After more than a decade of persistence, Hollyburn Community Services Society is launching an innovative housing solution designed to address the growing senior housing crisis in Vancouver and across the North Shore. As housing affordability declines and social isolation increases among older adults, the urgency for creative, community-based solutions has never been greater.
The Seniors Hidden Housing Project, affectionately described as “the Golden Girls meets eHarmony,” responds to a critical and growing need. With pilot funding now secured, the project aims to tackle several interconnected challenges facing seniors today, including:
- Thousands of seniors living alone in detached homes across the North Shore
- Escalating rental costs that make secure housing increasingly unattainable
- The direct link between social isolation and poorer health outcomes, including increased hospital visits
By thoughtfully matching compatible seniors to share existing homes, the Seniors Hidden Housing Project reduces housing costs while fostering meaningful connection—supporting both financial stability and overall well-being.
The concept was originally developed through early seed grants and later strengthened through a three-year research project funded by CMHC’s Solutions Lab, in partnership with SFU’s Renewable Cities initiative. This research demonstrated the model’s potential as a scalable, community-based housing solution that reduces pressure on government-run assisted living facilities, which come at a significant cost to taxpayers.
“Finding funding was extremely challenging,” says Joy Hayden, Director of Innovation and Engagement at Hollyburn Community Services. “We consistently heard that the idea was brilliant, but it didn’t neatly fit within traditional housing models. The project stalled for nearly a decade—but we believed in the concept too much to not let it go.”
The turning point came through a chance coffee meeting involving Hollyburn Executive Director Mark Friesen and Board Chair Nancy Farran, which ultimately led to the support of a community member committed to backing innovative, impact-driven solutions.
“This project demonstrates that some of the most effective housing solutions are already hidden within our communities,” says Mark Friesen. “By reimagining how we utilize existing housing, we can create affordable, connected, and dignified options for our growing elderly population—right now, and at a fraction of the cost of building a single micro-unit.”
“Addressing affordable housing options as well as loneliness for our aging population is critical for our community’s success. I am delighted to support Hollyburn Community Services with this innovative approach as it swiftly addresses housing issues for many at a fraction of the cost of traditional government-run assisted living solutions,” says Anna Sainsbury, co-founder of Vancouver-headquartered GeoComply.
The Seniors Hidden Housing Program pilot will launch Spring/Summer 2026, with plans to expand across the North Shore and potentially beyond.