for Affordable Housing responds to housing issues and works to raise the profile of affordable housing in our communities. Since 1992 participants in the Network have been an active voice promoting affordable housing alternatives, working with municipal councils and staff members and community groups throughout the region, keeping people better informed about housing issues and options, and paving the way for the development of more affordable housing in many Greater Vancouver communities.
The Network provides:
- Information. In the past this has included a newsletter and e-mail updates on breaking news, conferences, workshops, research and other issues pertinent to those interested in affordable housing. We have developed this interactive website to increase access to this type of information. We will be working to optimize information exchange among network participants and other visitors to this site.
- Networking. Guest speakers, members updates and discussions on housing policy issues have been regular features of monthly Network meetings, usually in Vancouver. Minutes from the meetings are now posted in the members' section of the site with updates posted elsewhere on the site. Network Participants can now link directly to edit their own profiles, add their own links and documents and provide suggestions for discussion.
- A public voice for affordable housing. Over the last decade the Network and its Advocates have ensured that the affordable housing was on the table at municipalities, the GVRD, provincially and federally. We have promoted issues ranging from legalizing secondary suites, to municipal tools supporting affordable housing, to a federal housing plan, to continuation of a provincial housing program.
- On behalf of the Network, representatives may attend municipal council meetings to speak in favour of affordable housing policies in Official Community Plans or specific projects seeking zoning approval and zoning regulations that support affordable housing. We may meet with elected officials including housing ministers and regional representatives to promote affordable housing policies, and participate on multi-stakeholder committees.
- Education. Education is powerful. The more people know about, understand and communicate the value of affordable housing for healthy communities, the more positive action there will be on this front. In partnership with other groups the Network organizes workshops and public events such as lectures or all candidates meetings on housing issues during elections. In the past we have organized events such as public art displays, a film night, and a youth art show on housing. By keeping affordable housing in the media and the public consciousness, we hope to influence public policy.
- Support to community groups. The Network tries to lend support to groups working to advance housing issues in their communities through: information workshops; membership on local committees; assisting groups with technical information; and helping groups prepare to meet with municipal officials and others in their community.
- Links. The Network is active in illuminating the links between affordable housing and other key and emerging issues such as economic vitality, sustainable communities, child poverty, and health. We also raise awareness of the need to include affordable housing in planning for major events such as the CitiesPlus initiative, the GVRD Sustainable Regions initiative, and the 2010 Olympics bid.
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