Ho'-kee-melh Kloshe Lum: meaning “to gather, good spirits”

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 currentl being constructed and will be located at 1015 East Hastings to include about:

• 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

 This project would create lasting benefits including a more vibrant streetscape, creative community partnerships, art and cultural events and a communal gathering space. Through architecture, design, and programming, the building will celebrate the area’s rich and vibrant Indigenous history and traditions. It will honour and respect the elders, adults, youth and families that live in the area. Community events and gatherings hosted at the building will help neighbours connect to each other and people from all cultural backgrounds will be invited to express and share their culture. 

 The shelter and supportive housing programs would support people on their journey to wellness and stability in a drug and alcohol-free environment. The proposed project is much more than just a room to sleep in. It would provide safe accommodation, healthy meals and on-site supports to ensure people are well-cared for, including: on-site training, education, health and wellness services and gathering space, ensuring they are matched with the right level of support services they need to remain housed and live a healthy, stable life, agreements regarding appropriate and respectful behavior as it relates to health and safety of themselves, other tenants and neighbours.