The Expansion & Renovation Project

Serving the community since 2005

The Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH) is a community-based, volunteer-driven organization located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). We provide inclusive, low-barrier programs that nurture food security, education, and connection among residents of all ages.

Our Home and History

The DTES NH is currently located at 573 East Hastings Street, within a mixed-use building that includes supportive housing known as Carl Rooms.

BC Housing purchased the building in 2007 to preserve and upgrade this important source of affordable housing in Vancouver.

Carl Rooms is now entering a major building upgrade (see next page). To allow this work to happen safely, all tenants — including the DTES NH — will temporarily relocate in late 2025.

Our Future Space

BC Housing is preparing a newly expanded shell space for DTES NH as part of this renovation project.

  • The House will grow from approximately 1,600 sq. ft. to 4,500 sq. ft.

  • The new layout will feature separate entrances on East Hastings and Princess Street, improving accessibility and visibility.

  • The expanded footprint will allow multiple community programs to run simultaneously — serving more neighbours than ever before.

Project Milestones

  • Schematic Design Phase: Completed

  • Design Development Phase: Finished and Approved

  • Base Building Construction by BC Housing: Starting February 2026

  • DTES NH Temporary Relocation: To 547 East Hastings, starting November 2025

Looking Ahead

This renovation represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the DTES Neighbourhood House — creating a more welcoming, inclusive, and functional space for all who call this community home.

Renovation Project

The Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH) has served Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside since 2005, providing inclusive, low-barrier programs that support food security, education, and connection. Located at 573 East Hastings within the Carl Rooms building, the House operates in a space owned by BC Housing since 2012. To enable a major upgrade of the building, the DTES NH has temporarily relocated to 547 East Hastings in early 2026. As part of the renovation, BC Housing is preparing a newly expanded 4,500 sq. ft. shell space for the House — nearly triple its current size — with new entrances on both East Hastings and Princess Street. The expanded facility will allow multiple programs to run simultaneously, improving accessibility and service capacity. With schematic design complete and design development approved, base building construction begins in September 2026. This project marks a transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the Downtown Eastside community.

Renderings Courtesy of Perkins&Will