But a closer look at the numbers makes it all pretty depressing. The federal government promoted Monday’s “major housing-related announcement” for days in advance, touting big names like Ahmed Hussen, the federal minister of families, children and social development, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart, and Vancouver Centre MP Hedy Fry. The politicians said how pleased they were to reveal the City of Vancouver has used federal funds to purchase the Days Inn in East Vancouver and convert it into 65 supportive homes for the homeless. The hotel purchase and renovation is funded by the federal Liberal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative, which was announced last September and committed $51.5 million to Vancouver to quickly create up to 135 new affordable homes in the city. Surrey got another $16.4 million, while Victoria received $13.1 million.