WHO WE ARE
Dedicated to giving older adults on the North Shore more choice – not just to age in place, but to age well.
HOW HIDDEN HOUSING BEGAN
Our Story
Hidden Housing Solutions began with a simple observation: some older adults were living alone in homes with space to share, while others were struggling to find safe and affordable housing.
What started as a conversation at the Hollyburn Society in 2014, grew through years of listening to seniors, building community partnerships and exploring how home sharing could support people to age well in their communities.
Today, Hidden Housing Solutions helps older adults explore home sharing as a way to reduce isolation, improve affordability and create more connected communities.
SHAPED BY OUR COMMUNITY'S NEEDS
Our Journey So Far
Over 10 years of research, collaboration and development.
2014
An idea begins to take shape in response to the growing need for housing options and stronger social connection on the North Shore.
2015-2016
With support from Vancouver Foundation, early research explores how home sharing could support older adults in the community.
2022 - 2024
Hollyburn and SFU Renewable Cities collaborate to explore sustainable housing options for seniors through the Housing Solutions Lab.
2026
Hidden Housing Solutions launches as a pilot program supporting safe, thoughtful and supported home sharing.
WHY HOME SHARING MATTERS
Demographic realities
Older adults are living longer, but aging well depends on housing, income, support and social connection.
By 2030, Canada is set to become a "super-aged" country, with up to 23% of people aged 65 and over.
Communities need flexible housing options that support independence, affordability and connection.
Canada’s 85+ population is set to triple by 2046, it is growing twice as fast as the overall population.
Longer lives mean more people will need homes and supports that can adapt as their needs change.
Aging is not equal. At 65, income can determine an extra 2.5 years of healthy life expectancy.
Housing, income, health and social support all influence whether people can age well in their communities.
Nearly 6 in 10 Canadians fear that they will outlive their retirement savings.
Shared housing can help reduce financial pressure while creating opportunities for companionship and support.
This project demonstrates that some of the most effective housing solutions are already hidden within our communities. By reimagining how we utilize existing housing, we can create affordable, connected, and dignified options for our growing elderly population—right now, and at a fraction of the cost of building a single micro-unit.
– Mark Friesen, Executive Director, The Hollyburn Society
WHAT GUIDES US
Our Values
Independence
We hope home sharing can help people remain independent for longer so that they can remain in their home or community for longer.
Choice
We want older adults to have more options as they age, beyond living alone, traditional rental arrangements or moving before they are ready.
Affordability
We hope to make better use of existing homes in a way that ease housing pressures and create more accessible options for older adults.
Connection
We want to create more opportunities for everyday connection, helping people to feel less alone and more rooted in community.
PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH SHORE
Where We Work
The Hidden Housing Solutions program offers support to seniors 55+ all across the North Shore – from West Vancouver to Deep Cove and everywhere in between.
It is with humility and honour that we acknowledge that we work, learn and live within the unceded traditional territories that include sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam Nations.
- Horseshore Bay
- Deep Cove
- North Vancouver
- Lynn Valley
- West Vancouver
Trusted in the community
Want to know more?
Home sharing is a big decision and it’s normal to have questions. Our FAQs has answers to common questions around shared living, costs, screening and how the process works.
Creating safe and supportive home sharing opportunities for older adults on the North Shore.
RESOURCES
CONTACT
604-329-3351
info@hiddenhousingsolutions.ca
Vancouver, BC
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