HELPING TO HOUSE THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

In 2020, JFS and Tikva Housing Society officially launched the first-ever Jewish Housing Registry (JHR) to help address the issues of homelessness in the Jewish Community. Tikva Housing is one of the four housing providers available in this registry, responsible for long-term housing solutions in the community.

Viktoriia Bernard is JFS’ Housing Care Manager, working with those who require immediate assistance as well as providing ongoing support to the clients residing in Tikva-managed buildings. Her current 103 clients are diverse, ranging from seniors to single mothers, and families to young adults.

Viktoriia’s role sees her providing support at every step of the housing journey, from help filling out housing documents, applying for subsidies, and finding a mover, to coordinating programs and JFS services with clients living in Tikva Housing. “It’s rewarding when you can help clients and ensure their tenancy is successful.”

Part of that success comes from connecting residents with each other and their community. Whether through securing subsidized tickets for local events and attractions or helping residents build a community garden, Viktoria empowers her clients to initiate a sense of community with each other.

With six different residences around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Tikva Housing is a community within a community.

JFS is grateful for partnerships with organizations like the Tikva Housing Society that allow us to tackle critical housing issues by helping people maintain and keep their homes.