"From out there in the gutter, to this. I'm telling you, it's a miracle in my life." William, Vancouver temporary modular housing resident
Vancouver is in a housing crisis and people experiencing homelessness continue to be hardest hit.
The 2019 Homeless Count found that more than 2,200 people do not have a home in Vancouver.
Temporary modular housing can be constructed more quickly than permanent housing and provide immediate relief to hundreds of people living without a home.
Residents are given supports, such as life skills training as well as health and social services.
They are given two meals a day, and opportunities to connect with community groups, volunteer work, and social events.
We know when people have access to housing and supports, they are more likely to successfully rebuild their lives.
The impact of temporary modular housing
BC Housing conducted a survey on the impact of temporary modular housing on residents six months after many of the buildings in Vancouver opened.
The survey found that:
- 80% of residents reported that their overall well-being is better
- 82% of residents have experienced positive interactions with neighbours in the surrounding community
- Nearly all (94%) of residents remained housed six months after move-in
Building-related questions, comments, or concerns
Call the 24/7 phone number listed below for an immediate response.
Temporary modular housing sites
Tenanted buildings
Álewem was completed in September 2021 following a funding commitment from the Government of British Columbia towards the development of more temporary modular homes in Vancouver.
| Address | 24/7 phone number | Single units |
|---|---|---|
| Álewem 1580, 1582 Vernon Drive |
778-723-1580 | 98 |
In April 2019, funding from the Government of British Columbia was committed towards the development of more temporary modular housing across the province.
Naomi Place was completed as part of this funding.
| Address | 24/7 phone number | Single units |
|---|---|---|
| Naomi Place 3598 Copley St |
604-423-9030 | 58 |
In September 2017, the Government of British Columbia announced a funding commitment of $66 million towards building 600 units of temporary modular housing in Vancouver.
The details of the new homes built with this funding are included below.
Total as of April 2020: 663 units
220 Terminal Ave
The first temporary modular housing building on City-owned land
Community gatherings with temporary modular housing residents
Neighbours meeting neighbours
Learn how communities are connecting around temporary modular housing in Vancouver.
Benefits of temporary modular housing
- Can be constructed in about three months on vacant or underused sites across the city
- Provides immediate relief to hundreds of people without a home
- Supplies the right supports until more permanent social housing is available
- Can relocate and reconfigure to fit different sites
- Creates a sense of community with amenity space and connections to the neighbourhood
Apply to be a tenant
BC Housing, the owner securing non-profit housing operators to manage the buildings, oversees the tenanting process for the sites.
Contact the Orange Hall at 604-648-4270, or stop by in person at 297 East Hastings St, Vancouver.
Learn more
Housing
We're creating a city that cares about its people, environment, and opportunities to live, work, and prosper.
Housing Vancouver update
Read the Housing Vancouver update presentation to Council on July 25, 2017 
(3.8 MB)
For more information, email housing@vancouver.ca.