Source: Burnaby Beacon, City of Burnaby

Grace Ethiopian Evangelical Church and City Collaborate on Affordable Housing Project

On Monday, May 13, Burnaby City Council approved a motion directing city staff to collaborate with Grace Ethiopian Evangelical Church’s nonprofit affiliate to locate a site in Burnaby for a significant housing initiative. The project aims to establish 50 affordable housing units, community space, and a childcare facility.

Established in the 1990s, the church focuses on supporting newcomers from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Pastor Mesfin Mulugeta highlighted that the church’s outreach program assists newcomers in Burnaby to “overcome barriers of systemic racism, inequality, and exclusion from opportunities in housing, education, employment, and healthcare.”

At the April 8, 2024, Planning and Development Committee (PDC) meeting, Mulugeta presented the project, emphasizing the acute need for affordable housing among Black Canadians in the city. He noted, “Affordable housing is the greatest need of our community, and unaffordability is forcing many of our young people to consider leaving our beautiful province.” Mulugeta referenced former Minister Ahmed Hussein, stating, “In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice.”

Mulugeta shared statistics indicating nearly a quarter of Black Canadians face core housing needs, with 80% spending over 30% of their income on housing. The proposed development aims to address these challenges by providing 50 affordable housing units, along with community and childcare facilities, requiring at least one acre of land.

The church’s nonprofit has raised approximately half a million dollars and is seeking governmental support to expedite land acquisition for the project. During the PDC meeting, Coun. Alison Gu inquired whether the housing units would have religious restrictions. Mulugeta assured that there would be no religious criteria for applicants, promoting a fair selection process.

Mayor Mike Hurley committed to tasking staff with identifying a suitable location for the project, acknowledging the increasing scarcity of land. He emphasized the city’s efforts to maximize the development of affordable housing.

“The part that is holding us back is the land,” Mulugeta said, noting that the nonprofit has engaged a project manager and secured potential funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for Black Canadians, contingent on finding an appropriate site.

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