Senior Chinese women, others will be able to continue living near their community with supports
Summary
- Tung Sam Lau provides 76 new supportive homes in Vancouver’s historic Victory Square
- Construction of the building was funded by the federal government through the Rapid Housing Initiative and operating funding support from the Province, through BC Housing
The Tung Sam Lau, a new supportive-housing building in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, will provide 76 new homes for senior Chinese women, and other women and families of Chinese and Indigenous heritage.
The building will help its residents to continue living near the community they call home while receiving the supports they need in Vancouver’s Victory Square neighbourhood.
“The Tung Sam Lau building demonstrates B.C.’s commitment to building homes where people can remain in the communities they love and call home,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This type of supportive housing will provide the valuable supports needed to help seniors age in place and help families stay together. This housing responds to the specific identified needs that will strengthen this Vancouver neighbourhood, and the Province, through BC Housing, is proud to be working in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the federal government through CMHC to get this meaningful work done.”
The new 10-storey, 76-unit building is at 177 West Pender St. in Vancouver. The building will provide 24-hour support to residents, with 40 units prioritized for senior Chinese women.
Partnerships and funding
This project is the result of a partnership between the Province through BC Housing, the Government of Canada through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the City of Vancouver and the Community Land Trust (CLT).
- The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $2 million in annual operating funding and approximately $165,000 in startup funding.
- Construction of the building was funded through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy. RHI provided funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units.
- The City of Vancouver has provided $8.2 million for the construction of the project and a land lease contribution of approximately $11 million.
To provide the most appropriate and effective supports to residents, CLT has contracted Atira Women’s Resource Society to manage day-to-day operations of the building. Atira has extensive experience managing supportive housing for women in the Downtown Eastside.
Culturally appropriate supports
Part of the vision of Tung Sam Lau is to support Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside population. To achieve this, Atira has consulted with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., an organization that specializes in providing housing and supports to the Chinese community, to ensure programming and supports are culturally informed and appropriate for the Chinese community.
On-site supports
- support staff onsite 24/7, including six during the day and a minimum two at night
- meal services
- cultural support workers, contracted through S.U.C.C.E.S.S., to help with providing culturally appropriate programming for Chinese residents including translation services
- connections to physical health and mental-health services
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 95,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 12,800 homes in Vancouver.
Learn More:
- To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople
- 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 how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast
For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: canada.ca/housing - To learn more about the Build Canada Homes portal and Investment Policy Framework, visit: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/approach-invest-approche-eng.html#how-to-submit
BACKGROUNDER
Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –
“Our government is proud to have supported this project with more than $28 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative, where women and their families will have a safe, secure place to call home. We are committed to working across governments, and across sectors, to offer housing help for those who need it most.”
Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver –
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate the opening of Tung Sam Lau, bringing 76 safe, supportive homes for women in the Downtown Eastside. This project shows what’s possible when governments and community partners work together to deliver culturally appropriate housing that meets the needs of seniors and strengthens community connections. The City of Vancouver is proud to support inclusive housing that helps residents remain near the communities they call home.”
Bing, resident of Tung Sam Lau building
“We were accepted by Tung Sam Lau at one of the most difficult times in our lives, and it is hard to put our gratitude into words. With the support of staff, neighbours and community organizations, we felt warmth, care and a true sense of belonging.”
Michelle Cooper-Iversen, chief operations officer, Community Land Trust –
“Tung Sam Lau reflects the strength of partnership-driven housing that is rooted in community, culture and care. This new building provides permanent, affordable homes for senior women who face barriers to housing, offering stability, dignity and culturally responsive supports. It’s a meaningful step toward strengthening the Downtown Eastside while ensuring long-term affordability is protected.”
Sarah McIntosh, chief executive officer, Atira Women’s Resource Society –
“Homes like Tung Sam Lau ensure women, especially those with deep roots in this community, can remain where they feel belonging – connected to culture, language and support. Housing is more than four walls; it is safety, stability and the foundation for a better future. At Atira Women’s Resource Society, we are committed to ensuring every woman, at every stage of life, has the opportunity to live, belong and thrive in her community.”