Many people with HIV and AIDS find it impossible to continue working as their illness progresses. Often, this leads to inadequate housing at a time when a clean, quiet and private home environment is more critical than ever to sustaining physical and emotional health. Furthermore, when uncertainties about housing exist, essential nutritional needs often remain unmet.

The McLaren Housing Society of British Columbia is a non-profit organization that provides safe, affordable housing to men, women and families who live with HIV/AIDS, are in financial need and yet are able to live independently.

Founded in 1987, the Society developed out of the original Housing Committee of AIDS Vancouver and is named after Ted McLaren, who was one of Vancouver’s leading advocates for affordable housing for persons with AIDS. McLaren Housing’s first project was a five-bedroom house offering a communal living situation in a supportive environment. This home was known as McLaren House, and was the first project of its kind in Canada. McLaren House was closed in September 1993 and those housing units were replaced by Portable Rent Supplements in order to better meet the needs of the clients.

The Society’s second major housing project was Helmcken House, a renovated heritage building located in downtown Vancouver South.

Also a prototype in Canada, Helmcken House was opened in July, 1991 and offers a total of 32 one bedroom and bachelor apartment units. Its location ensures ease of access to St. Paul’s Hospital, medical specialists and the comprehensive support services of the Pacific AIDS Resource Centre. In 2000 McLaren was allotted 20 more units at Seymour Place, under the administration of Affordable Housing Society.

The five rent supplement units, made available when the original McLaren House closed, have now expanded to 37. These subsidies, 22 of which have been made possible through McLaren Housing’s creative fund raising initiatives, allow clients to remain in their own homes or choose their own apartments.

The primary goal of McLaren is to expand its available housing stock through the submission of proposals to various sources and through private fund-raising initiatives. The Society is deeply committed to meeting the ever-growing needs of the members of the HIV/AIDS community.