L’chaim to Tikva’s 18 years of impact
In Jewish tradition, the number 18 symbolizes the Hebrew word chai, meaning life. As we mark 18 years since Tikva’s founding in August 2007, I find myself reflecting on the many lives changed thanks to the unwavering support of our community and expansive partnerships.
This is also a time of contemplation because it marks the end of our 2024-2025 fiscal year and the completion of the first horizon of the framework that guides our mission: our 10-year strategic plan.
Launched in 2021, our 10-year vision lays out a practical roadmap for creating 1,000 affordable, stable homes for our community in Metro Vancouver, built on four pillars: Financial Sustainability, Stakeholder Satisfaction, Operational Excellence, and High-Performing People & Culture.
We designed the journey in three horizons, with the first horizon dedicated to building a strong foundation. Over the past four years, this has meant strengthening systems, culture, and partnerships so growth can be both ambitious and responsible.
That capacity has translated into measurable progress. From 98 homes in 2021, we have more than doubled to 213 today, including the recent acquisition of the 45-unit Ronald S. Roadburg Residences in Richmond. In this time, our footprint has grown from four properties to eight, through a mix of Tikva-owned buildings and developments in partnerships with non-profit organizations, government, and the real estate industry.
To assist households living in market rental housing and unable to afford rent due to a temporary crisis, from 2021 to 2025, the impactful Rent Relief Program supported 71 unique recipients, allowing them to stay in their communities.
To create and respond to these opportunities, our staff has grown from three to eleven professionals, and we have also brought property management in-house to more closely serve our tenants.
Our base of support has deepened alongside that growth. Since implementing the plan, 259 unique supporters have contributed to Tikva’s work—ranging from modest monthly contributions from individuals to transformative gifts from large philanthropic organizations—with 156 making multiple donations. That loyalty tells us the community believes in both our direction and our delivery.
Yet as our capacity has grown, sadly so has the need. While there were 165 unhoused applicants on the Jewish Housing Registry in September 2021, we end this first phase of the strategic plan with an alarming 472 individual and family applicants seeking affordable housing solutions as of August 2025.
Horizon Two of our strategic plan will build on what we’ve learned and accomplished. Our board is reviewing and refreshing the next phase and setting a plan through 2028. While it’s too early to share specifics, rest assured that Tikva will strive for unprecedented growth in the years ahead, achieved with the same care and responsiveness, sustainability, generosity and community spirit that brought us here.
L’chaim—to the lives already changed, and to the many more we will serve in the years ahead.