where we come from

Our History

In 1984, a woman named Mavis Hippolyte lived and worked in a storefront on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. At night, she would barricade herself inside for safety. One evening, Mavis fell ill. She had no phone to call the police and was too weak to leave. Despite friends’ requests to the police for help, the police did not break into the storefront until it was too late. Mavis had already died. 

Around that time, a number of women living and working in the area realized too many women like Mavis didn’t have a safe place to go during the day or a safe place to sleep at night. Together, these women formed a task force to tackle both problems by creating a women’s centre that would give women a safe place to go, and a housing initiative that would give women a safe place to live. 

The latter initiative eventually became the Mavis McMullen Housing Society, began in 1986 and incorporated in 1987. We were named in honour of Mavis Hippolyte and after our first president, Helen McMullen, a sociologist who was researching women living in impoverished communities.

The circumstances of Mavis's death formed the philosophy of our Society: to provide safe, affordable housing with a sense of community through mutual support. Today, despite facing many challenges, MMHS fulfills its mission to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income women every day.

our housing

Our Buildings

Our second building, Haley Place, opened in 1995 just off Commercial Drive, with an increased focus on providing housing to single mothers. For many, it acts as second-stage housing: it is outside the Downtown Eastside, but close enough so tenants can access the resources they need. At Haley Place, there is a smaller percentage of elder women, a larger percentage of single mothers, as well as several multi-generational matriarchal families.vOur second building, Haley Place, opened in 1995 just off Commercial Drive, with an increased focus on providing housing to single mothers. For many, it acts as second-stage housing: it is outside the Downtown Eastside, but close enough so tenants can access the resources they need. At Haley Place, there is a smaller percentage of elder women, a larger percentage of single mothers, as well as several multi-generational matriarchal families.

Mavis McMullen Place

Mavis McMullen Place has 34 units for women and their families ranging in size from bachelor suites to 3 bedroom units. The building is secure and quiet except for the symphony of chickadees that live in the protected inner courtyard. It is located across from Oppenheimer Park, in the heart of the Downtown Eastside.

Haley Place

Haley Place has 39 units ranging from one- to three-bedroom suites. Haley has an outdoor courtyard that gives women and families a safe, welcoming place to gather.

mavis residents

Our tenants

42%

 of the suites are occupied by women with their children.

40%

identify as Indigenous.

20%

are seniors.

18%

live with physical disabilities.

60%

live with one or more mental health challenges.
where we are headed

Our future

Future plans are aimed at supporting projects and initiatives that will create sustainable and meaningful improvements in the living environment and lives of residents in our buildings. Some examples of projects we are planning include improving the outdoor and children’s playground area at both buildings, providing residents with life skills training and learning opportunities such as babysitting courses, food safety training, fitness/yoga classes, as well as access to cultural activities.

meet us

See our presentation

your contributions
Your time and donations help us maintain our buildings to keep them safe and healthy and to build community through programs and events.