Alexandra Rauscher and her son Nathaniel have a new place to call home in Surrey.
Rauscher, 20, and two-year-old Nathaniel moved into the newly built YWCA Alder Gardens March 24. The 36-unit supportive housing development, intended for single mothers and their children who are at risk of homelessness, held an official opening Friday.
Rauscher says she immediately took to her new home.
“Even when I first moved in, by the second day, it felt like home,” she said.
The building includes a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, common amenity space, an outdoor play area and community meeting spaces.
Rauscher works across the street from the housing development and watched as it was being built. When she found out the purpose of the complex, she sent in her application and “was here a week later.”
“I’m super excited to be on my own,” she said. “I’ve always been independent – it’s awesome.”
Rauscher was sharing a two bedroom basement suite with her sister and mother prior to moving into the new home. “It’s been a huge adjustment, but a good adjustment,” she said.
She said the new location is much more convenient than her previous living space in Panorama Ridge, particularly because everything she needs, including her work, is within walking distance.
“I can spend more time with Nathaniel,” said the single mom. “I can dedicate more of my time, effort and energy to the community.”
The development was funded in part by the Government of Canada, the province, the City of Surrey, and YWCA Metro Vancouver and its supporters.
YWCA Metro Vancouver manages and operates the building and provides support services that include tools and resources for residents to build their financial independence and prevent future homelessness.
- by Dan Pearce