Construction is underway on a major Indigenous led and focused development in Vancouver that will bring nearly 170 mixed-use homes and 80 shelter beds to the city’s Downtown Eastside community.
More than $97 million will fund the 248 new spaces for Indigenous individuals and families with the project slated to complete in late 2025.
Located at 1015 East Hastings Street, the building is named Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, which means “to gather, good spirits.” It will be a mixed-use development across two concrete towers and will include 143 low- to moderate-income rentals, 25 supportive housing units, and 80 shelter beds.
The development will prioritize Indigenous residents, and the building will incorporate design elements to foster culture and community. This will include larger, family-oriented homes, gathering and ceremonial areas, and space allotted for Indigenous artwork and installations.
Two social enterprise spaces are being planned and will feature a café and Klatawa Bike Shop, both of which will be operated by Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS).
The project will also include courtyard access, a rooftop multipurpose room with a shared kitchen and landscaped area, and a multi-level day centre with a range of services available such as lounge areas, library, an art studio, and counselling spaces.
The project is a partnership between federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indigenous Services Canada, the Province, through BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. Development support has also been provided by M’akola Development Services and Western Canadian Properties Group.
“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,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA).
