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Charla Huber: Politicians working to solve housing woes

When I write this column as my side job, I am a journalist. Through my full-time job, I spend my time devoted to Indigenous affordable housing.
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MP Randall Garrison is asking housing providers what he can do to help, writes Charla Huber.

When I write this column as my side job, I am a journalist. Through my full-time job, I spend my time devoted to Indigenous affordable housing.

I’ve been able to reflect that my experience with politicians changed when I stopped being a newspaper reporter and entered the role I have now. As a reporter, it was my role to speak with these leaders and share their goals and perspectives with the public.

Now, when I find myself in opportunities to meet politicians, they listen to what I have to say and they are seeking guidance on how they can better serve their constituents. I’ve always respected politicians, and lately my experiences have only heightened that.

This is an exciting time to work in affordable housing because strides are being made and support is coming from all directions. In the past two years, we’ve seen a national housing strategy and funding promises from the federal government, and the provincial government has launched many funding programs to promote the development of more affordable housing in our province. This even includes the first time our provincial government has offered funding for on-reserve housing.

I have spoken with people who have dedicated their lives to the affordable housing sector and they have told me with enthusiasm that in their 20-plus years working in housing, the sector has never been more supported in British Columbia. Things are impressive when it comes to the development of affordable housing.

We all know there is a housing crisis and there are thousands of people who are in desperate need of safe, affordable housing. There are also thousands of people working to make that happen, and to me it’s important that we recognize that. To be successful, it’s crucial to secure funding and support from all levels of government, as well as for housing providers to develop innovative partnerships that make it possible to get more housing built.

Recently, I was invited to the legislature for a meeting with Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing. I was asked to share affordable-housing success stories that were made possible by the support of the provincial government and innovative partnerships. I also highlighted how Indigenous communities can be included and acknowledged in all projects in our province.

I think it’s important that when things are working and success is being created, that we include our politicians in hearing these good stories. So often, we turn to politicians to tell them what is going wrong and where balls are being dropped. Politicians work hard to serve us in our municipalities, province and country. It’s not always perfect, but good things are happening.

Last week, I met with MP Randall Garrison and we chatted about affordable housing. He asked me and other team members how the federal government could do a better job supporting affordable housing. To me this was a notable question. Garrison is asking the housing providers what he can do to help.

We are lucky to have many politicians who are willing to take the time to ask the questions and, more importantly, listen to what can be done. I’ve had similar conversations with Premier John Horgan and MLA Mitzi Dean about affordable housing and Indigenous engagement, too.

Here I am just writing about my own experiences, but I am well aware that there are people more well-versed in affordable housing who are being included in far more conversations. Everything is better with partnerships, and solutions are found when we all work together with a common goal.

So often, people like to complain about our government. Yes, it’s true that there is room for improvement, but there is room for improvement in all offices and all industries. I think we will have many more success stories if we can focus on what is working and then continue to do it.

There isn’t an overnight answer, but if we all continue to participate in the marathon, eventually we’ll reach the goal. With the support of our governments the race is easier to run and when we are able to cross the finish line, everyone wins.

Charla Huber is the director of communications and Indigenous relations for M’akola Group of Societies.