Mary in Vancity

At the corner of King George Boulevard and 81 Avenue, a new six-story building opened its doors in January. Habitat@81st was developed by Habitat Housing Society. Habitat Housing Society is a sister to Options Community Services (OCS). The development has brought 100 affordable rental units to Surrey. These units are aimed at people with low to moderate incomes. For many, this project signifies a fresh start. I know this all too well from my own experience coming to Canada as a refugee.

Starting over in a new country is never easy. The challenges go far beyond paperwork and adapting to a new language or culture. Finding stable housing is often the biggest hurdle. When I first arrived in Canada, affordable housing was hard to come by, and the uncertainty of not having a secure place to live added immense stress to an already overwhelming situation. That’s why this project is so important to me. I understand firsthand how having a stable, affordable home can be the foundation you need to rebuild your life.

Habitat@81st signifies more than just housing. The integration of services on the first two floors, provided by Options Community Services, addresses the broader needs of the community. This building offers more than shelter. It offers support through childcare resources and family support programs. These services extend to immigrants and individuals dealing with mental health or addiction challenges.

For families and individuals moving into these units, having access to these services will make a world of difference. When you’re starting from scratch, it’s not just about having a place to sleep; it’s about having a support system that can help you navigate a new life. The programs here, particularly those for immigrants, feel personal to me. I know how important it is to have someone guide you through the initial stages of settlement, especially when you’re feeling lost.

The project itself is a collaboration of many partners. BC Housing contributed over $21 million, with additional support from the federal government and CMHC. Habitat Housing Society provided land and equity, and the City of Surrey and Metro Vancouver waived significant development fees. It’s a testament to what can happen when different levels of government and community organizations come together to solve a shared problem.

But even with all the funding and collaboration, the significance of this project goes deeper for people like me. Affordable housing isn’t just about numbers or government contributions—it’s about providing stability and hope for people who are trying to rebuild their lives from scratch. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving.

As Surrey continues to grow, projects like Habitat@81st are crucial. It might not solve the city’s entire housing crisis, but for the 100 families and individuals who will call this place home, it’s a vital step forward. For me, it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how important it is to make sure others have the same opportunity to start over.

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