How do you select the Top 10 leaders in B.C.’s non-profit and affordable housing community?
A good start is to look at the board of directors and leadership of the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA). While we are not representing the association’s endorsement or support of this list, it is clear that businesses who take on leadership roles within BCNPHA are worthy of consideration for this listing.
We also looked at a variety of other considerations including the businesses or non-profit organizations’ histories, community contributions and innovations.
The Top 10 list is alphabetical. It is challenging enough to figure who should be on this list; let alone rank them in any sort of hierarchy.
A1 Windows
Since its inception in 1992, A1 Windows has become a full-service, independent window manufacturer and installer specializing in residential, commercial and multi-family window replacement. The company provides clients with the very best value in windows and patio doors by combining quality products, award-winning service and everyday competitive pricing. Clients can rely on company employees’ expertise to help guide them through the process and recommend what best suits individual applications and budgets.
Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG)
The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG) provides safe, healthy and affordable housing for Aboriginal people of all incomes, ages, and capabilities. The society serves about 500 people in Prince George on Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory and across many other communities in northern BC. The society has its footprint in 12 communities and provides a variety of housing to meet the needs of families and individuals.
Capital Region Housing Corporation
The Capital Region Housing Corporation is a leader in non-profit housing in the capital region delivering affordable, attractive, inclusive, sustainable housing. With a mission to develop and manage affordable housing within the capital region for low income households, CRHC values honesty, integrity, reliability and openness. The corporation works collaboratively with its stakeholders, community partners and tenants to build safe, vibrant and accessible communities where individuals can feel a sense of pride and belonging.
Kraus Flooring
Kraus Flooring was founded in Kitchener, ON in 1959. Since that time the company has expanded with 10 offices in Canada and the United States, one of which is located in Delta, BC, with its head office located in mearby Waterloo. The company provides clients with stylish, classic flooring solutions that meet a full spectrum of tastes and budgets. The organization prides itself on unparallelled customer service. Modular tile, hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl are some of the materials well-known to the company. In 2014, Kraus Flooring was presented with a Water Efficiency Award.
Lookout Housing and Health Society
Lookout Housing and Health Society was founded in 1971 to meet the needs of a growing number of homeless adults in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through innovative foresight and determination, Lookout extended its services to include shelters, supportive housing, independent housing, outreach, health services and resource centres. Today, the society operates 42 facilities and four extreme weather shelters serving thousands of individuals annually through its 90 programs in 14 municipalities across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island. The society believes in helping people help themselves.
M’akola Group of Societies
M’akola is a leader in providing appropriate and affordable homes for British Columbia’s Indigenous communities. The society works with its partners and are mindful of Aboriginal traditions while providing and maintaining quality homes. Originally known as the Victoria Native Indian Housing Society when it was founded on Feb. 6, 1984, M’akola was initially formed to help Indigenous families living off-reserve to find affordable and appropriate housing. Currently, M’akola’s housing spans Vancouver Island and Northwest BC with more than 1,600 homes serving more than 5,000 family members.
Spice Management Group
Spice Management Group serves B.C. housing co-ops with a unique level of passion and commitment. It offers a diversity of services to free voluntary co-op board members from day-to-day challenges, reducing costs and stress. And its passionate team works with its clients to source opportunities to expand affordable housing by redeveloping and enhancing existing sites.
See special feature about Spice Management Group here.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Housing
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. operates and manages social, affordable market and non-market housing projects with care and financial due diligence. The organization provides high quality and responsive services for its residents and is committed to social responsibility. Since 2008, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has focused on the needs of those who live in low income rental housing. Working with BC Housing, the cities of Vancouver and Richmond, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is the operator and service provider at seven sites. The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. vision is “a world of multicultural harmony.”
Whistler Housing Authority
The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) is an independent, municipally owned corporation that oversees the development, administration and management of resident restricted housing in Whistler. The organization has a goal of housing at least 75 per cent of employees locally within Whistler and continues to maintain and augment its inventory of resident restricted housing so both rental and ownership accommodations are available and affordable for local income earners and retirees in perpetuity. The WHA has been the recipient of a number of housing awards.
Xpert Mechanical
With its beginnings in 1981, Xpert Mechanical Ltd. has developed a stellar reputation for being one of the oldest and most reliable service companies in the Lower Mainland. The company expanded in 1997 when it purchased Jack K. Lillie Ltd. Technicians on board are experts in all things mechanical and include qualified journeymen and indentured apprentices who are insured, bonded and licensed. The company has the tools with which to design and engineer clients’ projects and the ability to respond to emergencies quickly with 24-hour service, seven days a week, every day of the year.
