Support the Displaced Tenants of Keefer Rooms

On Friday September 9th, 2022, thirty-nine tenants were displaced from their homes due to a fire at Keefer Rooms, a privately owned SRO in Chinatown. The fire broke out at street level and set the hotel ablaze. Thankfully, everyone is safe and none of the tenants sustained serious injuries during the evacuation.

Keefer Rooms is not managed or supported by BC Housing or other non-profits. This means the SRO Collaborative is the only group set up to support these tenants. The SRO-C has been deeply involved with the tenants over the last few years; many of them are leaders in our tenant-based initiatives. The strong relationships we have built with tenants and the landlord helped mitigate the trauma of the fire. We are working with the landlord to set tenants up with temporary housing and recover whatever remains of their belongings.

There is some good news, though. City engineers say Keefer Rooms is still structurally sound, so the building can be saved! However, there is significant smoke and water damage, and it will take months to renovate. The owner of Keefer Rooms made a commitment that when the rooms are repaired and ready, tenants who want to move back in can do so. But it will take some time before repairs and renovations can begin.

In the meantime, all 39 tenants who’ve been displaced need support. Not only did they lose their homes in the fire, but many also lost sentimental and valuable belongings.

The SRO Collaborative invites the community to join in supporting these displaced tenants so they have what they need in order to live with dignity while they recover from this traumatic event.

The fundraiser proceeds will be used to replace things that tenants lost in the fire and for the basic necessities of everyday survival. We have open lines of communication with the tenants, and they are letting us know what they need. If you are able, please donate what you can.

Tell your friends! Tell your neighbours! Tell anyone! The SRO Collaborative and the displaced tenants of Keefer Rooms are very grateful for your support.