In February 2017, the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation purchased the May Wah Hotel based on the vision to provide affordable housing in Chinatown and preserve the neighbourhood’s cultural heritage. The Foundation manages the operations of the May Wah Hotel and is making upgrades to ensure the longevity of the building and to create more comfortable living conditions for current and future residents.

The purchase of the May Wah has helped retain these much-needed welfare housing units and it also preserves an important piece of the city’s history. The May Wah Hotel was built in 1913 to provide affordable housing for low-income labourers.

The facilities team meets weekly to ensure that adequate resources are being allocated to the May Wah Hotel. In addition to ensuring a safe home for the residents, a programming subcommittee was assembled in April 2018 to provide activities and events for the residents to participate in.