On Sunday, BC’s provincial housing minister and the mayor of Vancouver announced 330 new homes for people on the city’s Downtown Eastside would be opened by the end of June.
A news release from the ministry of housing says there are about 117 people sheltering outside on East Hasting Street, 70 of whom have expressed a desire for housing.
The new homes include 89 units from two temporary supportive housing projects on the DTES plus a mix of renovated single-room occupancy (SRO) units and other support housing units.
“Everyone in the Downtown Eastside deserves a safe, stable and supportive place to call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing.
“Over the past several months, we’ve led work with Indigenous, community and government partners to develop a co-ordinated response plan to help people get off the streets and into homes, and make the Downtown Eastside a healthier, safer and more hopeful place for everyone.”
Back in the summer of 2021, the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services issued an order to remove tents and structures along East Hasting Street due to ongoing safety concerns.
The province claims that the number of structures totaled 180. There are now about 74 structures remaining.
“The challenges we see in the Downtown Eastside are real and significant— today marks an important step forward,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver.
Kahlon said more than 90 people sheltering outside have accepted housing offers and moved into safer homes through the plan.
