About AHAVI’s IDPAD Housing Initiative

International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Housing Initiative: As a long‑standing community nonprofit, AHAVI has built mobile spaces of connection across the Island, but the need for a permanent hub and affordable housing has become urgent.

AHAVI, in partnership with private investors, business owners, government partners, and nonprofit organizations, is advancing the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Housing Initiative, a six‑storey, mixed‑use development that will provide safe, affordable housing and a permanent cultural hub. Rooted in IDPAD’s principles of recognition, justice, and development, the project creates a space where communities of African descent can thrive, celebrate culture, and access developmental opportunities.

Background: On August 1, 2020, the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island (AHAVI) convened a public consultation to better understand the barriers to accessing housing faced by people of African descent on Vancouver Island. Elders, youth, families, newcomers, and long‑standing residents gathered to share their lived experiences and to name the systemic challenges that have shaped their housing journeys. The consultation revealed six interconnected issues:

1-     Discrimination in the housing market: Participants reported being denied rental homes solely because of their skin color, despite having the required income and references. These discriminatory experiences are isolating and unjust, and they highlight how racism continues to limit access to safe, stable housing. The lack of culturally informed services and dedicated community supports further compounds these challenges for Black households in crisis or transition.

2-     Absence of a permanent community hub: While AHAVI’s mobile programs have created vital opportunities for connection, the community lacks a dedicated physical space for cultural programming, intergenerational learning, advocacy, and collective healing.

3-     Mistreatment of children in daycare facilities: Young parents of African descent reported that their children have experienced racism in daycare settings, including exclusion, differential treatment, and environments that do not affirm their identity or culture. As a result, many parents have chosen to withdraw their children from daycare altogether, sacrificing employment and career opportunities to protect their children’s healthy cognitive growth.

4-     Avoidance of Recreational Facilities: Community members reported that they often avoid using local recreational facilities because the environments feel unwelcoming and culturally unsafe. Many described experiences of being overlooked, stereotyped, or made to feel out of place, which discouraged them from participating in activities that are essential to their health.

5-     Lack of a Culturally Identifiable Business Hub: Entrepreneurs of African descent face significant barriers to visibility, market access, and business growth due to the absence of a culturally identifiable commercial district on Vancouver Island. This gap also affects newcomers, refugees, and long‑term community members who actively seek culturally familiar goods, services, and community connections.

6-     Racial Discrimination Within the Sport Industry: The athletes of African descent reported experiencing racial discrimination within mainstream training environments, including incidents of racism, cultural isolation, and exclusion. They described feeling unwelcome or unsupported in spaces that should foster growth, teamwork, and personal development. These conditions contribute to attrition and limit long‑term participation in sport. 

Constitutional amendment: To meet growing community demand for affordable, culturally safe housing and a permanent hub, AHAVI’s Board amended its constitution to include a formal mandate to provide safe, affordable housing and foster inclusive neighborhoods. This change affirms that housing stability is essential to cultural continuity, community well‑being, and long‑term resilience for African‑descended populations on Vancouver Island.

The African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island Member States

 

The African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island (AHAVI) is composed of 81 Member States, each representing their Afro

Mission Statement

Our mission is to build a strong, united community by supporting cultural activities and developing safe, affordable, and inclusive housing through collaboration with partners, meeting the needs of Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island.

AHAVI's Objectives are to:

• Foster a sense of community among Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island
• Promote the provision of the best possible services for Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island.
• Promote the cultural development of its members and African Heritage awareness on Vancouver Island
• Facilitate communication among its members and between members and other organizations and communities on Vancouver Island.
• Provide safe and affordable housing and inclusive neighborhoods that foster stability, dignity, and opportunity for underserved populations through collaboration with partners.