Jewish Housing Registry
The Jewish Housing Registry (JHR) was launched in 2020 to provide a comprehensive and convenient housing information database for housing providers and applicants seeking affordable housing.
The JHR integrates information from multiple housing providers under one digital roof with the following goals:
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- Reduce inefficiencies and duplication of intakes among housing providers who process applications from the same applicants.
- Provide a cost-effective source of information to improve the coordination of services.
- Simplify the process for applicants, enabling them to access a single source and to complete only one application form to apply for housing with multiple housing providers.
- Streamline real-time statistics about housing needs, which will enhance future community planning.
- Supply information to housing providers and community agencies that work with individuals seeking affordable housing so that they can assist them effectively.
- Ensure the Applicant’s personal information is managed within privacy legislation (FIPPA & PIPA).
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A Longtime Goal
The idea for a Jewish Housing Registry began when Jewish community leaders recognized that having numerous housing societies operating independently made it very difficult for those seeking community housing to get complete information on available vacancies. It forced them to apply for housing by filling out multiple housing applications with each organization. It was a lengthy and frustrating task for those in need, exacerbating an already stressful situation.
The JHR is an initiative formed in partnership with Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Tikva Housing Society (Tikva) and counted with the collaboration of the Vancouver Jewish Building Society, Yaffa Housing Society, Haro Park Centre Society, and Maple Crest Apartments.
A Game Changer
Since its inception, the JHR resulted in increased operational efficiencies for those supporting housing services and timelier assistance for community members in need. It improved the intake process, simplified procedures and ensured that Jewish applicants received the support they required to reside in affordable housing where Jewish values and practices could be nurtured.
For more information about the JHR, please contact us at info@tikvahousing.org.
To apply, please get in touch with JFS’s community care line at 604-558-5719 or communitycare@jfsvancouver.ca.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver allocated the initial financial support for the registry through the Federation Annual Campaign, and the Jewish Community Foundation provided a grant to fund its implementation.