Busy Centre Has Bigger Plans –

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) located at 1607 East Hastings St. has provided essential services to the urban aboriginal community for over 50years. It is one of the main hubs for families, youth, adults and elders to access support for housing, employment, life skills and recreational programs.
“VAFCS strives to provide wrap-around services to allcommunity members,” says Kaila Wong, program administrator at VAFCS. “While we are open to everyone, we prioritize
Indigenous community members and their needs. We emphasize the philosophies and values of Aboriginal traditions to help our clients maintain their cultural ties.”
Housing and food support have been two of the priorities for the centre during COVID: The seven-person Urban Aboriginal Navigation Team (UANT) provides housing and support services for Indigenous people who are at risk of homelessness or are already experiencing it. UANT assists with emergency rent subsidies, food access, housing applications and tenant landlord relations.