Housing and Municipal Affairs
Summary
- 248 Indigenous-focused homes and shelter spaces are opening in the Downtown Eastside at 1015 E. Hastings St.
- The development includes 87 affordable rental homes, 56 market-rental homes, 25 supportive homes and 80 shelter spaces
- Rental rates will be geared to income, low end of market and shelter rate, and based on unit type and household income
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Nearly 250 new homes and shelter spaces are opening for people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside as part of an Indigenous-focused development providing culturally relevant homes and supports for urban Indigenous people.
“People need a full spectrum of housing options to make sure they can live full, healthy lives in the community they love,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These new homes and shelter spaces will be able to provide people the affordability and support they need so they can build a good life in the Downtown Eastside. We know this community has been resilient throughout compounding challenges and we are proud to build homes alongside community partners to lead this massively important undertaking to properly house people in community-centred, dignified and supported housing.”
The new development has been named Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, meaning “To Gather, Good Spirits” in the Chinook Jargon. The development will prioritize Indigenous residents and will incorporate design elements to foster culture and community. This will include larger family-oriented homes, gathering and ceremonial areas, and space for Indigenous artwork and installations.
Two social-enterprise spaces are being planned and will feature the Hyiu Hiloima Tea Café and Klatawa Bike Shop, operated by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. The project will include courtyard access, a rooftop multi-purpose room and landscaped area, and a multi-level day centre with a range of services, such as a dedicated cultural gathering space, lounge areas, gym, art studio and counselling spaces.
A variety of homes and shelter spaces
The homes and rents at this site will consist of:
- 87 affordable rental homes with rents geared to income or at low-end-of-market rates
- 25 supportive homes with rent held at the shelter rate
- 56 market-rate rental homes managed by a third party
There will also be 80 shelter spaces available on site.
“Helping more people have access to affordable homes and shelter spaces ensures people are able to build a good life and get the support they need when they are struggling,” said Joan Phillip, MLA of Vancouver-Strathcona. “We’re stronger when we take care of each other and make sure that people have help when they need it the most. I’m so proud that our Indigenous neighbours and Strathcona community members will have access to these beautiful new homes and shelter spaces, with support from an amazing operator like the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and I’m looking forward to the positive impact I know they’ll have on this community.”
Development partners
These homes and shelter spaces are a part of a partnership comprised of:
- Province, through BC Housing
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- City of Vancouver
- Aboriginal Housing Management Association
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Housing and Infrastructure Canada
- Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society.
“Our government is proud to have supported this project with more than $19.2 million through the Affordable Housing Fund, where residents will have a true sense of belonging and a safe, secure, culturally appropriate place to call home,“ said Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “We are committed to working across governments and across sectors to offer housing help for those who need it most.”
With more than 50 years of experience, the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society will operate the affordable homes, supportive homes and shelter spaces.
This development is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the province has more than 95,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 12,800 homes in Vancouver.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage-insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating co-operation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.
Quotes:
Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver –
“Every new home and shelter space makes a difference for residents in Vancouver. This project contributes to a stronger, more connected city by providing a culturally relevant space where people can live, connect, learn and access the support they need. We’re grateful to our partners for working together to bring this vision to life for the Downtown Eastside community.”
Susan Tatoosh (Tii Thul’p), executive director, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) –
“Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum (To Gather, Good Spirits) will be a transformative place that fosters connection, culture and community through a diverse range of housing options grounded in an Indigenous-centred approach. We have worked toward this moment for 18 years and it would not have been possible without predictable, dependable, trustworthy partnerships across multiple levels of government. Though future partnerships and funding opportunities are uncertain, VAFCS will always remain dedicated to serving Vancouver’s urban Indigenous community.”
Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –
“This is exactly what AHMA members are about: culturally grounded housing and community service. The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society is providing more than a building; this is a place for connection, belonging, healing and peace of mind for those in need of a place to call home. It took broad collaboration to bring this project to life and we need to see more of this in the years to come.”
Mandy Gull-Masty, federal Minister of Indigenous Services Canada –
“Our government is proud to support the Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum project, an inspiring Indigenous-led vision that brings reconciliation to life through dignity, culture and safe housing. With nearly 170 new homes and 80 shelter beds, this community project will offer stability, belonging and opportunity for families, youth and Elders. This project shows what’s possible when governments and Indigenous communities work together to build homes, healing, connection and hope for generations.”
Learn More:
- To learn about the steps the Province is taking to address the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in B.C., visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
- To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf - To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit:
https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC - Learn more about household supports and for those who build and provide homes here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/more-homes-for-people - For the most requested Government of Canada housing information, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html?utm_campaign=hicc-licc-housing-campaign-24-25&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_housing - Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. To learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework, visit:
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/approach-invest-approche-eng.html#how-to-submit - Follow Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on:
X https://x.com/cmhc_ca
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/canada-mortgage-and-housing-corporation
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cmhc.schl
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A backgrounder follows.
