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British Columbia is in the grips of a housing affordability crisis decades in the making. The Province has an ambitious plan to tackle the crisis through the largest investment in housing affordability in B.C.’s history. Tasked with building tens of thousands of homes in hundreds of communities is BC Housing, the agency responsible for developing, managing, and administering a wide range of subsidized housing and homelessness services across the province. BC Housing doesn’t do this alone, they work with hundreds of partners. In this podcast, you’ll hear from those tackling the crisis head on.
A home.
It's something we all need.
But for too many, having a place
to call home is out of reach.
The challenges can seem
insurmountable.
And yet, each and every day people
are coming together to provide safe,
quality, accessible and affordable
housing for those in need.
Welcome to Let's Talk Housing.
I'm your host, Sara Goldvine.
Join us as we listen to and learn
from people in British Columbia
who are creating strong,
inclusive communities
where everyone can thrive.
Hi and welcome to Let's Talk
Housing.
I'm your host, Sara Goldvine.
To end off our season,
we are joined by a special guest,
Mita Naidu, BC Housing's
Director of Content Strategy.
You may already have seen her
co-hosting this season.
I'm so excited to announce
that Mita will be
the new host of Let's Talk Housing,
starting in season five.
As we begin, I'd like to acknowledge
that we're recording today from
the territories of the Musqueam,
Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh
who've been the stewards of these
lands since time immemorial.
I offer my respect
to their people, past and present.
For transparency,
this episode is being recorded
in December of 2024 and reflects
the issues
and priorities of the time.
Mita, welcome back to Let's Talk
Housing.
Thank you, Sara. Nice to be here.
I actually have an idea.
I was thinking we could flip
the script a little bit.
And I know you normally ask
the questions and host the podcast.
But for this episode,
I thought I could ask you
a few questions
about your journey at BC Housing.
What do you think?
Okay.
I think it's important to note
that you are heading
into a new journey in your career
and we wish you all the best, but
I think this is
a wonderful opportunity
to just chat with you
and hear some of your reflections
and thoughts about your career
and your trajectory
here at BC Housing
and all the impact you've made.
Could you share a little bit
about your career path here?
Absolutely.
So I actually started my career
in research and policy.
And then at a certain point,
I realized that
great ideas are really important,
but it's even more important
that people understand
and mobilize behind those ideas,
which is what brought me
to communications.
And I was able to work
in the communications
marketing engagement, public affairs
and government relations
for a number of
mission-driven organizations in
affordable housing and public
education and mental health.
And then the opportunity
came to join BC Housing.
this is just a fantastic
organization doing exciting
work around the province,
which is what brought me here.
And in my time at BC Housing,
the organization has scaled in
response to the needs and community
and the investment from government,
which has meant that we've been able
to take on
more work, complex work,
and really move into new fields
and new areas
where we weren't delivering services
even just a few years ago,
which has brought the opportunity
for me to also take
on supporting additional teams
and leading
organization-wide initiatives.
So that's sort of what brings me
here today.
You know, it's so interesting.
We both have comms backgrounds,
but we come from different areas.
But one thing I find rare
and exceptional in your work
and something I'm very drawn to
is the layering or the combination
or the grounding of equity
and communications work.
And I think that's something
very unique
that you bring specifically.
How has that developed for
you here at BC Housing?
What does that meant for you at BC Housing?
One of the reasons why I was drawn
to join BC Housing initially was the
value that the organization
right from the executive
on down places on equity
as well as on reconciliation.
So that was a real draw for me.
And I think that it's partly
because as an organization
when we're working
in the housing system
and the same could be said really
with mental health
and social services in general
is that every day we see
the impacts of oppression,
see the impacts of marginalization,
we see the impacts
of colonialism in our work every day
because we're serving
the folks who are most impacted
negatively by those systems.
And so it leads itself
to really important conversations
around how we build better systems
that are going to support everyone.
And so I would say that
at first when I joined BC Housing,
was the draw for the ...
for me for the organization
was the real recognition
of the importance of embedding an equity analysis
right across the entire organization.
And over time, I've also had
the opportunity to work more closely
as well with the Office of Equity,
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging,
in particular for the past year,
and support their work
as we advance the organization-wide
equity action plan.
And that's a big mouthful.
What is that exactly?
Yeah, so our Equity Action Plan,
which is something
that has been underway
for some time, so I can't,
I certainly wouldn't want to suggest
that I'm taking credit for it,
but I've been able to layer
in a bit of support
for the team
over the past few months.
The Equity Action
Plan is BC Housing's commitment
to our own employees,
to our partners,
and to the people we serve around
specific and concrete actions
that we will take to advance
equity in the work that we do.
So ultimately, we recognize that
to be able to deliver
on our vision of a future where
everyone has a place to call home,
we need to understand
what the barriers are for folks
to accessing housing
and then address those
in our processes, in our policies,
in the way that we work.
And also,
of course, through communications so
that we can deliver the best
services for the people in British Columbia.
And that's so critical.
Communities are so diverse with
such different
needs across the province.
This couldn't have been an easy
undertaking in a climate
in which people are questioning
the value of equity and diversity.
But yet BC Housing
has made that commitment.
And that's really important.
What are some of the challenges
that have come along with having
such a deep commitment
to equity at BC Housing?
I think that it's
similar challenges to any large
transformation
initiative, to be honest.
And I think that
the challenge
is always with any transformative
change, getting the pace right
and the sequencing right.
Because to be sustainable,
change needs to bring people along.
And the same is true for equity.
And that's in particular challenging
because of the diversity
of people
who are being served and impacted.
There's differential...
the way that equity work impacts
people and populations is very,
very diverse because of
the diversity of experiences.
And so getting that balance right
between delivering tangible change
and moving forward
in a way that really impacts people
while ensuring that the change
is sustainable and meaningful
and not just performative
is in my experience, that's the most
challenging part of the work.
And there are different ways
to approach the work, right?
So we have policy, we have programs,
and we have communications.
And I'm a big fan of storytelling.
It is something
that has been embedded
deeply in my community and my family
as a way to communicate,
as a way to share, as a way
to learn, as way to listen
to things that matter to us all.
So how does communications
specifically play into
moving the needle when it comes
to equity?
Well, we know that humans are wired
for story.
Sharing information through a story
leads to better information
retention.
People will retain six
to 20 times more information
if it's delivered through a story.
And storytelling
is also very effective at building
empathy through narrative
transportation and neural coupling.
I won't get into the brain science,
but in essence,
we've got brain science
now that proves what societies
have known since time
immemorial, is story.
Story is a
way to bring people together.
So for me, story is
particularly important in moving
any significant change forward
and it's even more important
for moving forward equity work.
So there's this Thomas King quote,
he's my favourite author,
I adore Thomas King.
And he has this quote,
stories are wondrous things
and they are dangerous.
And that's so true
because stories are so powerful,
we need to understand
the power dynamics at play
so that we can use
storytelling for good.
And that is integral for advancing
any change that's going to have
a positive impact
on community, including equity
work.
And that's part of bringing people
along is considering
the importance of story
and how we share all the work.
What are some of the lessons
that have come
from all of these realizations
that you've made at BC Housing?
Yeah, so when I first joined BC Housing,
I came in with my 90-day plan
and I had a, you know,
had it mapped out and actually
mostly hit
all my goals in the 90-day plan.
And then right as I was moving
into the next phase,
we got hit by a little something
called the COVID-19 global pandemic.
And so I think that
one of my big lessons in my time
here has been just the importance
that it's really important
to mobilize people around a vision.
And you can only plan so much.
If people are
mobilized around the end goal,
though we can
absolutely get there
because the rest sorts itself out.
So what we've discovered,
for example, in that first
period of time,
in that first year at BC Housing was
we actually delivered
on some of our goals way ahead
of plan
and others needed to be bumped out.
But ultimately
we were able as a team
to mobilize towards our end goal
of where we wanted to be
despite the buffeting changes
that were coming.
And that's something
that has really continued to impact
how I approach my work.
What have been some of the key
things that you're really proud of
that your branch
delivered?
Honestly, what I'm most proud of
is the team.
We've got a team
that is just full of really,
really wonderful people,
people like you, Mita,
and people like the team
that puts this podcast together.
And we have a collection of really,
really great folks who
support each other,
who push each other,
who hold each other accountable
for doing the work well,
and who have each other's backs
when we're trying new things
and really stretching ourselves
and trying to move into new spaces.
I feel like projects come and go
and they're so important,
but if you can get the team right,
if you can support each other,
that's to me
the most important part and
something that I think
we have been able
to really foster here at BC
Housing.
I completely agree.
I'm a year in and
I think I should make it transparent
for listeners that you are my leader
in the branch.
And I've really been
so moved by the
way that you have emphasized culture
and the importance of kindness
and compassion and equity
and team building
and community building.
And I think those values, once
they're fostered
internally,
naturally flow externally.
I can definitely say
that's something that I've seen over
the last year of my tenure here.
And that's something that you lead
beautifully.
And I'm very excited
for your next role
and for all the things
you're going to achieve.
What's next for you?
I've got the housing bug
and I'm also exceptionally
passionate about mental health
and really building a future
where people
with mental illness are supported
so that they can thrive.
And so I'm really pleased
that I'm going to be moving on
to Coast Mental Health
that delivers services for folks
with mental illness and addictions
including through
housing and employment services
and other programs.
And so I'm going to be joining
that team in the new year as
Chief Operating Officer.
It's amazing. And we're so excited for you.
And we will absolutely stay in
contact and in community with you.
Sad for us, you know, to be
honest, it's sad for us,
but we will carry forth your legacy.
And I agree, we have an amazing team
in place that really values
the same values that you do.
I'm curious
as to who your mentors are,
and who are the people
that have really kind of influenced
your perspectives and values?
Yeah, that's a great question.
So I started asking
why in kindergarten, and then I
never stopped, much to the chagrin
of some of my teachers.
And I think because of that,
I take inspiration
from some really unusual places.
I really like asking
people questions, which is why
love this podcast, and really
understanding what drives people.
And so for example, here at BC
Housing, had one of
our frontline folks,
a janitor, reach out to me
directly and wanted to talk
about communications.
We hopped on a call,
we had a digital meeting
because she was on the site,
and was able to get some really good
guidance around
what desk-listen and frontline
workers were looking for.
was a long-service employee.
I think that for me, I really...
like to look for any opportunity
for folks to be able to
tell me more about what
they need and perhaps shine
a light on where some gaps are
so that I can really help
drive impact in a way
that makes the most change
for folks.
I would love to know
the genesis of this podcast.
How did this come into being?
Yeah, so this is season four.
And of course, lots of organizations
are doing podcasts these days.
So I don't want to pretend
that BC Housing
had this idea that no one else did.
What we really wanted to do though,
and what the pitch was initially,
was finding an opportunity for BC
Housing as a provincial agency,
as an organization
that works with hundreds
of nonprofits across the province,
to be able to create
a space for voices
that would not
otherwise be heard
as part of the housing conversation.
And part of the reason why we did
that was really recognizing
that one of the biggest barriers
to delivering
housing and homelessness services
in community is
a lack of information
or sometimes blatant misinformation.
So our goal was to create a space
where we could help address
that lack of information and
misinformation by creating the space
for folks to share their stories
and their perspectives.
and creating that content
that we could share with communities
ultimately so that we can help
create more housing and homelessness
services right across British
Columbia.
And content comes in so many forms.
You are at the helm
of all of the ways that BC
Housing engages with the public.
The podcast is one way,
websites, social media,
industry engagement,
and community engagement.
There are so many ways
that we reach out and try to ensure
that the people impacted
the most by housing issues
are heard.
And I really think this podcast
is an amazing opportunity
to get deeper into those stories
when we can't do that elsewhere.
Absolutely. The interesting thing about housing
is even though for BC Housing,
our services are,
we directly serve a relatively small
portion of the population compared
to, for example, BC Hydro, right,
or some other Crown agencies.
However,
everyone has an experience of home.
And certainly
when the housing system is not
working well, that impacts
almost everybody.
There's a small portion of folks
who aren't impacted, but the vast
majority of people are impacted
when the housing system
is not working well.
So part of
what's interesting about this space
is that we do need to prioritize
those folks that we serve directly.
And we also need to ensure that
we're demonstrating to everyone how
we're helping the housing system
work well, because that's ultimately
what helps us ensure that we have
a thriving community.
where everyone wants to live and
everyone can be part of a community
where they feel like they belong
and they can have a healthy
and thriving life.
And communities
come in all shapes and sizes
and they're internal
and they're external.
BC Housing is a community.
are, you know,
1300 people strong and growing and
those stories need to be told too,
I think.
You know, we are all experiencing
the housing concern and crisis
in different ways.
Whether we're working towards
solving the problem,
whether we're living
and experiencing the problem,
there are many voices internally
here too,
that would be really nice
to highlight and bring forward.
Well, Mita, maybe I can ask you a question.
Absolutely.
What are the plans for season five?
Are you moving forward
with the podcast?
We are absolutely moving forward.
We have some amazing surprises
ahead.
I think what's fascinating
about this particular podcast
is that there are so many stories
within housing
and so many wonderful projects
being done in the sector,
that we can highlight and share.
And, you know,
I'm not going to have your voice
and your particular take, but I'm
going to do it my way a little bit.
And, just really lead with a curiosity
and an interest in all the things
that the housing sector does.
There's a lot of change and there's
a lot of momentum forward
and there's a lot of drive to do
the right thing and support people.
And I would love to just dive
into that and dig into that.
I'm so looking forward to it.
I'm going to tune in.
Absolutely.
Number one fan over here.
Thanks, Sara. Talk soon.
As we wrap season four,
I'd like to extend a special
thanks to everyone
who has made this podcast happen.
When we launched Let's Talk Housing,
it was the first
for a large public sector
organization in BC.
We knew we wanted to create a space
for discussions with the many folks
in BC
who are coming together to provide
safe,
quality, accessible and affordable
housing for those in need.
We weren't sure
how it would turn out
and my it's turned out
to be a great success.
This only happened because of
the support of our colleagues here
at BC Housing,
the trust of the province,
and most of all, the goodwill
of the many guests
who have brought their wisdom
and insights to the space.
I'm excited to listen in
to what comes next on the podcast
in season five, under the guidance
of incoming host Mita Naidu.
Let's talk again soon.
To learn more about BC Housing,
including how to apply
for subsidized housing in British
Columbia, visit bchousing.org.
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