Explore Our Housing Security Programs

 The Reaching Home Program at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is an initiative that focuses on meeting the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples who are experiencing absolute, at risk, chronic, or episodic homelessness. The program works to lower and reduce the barriers to homelessness and provides individuals with resources and support to help them stabilize their housing situations.

At VAFCS, Reaching Home provides a range of services to Indigenous Peoples who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These services include housing placement, financial assistance, and case management to ensure that individuals have access to the support they need to secure and maintain safe and stable housing. The program also provides Indigenous cultural support to individuals, which is a key component of helping people regain a sense of belonging and identity.

The program emphasizes building relationships with participants and supporting them in achieving their goals. By working closely with Indigenous Peoples who are experiencing homelessness, Reaching Home strives to break the cycle of homelessness and provide a pathway to a better future.

The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) offered by VAFCS is a vital resource for Indigenous individuals who are at risk of homelessness or already experiencing housing instability. The program is specifically designed to address the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness among Indigenous people by providing access to various resources and services.

HPP aims to empower individuals and families with the tools and support they need to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life. The program offers a wide range of services, including housing support, financial assistance, counseling, and employment assistance. The goal is to assist participants in identifying and addressing the root causes of their housing instability, whether it be poverty, mental health issues, or other social factors.

 VAFCS is proud to offer the SKEENA Supportive House, a safe and supportive second-stage housing program designed to assist individuals in reintegrating into the community after experiencing socio-economic challenges. Our shelter, located at 3475 E. Hastings in Vancouver, is operated by VAFCS and provides a welcoming and secure environment for up to 54 tenants.

Our supportive house is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing personalized support to each individual. We work closely with our tenants to identify their needs and develop a plan for achieving their goals, offering a range of essential services and resources to help them rebuild their lives.

At SKEENA, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and we are committed to helping our tenants achieve a brighter future. Our program offers a range of resources, including access to education and job training programs, counseling and support services, and help with securing more permanent housing.

 Ongoing Construction. 

M’akola Development Services (MDS) is working as a development consultant for BC Housing and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society who are partnering to build a range of housing options for people of all ages struggling to find a place to call home. The project is being planned for the City-owned vacant lot at 1015 East Hastings and would include:

• 80 welcoming, safe shelter beds for people and families experiencing homelessness
• 25 studios and one-bedrooms for people who are ready to move from the shelter to more independent living
• 85 new affordable rental homes for people and families with lower incomes (one, two and three-bedroom units)
• 53 new market rental homes to help pay for the cost of the more affordable units
• Social enterprise space operated by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society