It Takes a Village

Low-income seniors living in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society (NAHS) complexes claim a range of issues have emerged, from a decline in building maintenance to disruptions and cuts to some support services. The tenants say NAHS is putting money over their well-being.

To investigate, reporter Julie Chadwick interviews dozens of tenants, former board members and employees, and combs through piles of tenancy documents, contracts and meeting minutes. Along the way, she discovers some incredible stories of resilience and friendship.

Read our series, It Takes a Village. Sign up for our Nanaimo newsletter to be the first to read the next story. Got a tip? Contact [email protected]

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

The Discourse recently brought tenants together to brainstorm community-based solutions. Here’s what we learned.

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society harassed and bullied residents, removed unauthorized funds from their accounts, older tenants say.

Q&A: What are vulnerable tenants’ rights in non-profit housing?

The Discourse sat down with Robert Patterson, lawyer at the non-profit Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC).

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

This public-interest lawyer has ‘very little confidence’ in the government’s response, and is calling for tenant-led solutions.

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units

Tenants and advocates are calling for the reinstatement of wellness checks and other safety measures to prevent residents lying injured or dying alone.

Reporter’s Notebook: How I’ve learned to report on my own community

Being a local reporter who is also deeply embedded in the community comes with its challenges, writes Julie Chadwick.

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