Atira holds grand opening of Tung Sam Lau, one of its newest supportive housing developments in Vancouver’s Victory Square
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2026
Atira Women’s Resource Society
Atira holds grand opening of Tung Sam Lau, one of its newest supportive housing developments in Vancouver’s Victory Square
VANCOUVER – Atira Women’s Resource Society last week celebrated the grand opening of Tung Sam Lau, a 10-storey supportive housing development in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The event marked the official opening of the building and brought together residents, government representatives, community partners, and project stakeholders to recognize the completion of the project and the collaborative effort behind it.
Event Summary
Guests began arriving at 10:00 a.m. for registration, networking, refreshments, and a rooftop photo opportunity overlooking Victory Square.
The formal program began at 11:00 a.m. with a ceremony led by Elder Wapahcheaph, followed by a land acknowledgment delivered by Sarah McIntosh, CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society, who also served as emcee for the event.
The program then featured remarks from representatives across all levels of partnership, including the Honourable Christine Boyle (BC Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs), Mayor Ken Sim (City of Vancouver), Queenie Choo (CEO, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.), Mania Hormozi (Associate Executive Director of Development, CLT), and Michael Brimer (VP of Construction, TL Housing Solutions).
One of the residents shared their lived experience of moving to Tung Sam Lau, reflecting on the importance of safe, stable housing and community connection.
The formal program concluded with acknowledgments of project partners, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the building. Guests then continued with informal networking and refreshments, with opportunities to tour the site.
About Tung Sam Lau
Tung Sam Lau is a community-rooted supportive housing project located at 177 West Pender Street in Vancouver’s Victory Square. The new 10-storey, 76-unit building provides stable, long-term housing for Chinese and Indigenous senior women and families, while maintaining strong connections to the neighbourhood’s cultural and social fabric. Forty of the units are prioritized for Chinese women.
Operated by Atira Women’s Resource Society on behalf of Community Land Trust (CLT), the building provides around-the-clock support to residents, including 24/7 onsite staffing, daily meal services, health and wellness supports, and culturally informed programming delivered in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
“Homes like Tung Sam Lau ensure women—especially those with deep roots in this community—can remain where they feel a sense of belonging, connected to culture, language, and support. Housing is more than four walls; it is safety, stability, and the foundation for a better future. At Atira Women’s Resource Society, we are committed to ensuring every woman, at every stage of life, has the opportunity to live, belong, and thrive in her community,” said Sarah McIntosh, CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society.
“We were welcomed into Tung Sam Lau at one of the most difficult times in our lives, and it is hard to put our gratitude into words. With the support of staff, neighbours, and community organizations, we felt warmth, care, and a true sense of belonging,” said Bing, one of the residents.
我們在人生最困難的時候被同心樓接納，這份感激之情難以言表。在工作人員、鄰居以及社區機構的支持下，我們感受到溫暖、關懷，以及真正的歸屬感。」—— 同心樓居民 Bing
Partnership Model
The project was made possible through a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia (through BC Housing), the City of Vancouver, and Community Land Trust (CLT). Together, these partners supported the development, funding, and delivery of the building from concept to completion.
“Our government is proud to have supported this project with more than $28 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative, where women and their families will have a safe, secure place to call home. We are committed to working across governments, and across sectors, to offer housing help for those who need it most” said The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Federal funding was provided through the Rapid Housing Initiative, with ongoing operating funding support from the Province of British Columbia.
“The Tung Sam Lau building demonstrates B.C.’s commitment to building homes where people can remain in the communities they love and call home,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This type of supportive housing will provide the valuable supports needed to help seniors age in place and help families stay together. This housing responds to the specific identified needs that will strengthen this Vancouver neighbourhood, and the Province, through BC Housing, is proud to be working in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the federal government through CMHC to get this meaningful work done.” Minister Boyle
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate the opening of Tung Sam Lau, bringing 76 safe, supportive homes for women in the Downtown Eastside. This project shows what’s possible when governments and community partners work together to deliver culturally appropriate housing that meets the needs of seniors and strengthens community connections. The City of Vancouver is proud to support inclusive housing that helps residents remain in the communities they call home.” Said Mayor Ken Sim
“Tung Sam Lau reflects the strength of partnership driven housing that is rooted in community, culture, and care. This new building provides permanent, affordable homes for senior women who face barriers to housing, offering stability, dignity, and culturally responsive supports. It’s- a meaningful step toward strengthening the Downtown Eastside while ensuring long-term- affordability is protected.” Said CLT’s COO, Michelle Cooper-Iverson
About Atira Women’s Resource Society
Atira Women’s Resource Society is a non-profit organization providing safe housing and support services for women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence, poverty, and homelessness.
Media Contact:
Tannaz Alesafar
604-830-1923