Landlord provides home to Richmond family in need

Clive Alladin, from Balandra Development Inc., has donated the use of one of his Richmond properties for the next six months to a local family escaping domestic violence.

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A local mom and her three children will have one less thing to worry about for the next six months after turning to Nova House in search of a refuge from domestic violence.

Thanks to a generous local developer, who offered up a home he’s planning to demolish in six months, the family has a stable place to stay for just $1 per month.

Furnishings at the home will be provided by Richmond Shares—a Richmond Women’s Resource Centre program that assists locals in need—while donations received by CHIMO, including bikes and bike helmets, will be provided to the family.

Clive Alladin, of Balandra Development Inc., told The Richmond Review Thursday that he and his wife have long had a soft spot for victims of domestic violence.

So during the Christmas holidays, it occurred to them that this home was sitting idle, whereas somebody could be using it.

Alladin, who has been developing homes in Richmond for the past six years, reached out to Richmond Shares, who in turn connected him to the staff at CHIMO, who operate Nova House, a shelter for women and their children escaping violence in the home.

“I can’t wait for somebody to get in there and make use of it,” said Alladin. “I hate to see it sit idle and not do anything.”

Alladin said his company plans to redevelop the home and adjacent properties later this year, but those plans for making a subdivision could be delayed depending on the state of the real estate market, and if it continues to cool.

“I think there are other developers out there, and I would urge them to please do something like we’re doing, because I think it’s a worthwhile cause.”

He plans to speak to some of his friends in the development sector, to urge them to do the same with any idle inventory.

Lisa Westermark, executive director of CHIMO, said this developer’s kind gesture will have a meaningful impact on this family.

“It is a huge issue for women to find affordable housing in Richmond, and they often have to leave the community and their children have to change schools,” she said. “This is truly a blessing for this family to make a fresh start.”