Construction has begun on a new 135-unit women’s affordable housing project on Vancouver’s west side.

The project’s partners include the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the B.C. government, the city City and Soroptimist International of Vancouver. Local firm Purpose Driven Development has provided development support and was assigned by women-led Soroptimist to lead the project.

“These homes are not just bricks and mortar, but a symbol of hope and empowerment for women who need a safe and affordable place to call home,” said federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser in a news release.

Ottawa provided $9.94 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, while the B.C. government invested approximately $64.6 million through BC Housing, including about $14.1 million via the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and approximately $50.5 million in financing.

The city supplied $6 million through its Community Housing Investment program; and, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, endowed by the federal government, has provided a $175,000 grant a study on the construction of the energy-efficient affordable housing units.

Residents will include women-led families.