Tikva Housing Society

Tikva and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. launch 138 new affordable homes for residents at Dogwood Gardens in Vancouver

Media Release 

Jan. 10, 2023
For Immediate Release

Vancouver, B.C. – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Tikva Rental Housing Society have come together to make 138 new affordable homes available in Vancouver as part of an innovative partnership with the City of Vancouver.  

Dogwood Gardens is a new affordable housing site that is part of the City of Vancouver’s Cambie Gardens development. The project was developed through the City’s inclusionary zoning policy, which provides social housing to the City as a Community Amenity Contribution from the developer, and it will be co-managed by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Tikva.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of Dogwood Gardens,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who was in attendance at the launch event. “The City of Vancouver is committed to delivering much-needed quality housing while developing collaborative relationships with community partners. We applaud the work of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Tikva who have helped expand options for culturally appropriate housing across our city.”  

Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., explained the development was another critical piece in solving the affordable housing puzzle. “We’re proud to be able to help find solutions to the housing affordability crisis in our region through innovative partnerships like this one,” Choo said. “The need in the community has increased exponentially since we began working in affordable housing in 2008. We’re thrilled to be able to bring more safe, accessible and affordable homes to Vancouver residents.” 

Tikva Executive Director Anat Gogo shared that the Dogwood Gardens development would provide a new hub for the community. “We are excited to partner with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in the delivery of Dogwood Gardens,” Gogo said. “Tikva plays a fundamental role in meeting the unprecedented demand of our community for affordable housing and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). The individuals and families who will make this building their home have a great opportunity to live, work and play close to Jewish schools, recreation centres and synagogues.”

Among the new tenants supported at Dogwood Gardens is Yaron Komari. He lost his housing and job as an electrician after developing health issues and was living in a rooming house until he was able to move into a suite managed by Tikva in November.  

“You can’t even begin to imagine what it felt like to get the call that my application had been approved. There was now hope,” Komari said. “With only the clothes on my back, my old laptop, and the Chabad community’s help, I moved into a furnished apartment. It is my home. I have a fridge that I can store my food in, I have a kosher kitchen where I can prepare my own meals and I have the peace of mind that I am safe and secure.  For the first time in years, I have slept through the night. Tikva housing has changed my life.”  

Quick facts: 

  • Of the 138 new homes, there are 34 studio units, 35 one-bedroom units, 41 two-bedroom units and 28 three-bedroom units. 
  •  There will be a mix of rents, including: 14 shelter rate units. 
  • 10 units are reserved for people in the province’s Supporting Tenants, Enabling Pathways (STEP) program which helps them transition out of supportive housing.  
  • 55 units will be rented at rates affordable to people who earn up to BC Housing’s Housing Income Limits (HILs). 
  • 69 units will rent at lower-end-of-market with rents roughly 10 per cent below market rate. 
  • The development will include amenity space, children’s play area, parking and storage.  
  • It is the first of four affordable housing buildings being developed at Cambie Gardens which will ultimately provide 540 new affordable homes.  

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Housing
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been operating and managing affordable housing projects across Metro Vancouver since 2008. We operate and manage more than 900 affordable housing units in Burnaby, Richmond and Vancouver in collaboration with BC Housing and Metro Vancouver municipalities. The residents we serve are from diverse cultural backgrounds and include immigrants, refugees, seniors, people with disabilities, people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness, families and people living on low incomes. Learn more at: successbc.ca/affordable-housing

About Tikva
Operating since 2007, Tikva’s mission is to provide access to innovative and affordable housing solutions, primarily for Jewish individuals and families. Tikva operates 128 units in five housing communities in Vancouver and Richmond, and a rent subsidy program that provides temporary financial assistance to private market renters. We offer affordable rental housing to a range of low and moderate-income households including individuals and families. Tikva is guided by Tikkun Olam – a commitment to repairing the world – we can and will make a difference…one home at a time. Learn more at: tikvahousing.org

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