We are a mix of homeowners and renters, including policy analysts, mapping/zoning specialists, students, and more. We are all community volunteers that are passionate about making Victoria more affordable for primary homeowners and renters.
We want to transparently cast a light on what councillors support/don’t support so that people can pressure them to support policies that are the most impactful. Every councillor pays lip service to affordability, but we want to show with data which of them are actually attempting to make it more affordable through bold action rather than maintaining the status quo, which in turn will only worsen affordability.
We welcome everybody to join our chat and help our efforts, including developers and politicians. However, we are an entirely volunteer-driven group and do not accept funding from any political or industry group.
Our efforts run parallel to the changes we’d like to see at a federal level. We decided that there was a need for a group that had a local focus since we believe that it's a different set of problems that deserves its own approach.
If you would like to know more about us, join our Discord chat or email us.
Here are a few of the core contributors:
Sam believes that the first step in building a vibrant and sustainable community is to fix the housing crisis. His interest in transportation and urban planning stems from a childhood of joyfully riding trolleys, trams, busses, and trains. Today, he sees every day the impact of decades of anti-housing policy in the struggle that friends and family have finding housing in BC.
Phil and his family love living in the CRD. He is passionate about improving home affordability and addressing climate change. He joined Homes for Living as a volunteer as densification, building the missing middle, and rezoning merge these passions.
Erin's concerns about the ramifications unaffordable and insecure housing have on her family & her generation motivated her to volunteer. She is hopeful that HFL's proposed policy changes will have a positive effect on affordability, equality, and climate action, resulting in a more liveable city.
After hunting for a house and having his eyes opened to the insane lack of affordable housing, Nathan created HFL so that people could organize to fix the affordability crisis in Victoria.
Luna’s interest in housing and transportation stems from her personal experiences growing up in Victoria, where she witnessed the growing housing crisis and the lack of meaningful action to address it. She hopes to help prevent others from experiencing these challenges.
Robert is a life-long Victoria resident that is unhappy seeing housing shortages & price escalation displace his friends. He believes that municipal reform to legalize cheaper housing is our best tool for addressing our overlapping affordability, climate, transportation & livability challenges.
Jack grew up in Victoria and wants to stay, but is struggling to afford life in the city he loves. He believes that good housing policy is a key factor in solving not just the housing crisis, but the climate crisis as well. He is passionate about all things urbanism.
Leo lives with his family in Saanich and has been analyzing the Victoria real estate market since 2010. Leo hopes his kids will continue to be able to live in Victoria when they grow up, and is interested in working towards a more affordable and sustainable future.
