We believe everyone should have a safe, secure, and affordable home.
Strengthen British Columbia’s non-profit housing sector through advocacy, education, and support.
BCNPHA staff members are proud to support a diverse and thriving non-profit housing sector.
Our board directors represent four British Columbia regions and various housing types.
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BCNPHA embeds Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles into our organization and the broader community housing sector.
Recognizing outstanding individual and organizational achievements in furthering the cause of affordable housing across BC.
It starts with a vision to connect non-profit housing providers across British Columbia. We kick it off with our first annual conference.
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Recognizes individuals whose career-long dedication has contributed significantly to a non-profit housing society or BC’s non-profit housing sector.
Submission Deadline
May 16, 2025
Announcement
Nov 18, 2025
Nominate Somone
Karen Gerein, Executive Director, Vernon Native Housing Society.
Karen Gerein has been with Vernon Native Housing Society for 25 years.
Karen’s leadership underpins VNH’s success as the area’s largest affordable and accessible housing developer.
Recognition is important.
Recognizes a longtime staff member or leader whose contribution to their society has propelled affordable housing in British Columbia.
Originally named after Denise LeBlond — a leader in affordable housing — the award changed in 2025 to better recognize longtime leaders and staff for their contributions.
How to get nominated.
Nominees for this award may include anyone who has contributed to BC affordable housing. BCNPHA membership is not required for consideration, but nominees must contribute to the sector as a leader, staff member, or volunteer with a non-profit housing society. Nominators must advise nominees of their submission. The committee will notify the recipient by September 2025.
How does someone qualify?
In addition to outstanding contributions and commitment to affordable housing, nominees must satisfy at least two of the following:
A career spent predominantly in the housing and homelessness sector.
Has improved access to housing for vulnerable community members or expanded housing options in BC.
Has shared knowledge with peers and young professionals to enable learning and succession.
A commitment to affordable housing sector organizations in BC.
I’m honoured and very grateful for the recognition for what we all do together. It feels wonderful to know we provide something that can make somebody’s life so much better.
Karen Gerein • Executive Director • Vernon Native Housing Society
How it works.
The BCNPHA Awards Committee will review nominees throughout the nomination period and contact the nominator if the nominee meets eligibility criteria.
If you have questions or require assistance completing the online nomination form, please contact communications@bcnpha.ca
View these visionary leaders.
Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award exemplify the visionary leadership that has helped BC’s non-profit housing sector thrive.