Bob and Michael’s Place, a social housing building in Vancouver, held an open house event to showcase the new facility before its spring opening. The building features 231 independent living homes and an integrated health center, providing much-needed support for residents. One of the attendees at the open house was Iranian refugee Atti Houshangi, who expressed her excitement and happiness at the prospect of living in the new building. She has been staying in a low-barrier shelter and is looking forward to the beautiful accommodations at Bob and Michael’s Place.
The driving force behind Bob and Michael’s Place was a desire to create a community of support and kinship for those in need of affordable housing. Carol Lee, representing the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, spoke about the 13-year effort to bring this vision to life. The project was inspired by Bob Lee and Michael Audain, who wanted to provide homes for individuals in need of affordable and subsidized housing. The goal was not just to provide housing, but to establish a model for social housing in Canada that emphasizes community support and care for residents.
The construction of Bob and Michael’s Place involved countless partners and contributors, with the goal of setting a new standard for social housing projects in Canada. Doug Aason, EMBERS director of business development, praised the collaboration between community and corporate partners that made the project possible. EMBERS, a registered Canadian charity involved in the Downtown Eastside community, is one of the many organizations that supported the development of the housing facility. The building is expected to become a template for future projects that prioritize community engagement and support for residents.
The site of Bob and Michael’s Place has a complex history, including a long-running homeless encampment that was cleared in 2016 after a court injunction. Former mayor Gregor Robertson promised to develop social housing on the site with 100% of units held at the shelter rate. However, due to financial constraints, the project evolved to include half the number of shelter-rate units. The rezoning of the project was approved in 2018, leading to the construction of the 10-storey building that is now accepting applications from prospective residents. Over 650 people have applied to live in the facility, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community.
Bob and Michael’s Place represents a significant achievement in the effort to address homelessness and provide affordable housing in Vancouver. The project is a testament to the dedication of community partners, corporate sponsors, and individuals who work together to support vulnerable populations in the city. The facility offers a range of housing options, from micro suites to one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with an integrated health center to provide additional support to residents. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and care for others, Bob and Michael’s Place sets a new standard for social housing projects in Canada.
As Vancouver continues to grapple with issues of homelessness and housing affordability, developments like Bob and Michael’s Place serve as a beacon of hope for those in need of stability and support. The project’s success demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts and community engagement in creating sustainable solutions for affordable housing. By prioritizing care and support for residents, Bob and Michael’s Place represents a model that can be replicated in other social housing projects across the country, offering a path towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
