A BC-based hotel chain with locations in Victoria is teaming up with the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI), helping families in need amid rising housing costs.
Accent Inns Inc., the owner of Hotel Zed, says its Families in Need Fund is aiding those on the brink of homelessness, covering the costs of accommodation and expenses like food.
According to the company, almost 15 percent of Victoria’s families with kids live in poverty, with the percent even higher for single-parent families, as nearly 1 in 3 live on a significantly low income.
“At the same time, these families are facing increasingly higher monthly costs to meet their basic expenses,” states an Accent media release.
In fact, a Zumper report finds BC’s capital is one of the most expensive housing markets in Canada. Last year, the average rent for a one-bedroom was $1,840, with the cost for a two-bedroom sitting at around $2,300.
Locally, Valma Sampson and her partner Darcy Beuckert are feeling the impacts of the housing crunch, alongside their daughter Lidia and two dogs.
It’s a situation that prompted them to move into the Hotel Zed on Douglas Street last month, but each night’s stay is adding up and has become quite costly.
However, once the local community learned about their story, Accent Inns says people started calling into Hotel Zed, offering to pay for the family’s stay.
That prompted the hotel chain to think outside the box in an effort to help out as well.
“Since the pandemic hit, we have been asking, how can we help?” said Mandy Farmer, CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed.
“Back in March of 2020, we partnered with United Way to start the Hotels for Frontline Workers Fund, so when we saw what was happening with families at risk here in our local hotels, we thought maybe we can help again.”
Through the new fund, locals can support a family, and those in need can reach out to the Rent Bank at Community Social Planning.
Accent Inns says UWSVI kick-started the initiative with a donation of $5,000, as it encourages the public to also support the fund via its website.
“The past two years have truly tested all of us and our services. We recognize that the pandemic has had a significant impact on families,” added Mark Breslauer, CEO of UWSVI.
“Through this fund, we appeal to neighbours helping out neighbours, as we never truly know what challenges a family in need may face during this difficult time.”
