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Finding Comfort 

How one building in the Downtown Eastside is doing it right

September 5, 2024

Have you ever taken a trip or visited someone you love and been delighted with the way they prepared for you? You might have even said the words, “They thought of everything!” This has been my own lived experience at Smith-Yuen Apartments on East Hastings Street in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, a haven for me as I have recovered from bipolar affective disorder and homelessness. 

I have lived here since 2013, after being referred by Strathcona Mental Health. It’s a little hard to believe, but all I needed to do to get this apartment was show up for the interview. 

This building was purpose-built in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, Sanford Housing Society and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). PHS Community Services Society provides supported care and management. Residents receive additional support from Strathcona Mental Health and other mental health organizations. Home support, including cleaning, laundry and personal care, is provided by home support staff through VCH. 

For this article, for privacy reasons, Megaphone did not take pictures inside the building — except for heat-related notices in the elevators. I also did not interview staff, other residents or Sanford Housing. 

I have consent to talk about my own experience living here, the building itself and the general activities of staff, especially as they pertain to climate change and heat events. Home support and PHS staff check on residents more often, and provide additional supports during heat events. 

There are at least two parts to the climate change discussion. First, how are buildings and their residents preparing for climate change? Second, how are staff and residents coping with weather events? 

Forward-thinking Sanford Housing built Smith-Yuen Apartments to be energy efficient and fully electric. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling on the main floor, along with ductless splits in the offices. This means that the building is able to offer a designated cooling centre, supported by a portable air-conditioner, in the TV room on the main floor. 

There is a forced air system on the four upper floors. Filtered air is pumped into the hallways and then under residents’ front doors. This means that there is a defence for residents in the case of wildfire smoke.  

We can keep our windows closed while filtered air is pumped through the hallways and into our units. 

During the 2022 heat dome, PHS gave each resident a stand-up oscillating fan. These can be quite useful for cooling, especially when combined with a wet towel or spray bottle. 

During a recent heat wave in Vancouver, I noticed that my room became very hot, maxing out at 32 degrees Celsius, but I had my fan, a towel from a heat defence kit, and directions from PHS to go downstairs to cool off, and to report to staff if I wasn’t feeling well. 

Staff and home support interactions with residents are important. Staff members regularly check on residents during weather events. That is over and above daily room checks. 

People like me, with mental illness, may not respond to emergencies the same way as other folks. When I was homeless more than three times between 2010 and 2012, I would not take the dangers I faced seriously. Today, I’m horrified by my casual attitude. I’m encouraged by the support I have now, and the knowledge that staff or home support will regularly check with me to make sure I’m OK. 

Over the 11 years I have lived at Smith-Yuen, I’ve developed good, ongoing relationships with PHS staff and VCH home support workers. (Even though I don’t need most home support services). They are always looking out for me, helping with medications, providing an evening meal and being present at the right time. For someone who has been mentally ill, lonely and isolated, these relationships have been life changing. 

Climate change, heat domes and wildfire smoke are all reminders of things we should be doing anyway. The Sanford Housing mission statement includes this: “Environments that Inspire Lives. We believe that all individuals have the right to decent affordable housing that gives dignity and independence.” 

Sanford Housing is an advocate for quality housing. I worked in the construction industry as a labourer and first aid attendant for many years. I have a real appreciation of the quality built into this building. The rooms are larger than average, with large double-paned windows and good electric baseboard heaters. The washrooms are excellent with walk-in showers. The two large elevators are well maintained. There is an excellent fire suppression system, always on alert. 

I often think about these things. I’m encouraged by the care that is taken. 

The “climate” here is life-affirming. A relatively small carbon footprint. Well-insulated homes. Energy-efficient buildings that use heat pumps and ductless splits. Communal meals, which reduce waste and energy use. A quick response to climatic events, such as heat waves. 

These are not things which residents can control. They are provided to us, with care and forethought. Together with essential staff interactions, they help us to breathe easier and heal better. These things help residents with mental illness develop an attitude of gratitude, which makes getting better, better. 

Smith-Yuen Apartments was ahead of the curve when it was built in 2005. Since then, several similar buildings have been built, or will soon be completed in our community. These 100-per-cent social housing or shelter-based projects are encouraging. They adhere to the Sanford model of quality builds that are environmentally friendly, with inspiring residences. 

“Housing first!” has been a principle that has worked for me. More needs to be done, but I’m glad that so many marginalized people in this community will have a chance to say, “They thought of everything.” 

Author’s note: Placement in Smith-Yuen Apartments is by referral only. If you are interested in applying, please contact: Mental Health Housing Services. Phone: 604-675-3898. This seniors’ housing is for people over age 50, with a history of mental illness, especially those who have been precariously housed.   

James Witwicki was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved to Delta and later Burnaby in the early 1970s. He has been living in the Downtown Eastside for more than 14 years. James is a prolific writer and has been published numerous times in Voices of the Street. He stays active in the community through his volunteer work at Strathcona Vineyard Church and works as a copy editor for Megaphone magazine as part of The Shift peer newsroom.  

Published in Megaphone magazine on September 6, 2024