Partner Highlight: Vancouver Housing Authority
Shelter Renovations Couldn't Happen Without the VHA
In partnership with the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) and Access Architecture, the SafeChoice Domestic Violence emergency shelter is looking forward to upcoming building renovations, which are set to begin in August 2019.
The improvements will increase accessibility, safety, and comfort for survivors and their children escaping unsafe situations.
Supporting the Shelter's Renovations
VHA and the City of Vancouver have proven to be strong supporters of SafeChoice shelter programming by dedicating VHA funding, City Community Development Block Grant and City Affordable Housing Funds to the shelter improvement projects to address health, safety, and livability challenges.
In collaboration with VHA and Access Architecture, SafeChoice leadership has had the opportunity to reimagine the shelter’s community living and outdoor recreational spaces, keeping in mind trauma-informed design practices, accessibility, recreation, and security measures.
Shelter Renovation Details
The project will include renovation of the community kitchen and dining room, an accessible restroom, indoor children’s playroom, backyard expansion, and playground.The kitchen and dining spaces will be relocated to a different area of the building to allow for an accessible entryway and exit from the building, as well as increased line of sight for parents supervising children who are playing outdoors. The kitchen upgrade will include durable cabinetry, locking food storage cabinets, accessible kitchen appliances, and increased natural lighting.
The backyard renovation will include new fencing expanded to property lines to increase safe and secure recreational space for residents, as well upgraded commercial playground equipment for children. The indoor playroom will serve as a safe place for parents to play with their children and for facilitation of our Children’s Advocacy Program (CAP).For more information regarding our partners and shelter improvement projects:
- Affordable Housing Fund – https://www.cityofvancouver.us/ced/page/affordable-housing-fund
- Access Architecture – https://www.access-arch.com/ywca-shelter-renovation