VANCOUVER - Nearly 100 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver are moving into new safe and secure homes, as the doors open on new supportive homes.

"This project is another example of how we are taking urgent action with our partners to provide the homes people experiencing homelessness need to get back on their feet," said Melanie Mark, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. "The benefits of this complex will not only change the lives of its 98 new residents, by extension it will strengthen the community."

Álewem is comprised of two three-storey modular buildings, with 52 units at 1580 and 46 units at 1582 Vernon Dr. Each building also has six accessible units. Each home has a private bathroom, kitchenette and storage space for belongings. The building derives its name from the Stó:lō Nation Halq'emeylem-language. "Álewem" means "to be/stay home."

Community Builders, an experienced non-profit housing provider, will operate the homes. The society will always have staff on site to provide support services to residents, including daily meals, Indigenous cultural programming and skills building, as well as health, mental health and addictions services.

"Community Builders is honoured to have been selected to open this site and to create these 98 new homes in Vancouver," said Julie Roberts, executive director, Community Builders. "We're so excited to begin welcoming the people who will call Álewem their home."

"This project marks the first 98 homes in last September's commitment by the Province to build hundreds of new modular homes that will deliver the housing and wraparound services the thousands of residents experiencing homelessness in Vancouver need to get back on their feet," said Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver. "Building homes continues to be the answer to addressing the needs of our neighbours living on our streets, and I want to thank the Province for its ongoing partnership and co-investment with the City of Vancouver in modular housing as the fastest way to build homes during a homelessness crisis."

Residents will begin moving into Álewem by Sept. 8, 2021.

Quick Facts:

• The Province provided approximately $21 million to the project through the Supportive Housing Fund, as well as an annual operating subsidy of approximately $1.43 million.
• The City of Vancouver has provided the project land under a nominal five-year lease, with an opportunity to extend for another five years.
• Since 2018, more than 3,400 supportive housing units have been completed or are underway in Vancouver.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/