Dianne Watts: What I #ChooseToChallenge this International Women’s Day

This op-ed is written by former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts

One of the greatest things we can do as a society is to ensure that people have a home. Having access to a safe and reliable place to live is a basic human right and one that we must fight to support. As a community, we have watched the number of homeless individuals grow across the Lower Mainland and with it, a call for change in our society. As of 2020, an estimated 644 homeless people were living in Surrey, BC (source). Due to limitations involved in this count, it is expected that the number of homeless women is under-represented, as homeless women present very differently than men. Additionally, women in this position are far more likely to be victims of violence or abuse due to their vulnerable position and lack of safe shelter. It’s important to make sure that we come together and help those who are struggling by providing equal opportunities to succeed and build a life in the community.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. This campaign highlights the importance of uniting women together to ignite change and remain present to the challenges within our societies. Only through challenges will there be change, which is why I have chosen to become one of the 50 Women of Options.

Over the past decade, I have watched affordable housing options disappear from the Lower Mainland and be replaced by increased housing prices and rentals. As the population of the surrounding cities grows, so does the number of homeless women in our community. In a 2020 survey, it was found the 40% of the homeless population had been in the community for less than 5 years, with the other 60% considering themselves to be long-term residents. Of all these homeless residents, 87% were found to be experiencing at least one health condition.

Options Community Services is working to provide affordable housing for the community with a new building in Surrey, BC. Not only will this building offer a safe and reliable home for all, including women and their families, as well as a variety of community services. Raising the money for this building is a challenge, but 50 women like myself saw it as an opportunity to harbour change and bring the community together. From raising money to bringing awareness, this campaign is about making the community alert to the challenges that those around them are facing and encouraging change as a result.

“Home” might look different for many people, but not all are fortunate enough to have their own home while others are renting and some are struggling in their life. I am committing myself to decrease the rates of homelessness in our community to help local women and I hope to inspire others to follow me in this chapter. Whatever home looks like, I believe housing is critical to finding success. The 50 Women of Options campaign is bringing women together to help affect change, and we challenge everyone in our community to contribute to the cause.

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Dianne Watts has held a variety of roles over the years. Of all her experiences, ranging from architectural consultant to Member of Parliament and now a political contributor to CBC, Global, and CKNW, she’s most proud of the team and the work they did during her tenure as the Mayor of Surrey from 2005 to 2014. During this period, Dianne had a close working relationship with Options Community Services on the homelessness front and with outreach workers who dealt with addiction, housing, and crime reduction.

Options Community Services is a registered charity with over 500 staff providing a multitude of essential social services in Surrey, Delta, White Rock/South Surrey, and Langley. To learn how you can become involved in their mission to raise money for affordable housing, please visit: https://womenofoptions.ca/