The Housing NOW Project
In gratitude, The Housing NOW Project acknowledges that we live, work, and learn on the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, the W̱SÁNEĆ, and Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group including Tsawout, Tseycum, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Penelakut, Hwlitsum, Lelum Sar Augh Ta Naogh, Lyackson, and others.
We express our gratitude to the past, present, and future – the ancestors, hereditary leaders and matriarchs for their care of the rich resources and cultural teachings of these unique and beautiful Islands. The Community Resource Centre and the Housing NOW Project commit to creating respectful and reciprocal working relationships with the First Peoples, Métis and Inuit to the benefit of all who reside or visit this place.
About the Project
In 2018, the CRD’s Southern Gulf Islands Housing Needs Assessment confirmed a growing crisis: secure, affordable housing is in short supply—especially for renters and seasonal workers. Many homes are vacant part of the year or used as vacation rentals, pushing local residents out of the market.
The SGI Housing NOW Project is a community-led response to this challenge. Launched by the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre in partnership with the SGI Community Economic Sustainability Commission (CESC), and with funding support from the Capital Regional District and the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society, this initiative aims to identify housing needs and explore flexible, affordable solutions.
With a large senior population and an economy that relies heavily on seasonal workers, our communities need year-round and short-term housing options that actually work. Housing NOW is helping us understand what islanders need—and how we can support more inclusive, sustainable housing in the SGIs.
2024 Aspirations
Fostering Community Through Homeshare
Housing NOW is deepening its commitment to practical, community-rooted housing solutions across the Southern Gulf and Salt Spring Islands. In 2024, we’re building a stronger Homeshare Registry—one that not only connects people with housing, but builds trust, connection, and local resilience.
This year, we’re focused on:
- Community Conversations: Hosting regular circle meetings for open dialogue and shared solutions.
- Outreach & Feedback: Engaging residents through surveys and focus sessions to shape program direction.
- Stronger Online Presence: Launching social media campaigns, newsletters, and success stories to raise awareness and engagement.
- Media Partnerships: Collaborating with local outlets to broaden our reach and amplify community voices.
- Homeshare App: Creating a user-friendly platform to match homeowners and homeseekers, simplifying the connection process.
- Employer Collaboration: Partnering with local businesses to support employee housing and sustainable economic growth.
- Conflict Resolution Tools: Introducing Finding Resolutions, a guide for navigating and resolving homeshare challenges.
Together, we’re building more than housing—we’re nurturing community.
New in 2025
2025 is a year of innovation, connection, and community-powered growth. Housing NOW is launching two major initiatives designed to deepen trust, increase access, and make it easier for islanders to take part in creating housing solutions — together.
New Digital Platform Partnership
We’re teaming up with a trusted digital platform partner to launch a new online housing registry and support hub—making it easier, safer, and more streamlined for homeowners and tenants to participate in local housing solutions. This new system supports both community values and property management needs, bridging the gap between digital access and human support.
What’s Included:
- Verified Profiles & Background Screening: All users go through identity verification and background checks, helping to build trust between homeowners and homeshare participants.
- Secure Rental Collection & Deposit Tracking: Homeowners can receive rent and manage damage deposits digitally, with automatic tracking and secure, transparent record-keeping.
- Tenant Insurance Integration: Tenants will be supported in acquiring optional and affordable insurance coverage, adding peace of mind for everyone involved.
- Equifax Reporting: Renters can opt into having their on-time rent payments reported to Equifax, helping to build or improve credit history through stable housing.
- Optional In-Person Support: Not comfortable navigating it all online? Our Island Associates will help with onboarding, documentation, and move-in/move-out support.
Why this matters: We’re blending the convenience of technology with the warmth and care of local community support. This platform isn’t just about listings — it’s about long-term solutions that work for our unique islands.
Kitchen Table Conversations Guidebook
In our island communities, housing isn’t just a topic — it’s a way of life built on connection, care, and creativity. The Kitchen Table Conversations Guidebook is designed to help homesharers open up meaningful dialogue, share lived experiences and explore housing solutions that reflect the realities and values of island living.
Inside the Guidebook:
- Foundations of the Circle Process: Learn how to create a respectful, inclusive space for dialogue using simple practices drawn from Indigenous and restorative communication traditions.
- Conversation Prompts That Matter: Explore questions designed to spark meaningful dialogue about housing needs, values, and shared visions.
- Homeshare-Focused Discussion Tools: Access practical guidance on how to talk about boundaries, expectations, shared spaces, safety, and compatibility — whether you’re a homeowner or a prospective homesharer.
- Tips for Hosting and Facilitating: Guidance on organizing a successful kitchen table conversation, capturing ideas, and feeding them back into a shared living experience.
Why this matters: Change begins with listening — and real solutions start when people feel heard. These conversations help uncover wisdoms, surface new ideas, and ensure every voice has a seat at the table.
Housing Reports
In 2022, the Community Economic Sustainability Commission and the CRD Board adopted the Southern Gulf Islands Housing Strategy, an important step in the creation of housing opportunities here in the Southern Gulf Islands.
If you would like to discover more about these studies please, click on the links below to read the full documents:
- 2023 Year in Review
- Homes for Islanders (2023)
- CHMC Housing Supply Challenge Engagement Report (2022)
- Southern Gulf Island Housing Strategy (2022)
- Southern Gulf Island Housing Market Analysis (2022)
- Southern Gulf Island Feasibility Analysis (2022)
- Southern Gulf Islands Housing Needs Assessment (2018)
In the spring of 2023, additional support was provided to Housing NOW by the Southern Gulf Island Tourism Partnership Society. This collaborative partnership has allowed for the continued development and implementation of the HN Homeshare Registry on the Islands of Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring, and Saturna – assisting our communities in addressing some of our more immediate workforce housing needs.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Southern Gulf Island Tourism Partnership Society and their work towards building a more balanced visitor economy and experience in the Southern Gulf Islands, please visit the SGITPS website.
