Vancouver homeless shelter breaks ground on $35.5 million expansion

VANCOUVER –  Union Gospel Mission (UGM) has started construction of a $35.5 million “Women and Families Centre” expansion of its current facility in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The seven storey, 77,000 square-foot building will expand the number of beds from 21 spaces to 135 and will have 63 units for long-term housing and treatment. The facility will also have child care spaces, emergency support and a long-term addiction recovery program for women.

“This new building will not only save lives, but change the trajectory of entire families for generations,” UGM president Bill Mollard said. “It means fewer children in poverty, fewer women on the street, and a future for families who are now struggling to find housing.”

The building was funded by $14.5 million from the government of B.C., $11.375 million from the federal government, $1.6 million from the City of Vancouver, $1.1 million in Development Cost Levies (DCL) waivers, and $720,000 from Streetohome Foundation, along with private donors.

“The lack of affordable housing in our city continues to be a critical challenge and UGM’s new Women and Families Centre will provide life-changing support for women and children in the Downtown Eastside. The new Centre will keep families together in a safe environment, while offering so many important, transformative services,” Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said.

“Our government has acted quickly to address the urgent need for housing that people can afford. It is not just about increasing the number of homes. It is about working with our partners, such as Union Gospel Mission, to build the right kind of homes to make life better for people at all ages, stages and income-levels,” B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson said.

The new building is estimated for completion by 2021. Through seven shelters in Metro Vancouver and Mission, B.C., UGM offers emergency shelter, meals, counselling, addiction recovery and other services to those struggling with homelessness, poverty and addiction.