For Surrey's Cathy and Sophia, the Habitat@81 affordable housing development has been nothing short of life-changing.
A retiree on a fixed pension, struggling to afford basic necessities before moving to Habitat@81, Cathy says the experience was a financial lifesaver. “I’m on a pension and the prices keep going up and up,” she says. “Before this, I could barely buy food. I’d have to pick and choose which days I could drive my car because I couldn’t afford gas every day.”
The affordable rent at Habitat has allowed her to live comfortably, maintain her car and find a sense of security, she says, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing, especially in a rapidly growing city like Surrey.
Thanks to Options Community Services more Surrey individuals and families will find the housing they need. On Sept. 28, Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden headlines the Building Hope Gala Concert at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre, raising funds for a new affordable housing initiative.
Life at Habitat@81
Like Cathy, Sophia's experience has been life-changing. For her, Habitat@81 meant escaping homelessness, as she and her boyfriend had been living in their car before finding stability in this mixed-income development. “It’s been an actual blessing for me and my boyfriend. It really alleviated a lot of stress and gave us our own independence,” she says, crediting the sense of community and supportive Options staff who've provided much-needed support.
A concert for a great cause
To support the construction of more affordable housing such as Habitat@81st, excitement is growing for the Gala Fundraising Concert. Featuring performances by Jann Arden, husband-and-wife duo Twin Flames and Ranj Singh & The Discriminators, reuniting after 12 years.
The night of music will feature live auction prizes including two first-class Air Canada tickets to any destination the airline flies. Attendees can also win exciting door prizes, like two tickets to Taylor Swift’s Vancouver concert and a $750 WestJet gift card, plus more.
Twin Flames’ Chelsey and Jaaji also have a personal connection to the cause. Early in their careers, they faced financial hardship but were able to pursue their musical dreams after receiving non-profit housing support. “It essentially felt like we were winning the lottery,” Chelsey recalls, reflecting on the relief that affordable housing brought them.
The Building Hope Gala Concert is not only an opportunity to enjoy a night of incredible music but also a chance to make a meaningful difference. Gala tickets ranging from $100 and up are available at tickets.bellperformingartscentre.com. Your participation in the Building Hope Gala Concert will help make affordable housing a reality for more families in need.
Related: Surrey's Ranj and the Discriminators reunite to support those impacted by housing insecurities
Related: 'A place to call home:' Gala Concert drives affordable housing project for Surrey