Landmark Indigenous housing project breaks ground in Vancouver
Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities –
“Working with organizations is critical to understanding the unique needs and circumstances of their communities. Partnering with those on the ground helps to provide the most relevant housing options and helps to ensure the most successful outcomes. Thanks in particular to this partnership with the Province, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society, we will not only be creating 170 new homes for residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood, but also a place to honour their traditions and get support from their community. This is an all-hands-on deck approach that shows the federal government’s leadership with the National Housing Strategy is working.”
Taleeb Noormohamed, MP for Vancouver Granville –
“Indigenous communities in British Columbia deserve access to safe and affordable housing. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the government is investing in 112 new affordable homes for Indigenous Peoples to improve the quality of life for the people who need it most. These kinds of investments transform our communities and will give residents a true sense of belonging and a safe, secure, culturally appropriate place to call home.”
Ken Sim, mayor, Vancouver –
“Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum is an innovative, Indigenous-focused, and community-driven partnership that will bring much-needed below-market, supportive and shelter housing to the Downtown Eastside. The City of Vancouver looks forward to continuing to work with our partners in senior government and the community to enable similar projects that deliver more housing faster.”
Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services –
“Indigenous leaders, communities and organizations know best the realities that Indigenous families face in Canada. Every investment in an Indigenous infrastructure project must be a collaboration with them. From safe spaces to affordable housing, this Indigenous-led project reflects some of the needs of Indigenous people in central Vancouver. This much-needed hub of services will help families thrive and create opportunities for reconciliation to move forward.”
Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –
“The collaboration across all partners involved in this project is an example of excellence in creating more equitable, community-based housing to serve those most in need. Forty percent of those who are unhoused in Vancouver are Indigenous. At AHMA, we know that culturally supported living spaces with trauma-informed wraparound services are a pathway for healing, safety, connection and belonging. We hope to see more of this kind of housing moving forward.”
Susan Tatoosh (Tii Thul’p), executive director, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society –
“The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society is proud to work in partnership to demonstrate ‘Reconciliation in Action’ and our shared commitment to upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by providing culturally safe, affordable and accessible housing that is operated by and for Indigenous Peoples. We are excited to welcome community members to an environment where Indigenous placemaking is prioritized and our community members see themselves when they walk through the door.”
Kaela Schramm, director of projects and planning, M’akola Development Services –
“This project demonstrates how we can develop homes differently and achieve meaningful results by prioritizing commitments to upholding Indigenous values, following the lead of community leaders like VAFCS, and taking a relationships-first approach. M’akola Development Services is proud to support VAFCS and the project partners in developing this project from concept to community.”
James Ferrie, CEO, Western Canadian Properties Group (WCPG) –
“Western Canadian Properties Group is proud to partner on this project as development manager. The progress made to date is the result of thousands of hours of hard work by dedicated individuals committed to providing quality housing across all income levels and celebrates the area’s rich Indigenous history and culture. WCPG will be working closely with our builder, Urban One, to deliver a project that will serve as a cultural hub in the Downtown Eastside for generations to come.”