Construction to begin on a new social housing and health care facility

Health care starts at home. And today, we are proud to be a part of Vancouver’s largest social housing project in the Downtown Eastside. Donors are supporting the integrated Community Health Centre that will be housed within the new 10-storey, mixed-use building at 58 West Hastings.

“This centre is going to meet the health care needs of residents where and when they need it,” says Angela Chapman, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “The increased accessibility and integration means improved quality of life and better health management. It would not be possible without the vision and generosity of donors, including 625 Powell Street Foundation, and Peterson.”

The VCH operated health care facility will occupy about 48,500 square feet and will be designed to meet the unique needs of neighbourhood residents. The goal is to provide easy access to health care services covering a broad-spectrum of needs, including primary care, mental health, substance use, home health, and seniors care.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has committed to providing $7 million to support VCH in this important community project. You can contribute by making a donation today.

Construction will officially begin later this summer and be expected to reach completion in 2024.

 

Building a better tomorrow

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada’s recovery for communities across the country. In Vancouver, one of the city’s largest ever social housing projects will soon break ground, thanks to a unique partnership between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, on behalf of the honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, announced $45.8 million in funding from the federal government for the 58 West Hastings project, a 10-storey, 231 unit social housing development in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Additionally, David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, announced that BC Housing has contributed $33.6 million in funding support for the project, as well as an annual operating subsidy.

Kennedy Stewart, Mayor of Vancouver, announced that the City is providing the land through a 99-year land lease. This project was been initiated and developed by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation which is contributing $30 million through a community fundraising campaign.

The project, located at 58 West Hastings St., will provide a mix of supportive and affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness and low-income families in Vancouver. This project will have 120 supportive housing units and 111 bedroom units and 54 two-bedroom units. This project offers a tangible solution to safely house over 230 individuals and families, focusing on the most vulnerable.