Draft:Anhart: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia

Anhart (formerly Anhart Community Housing) is a Canadian non-profit affordable housing developer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 2000, the organization focuses on the revitalization of urban properties and the development of new affordable housing units across Canada. ^[1]

Anhart was co-founded in 2000 by Keith Wiebe Gordon. The organization’s initial projects were located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where it focused on renovating aging single-room-occupancy (SRO) buildings. Early developments included the 2000 renovation of the Jubilee Rooms (80 units) and the 2004 acquisition and revitalization of the Dodson Hotel (71 units). ^[2]

• 162 Main Street (Vancouver): Completed in 2023, this six-storey building contains 69 self-contained micro-suites for residents transitioning from shelters. The structure uses a hybrid design of light wood frame over a concrete podium. In 2021, the project was sold to the City of Vancouver for approximately $7 million; it is currently operated by the MPA Society. ^{[3] [4]}
• The Ryder (Hope): Opened in March 2020 at 1270 Ryder Street, this 40-unit modular development was the first purpose-built affordable rental housing in Hope. It was constructed by ATCO Structures and includes studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. In late 2023, ownership and operation were transferred to the Fraser-East Affordable Housing Society. ^{[5] [6] [7]}
• 3757 De Wolf Way (Merritt): A residential development in the Nicola Valley designed around the “15-minute neighborhood” planning model. The project, which includes approximately 75 units, features single-level “Garden Flats” for seniors and multi-story “Sky Townhomes” for families.^{[8] [9]}

• Winnipeg Redevelopment: Following fires at the historic Sutherland and Manwin Hotels in 2025 and 2026, Anhart proposed redeveloping the derelict sites into affordable housing. The current proposal for the Sutherland site includes a 69-unit facility with on-site social supports. ^{[10] [11]}
• Leduc (AB): In partnership with the Leduc Community Living Association (LCLA), Anhart is developing a 20-unit building designed for residents with developmental disabilities. ^[12]

Anhart employs several specific strategies to manage development costs and maintain rental affordability:

• Community Champions: The organization utilizes a network of local business owners and professionals who provide reduced rates on professional services and materials.
• Impact Investing: Projects are often funded through “patient capital” from impact investors, prioritizing long-term social outcomes alongside financial stability.
• Modular Construction: The use of modular building techniques, as seen in The Ryder and Modular Villages projects, is utilized to reduce construction timelines.

Anhart collaborates with several non-profit and financial entities for site management and resident services:

• Community Builders Group: Anhart’s primary operational partner, managing daily site operations for several buildings.
• MPA Society: Provides on-site mental health support and advocacy at the 162 Main Street location.
• Financial Partners: The organization has received pre-construction equity and financing through Vancity and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). ^[13]