S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and BC Housing partnership to preserve assisted living housing in Chinatown

Media Release 

Aug. 2, 2023 

For Immediate Release 

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and BC Housing partnership to preserve assisted living housing in Chinatown  

Vancouver, B.C. – Seniors living in over 30 units in Vancouver’s Chinatown will remain secure in their housing, with Harmony House Assisted Living retained for ongoing use as affordable rentals.  

“By purchasing these 33 homes we are ensuring that seniors in Vancouver continue to have access to an affordable place to live and are able to stay in the community they call home, close to loved ones and the services they rely on,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “This purchase is another example of the work our government is undertaking to protect the existing housing stock we need to keep our communities whole, while also building new housing at a historic rate.”

The Province, through BC Housing, has partnered with S.U.C.C.E.S.S to purchase the 33 strata units comprising Harmony House at 588 Shanghai Alley, preventing much-needed affordable housing from being lost to the private market and ensuring those living therein can remain in their homes and neighbourhood. The four-floor strata block is made up of studio and one-bedroom units, and includes accessibility features in all units, a multi-purpose dining area and shared patio space.

“We’re pleased to help ensure Harmony House residents can age in place in these units and continue to access the assisted-living services from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. that enhance their wellness, independence and quality of life in the community,” said S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo. “S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been helping people find affordable homes since 2008 and today we operate nearly 1,000 housing units across Metro Vancouver, with more to come to meet demand.” 

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will own the strata units, helping to safeguard these homes against future risk of third-party sale, and will continue in its role as operator through its S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society subsidiary. Residents residing in Harmony House will continue living in their homes.  

BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health currently partner to provide Independent Living BC rent supplements for Harmony House, providing subsidized, assisted-living housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities.  

“We are pleased Harmony House residents will not only have fit-for-purpose housing that meets their needs, but that they can continue to access quality health services within their community. From existing evidence, we know supporting seniors in living independently and in their own community where possible, has significant positive benefits for their health and well-being,” said Bob Chapman, vice-president, Vancouver Community, Vancouver Coastal Health. 

Since 2017, the Province has funded more than 76,000 affordable new homes that have been completed or are under way for people in B.C., including more than 8,400 in Vancouver. The Province, through BC Housing, has committed approximately $16.44 million toward the purchase of Harmony House. BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health provide approximately $1.29 million in combined Independent Living BC rental supplements. 

To read the Province’s news release on Harmony House please visit: BC GOV NEWS  

For more information
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[email protected] 

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Our multicultural, non-profit charitable organization offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people at all stages of their Canadian journey. Programs and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care and affordable housing. Learn more at successbc.ca. 

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation
Incorporated in 2001, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funding for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations supporting S.U.C.C.E.S.S. mandates that focus on strengthening our diverse communities. For details, please visit successfoundation.ca. 

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