A unique affordable rental housing project called Co:Here has officially opened in Vancouver’s Commercial Drive and Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood. The 26-unit building is supported through partnerships between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, Streetohome Foundation, and many other organizations and individuals.
“These new homes represent an innovative approach to supportive housing, with the fostering of a network of support in the building,” said Honourable Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and MLA for Vancouver-Hastings. “Our Government understands the importance of putting people first and when community is part of the solution, we are able to help more people with the housing and social assistance they need to make a fresh start in life.”
Located at 1723 Victoria Dr., the building features 18 units for people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness and eight units for low-to-moderate-income individuals, couples and families.
The Co:Here Housing Community is managed and operated by Salsbury Community Society and the project is based on a community development approach to supportive housing whereby the connection between neighbours from different economic, cultural, health and societal backgrounds help to provide support services.
“Co:Here is a great example of the type of creative affordable housing solutions that are possible when all levels of government and our non-profit partners work together to deliver urgently needed housing,” said Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of Vancouver. “In addition to providing 26 new homes geared towards low to moderate income households, this building gives people a chance to put down roots and continue to build their community within this vibrant East Vancouver neighbourhood. This is a project that the City of Vancouver is proud to support and I want to thank our partners in the federal and provincial governments, at the Streetohome Foundation, and the Co:Here Foundation and from the Salsbury Community Society for opening the doors on these new homes.”
Quick facts:
- The Government of Canada through CMHC and the Government of British Columbia through BC Housing jointly contributed approximately $3.5 million under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
- CMHC provided $37,300 in seed funding toward the project.
- The City of Vancouver contributed $500,000 from the Housing Infrastructure Grant and provided $257,000 in municipal waivers.
- Streetohome Foundation provided a grant in the amount of $520,000.
- Grandview Church provided the land valued at approximately $2.68 million.
- Co:Here Foundation raised the balance of the funds of approximately $4.8 million through foundations, private organizations and individuals.
