Labour Market Challenges and Sector-Driven Solutions for BC’s Non-Profit Housing Sector

 

Workforce challenges in BC’s non-profit housing sector are not new. Housing providers across the province have long reported difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled staff, increasing burnout, limited access to sector-specific training, and growing complexity in many roles. However, these challenges have often been discussed anecdotally.

With funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary and Future Skills’ Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, BCNPHA undertook the first comprehensive, BC-specific study of the non-profit housing sector’s operational workforce. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, BCNPHA engaged with more than 500 participants covering a range of workforce experiences across housing models, regions, roles, provider sizes, and workforce demographics.

The research moves the conversation from anecdotal to evidence-based. It validates long-standing workforce challenges as sector-wide patterns, establishes a common language for discussing workforce issues, and identifies priority training needs.

The report also outlines a strategic framework of sector-driven solutions focused on strengthening sector identity, creating clearer pathways into housing careers, expanding access to training and professional development, improving recruitment and retention, and supporting the distinct needs of Indigenous-led providers, frontline workers, and rural and remote communities.

How This Work Will Support the Sector

This work is intended to be a catalyst for action. The findings will help guide BCNPHA’s workforce training and education, as well as sector capacity services. Planned activities include expanding sector-specific training, strengthening onboarding resources, creating communities of practice, developing frontline and leadership learning opportunities, and improving access to training across BC.

The report also provides the evidence needed to strengthen partnerships with training institutions to encourage future workforce investments that align with the realities of non-profit housing work.

By creating a shared evidence base and roadmap for implementation, this project positions the sector to take a more coordinated approach to workforce development and build a sustainable workforce for the future.

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Practical Resources to Translate Findings to Action

As part of the Labour Market Challenges and Sector-Driven Solutions project, BCNPHA developed a series of practical resources to help housing providers translate research findings into action. These tools summarize key workforce trends, training needs, recruitment and retention strategies, and approaches to supporting staff well-being and professional development. Designed for use by boards, leaders, managers, and HR staff, they can support planning, discussion, and decision-making within organizations. These resources are intended as a starting point, and not a final destination.

This collection represents the first phase of knowledge mobilization from the project. The research study will lead to future sector-led initiatives. BCNPHA and other sector partners will use these findings to inform the development of additional resources, training opportunities, tools, and workforce supports, so bookmark this webpage and check our Housing Updates newsletters to stay tuned as additional resources are added.

From Findings to Practice – Workforce Resources for Non Profit Housing Providers