Housing programs

BC Housing partners with private and non-profit housing providers, other levels of government, health authorities and community agencies to increase subsidized housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.

• Rental Assistance Program - The Rental Assistance Program was announced in October 2006 as part of the provincial housing strategy,  Housing Matters BC. The program is for low-income, working families with at least one dependent child and a household income of less than $35,000. Cash assistance is paid directly to eligible households to assist these families in meeting monthly rent payments in the private market

• Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI) - This initiative was launched in December 2004, as a result of the Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions. BC Housing provides funding for non-profit housing developments with support services that address homelessness in B.C. communities. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province has committed to creating nearly 2,300 new housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative.

• Homeless Outreach Program - The Homeless Outreach Program connects homeless people to income assistance, housing and community-based health services in nearly 40 communities across the province.  Through Housing Matters BC, the Province of B.C. is expanding the homeless outreach program to 27 new and existing communities as well as providing 750 rent supplement units in order to help break the cycle of homelessness.

• Aboriginal Housing Programs - The Province of B.C. is committed to addressing Aboriginal housing needs through the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC. Aboriginal housing programs help build safe, affordable housing for Aboriginal people in greatest need. The Aboriginal Housing Initiative provides a long-term plan to help build new, affordable housing for Aboriginal individuals living off-reserve and the Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Program provides more immediate solutions by directly engaging homeless Aboriginal people living on the streets and providing access to housing and services.

• Seniors' Supportive Housing (SSH) - Launched on October 23, 2007, the Seniors' Supportive Housing program is being financed with the government’s Budget 2007 commitment of $45 million over four years to upgrade or convert up to 750 subsidized housing units to supportive housing. The program provides specially modified rental homes, in selected subsidized housing developments, primarily to low-income seniors who need some assistance in order to continue to live independently. The outcome of the proposal call for approximately 300 units means that close to 800 housing units will be converted with the budget commitment.

• Independent Living BC (ILBC) - Created in 2002, this housing-for-health program serves seniors and people with disabilities who require some support, but do not need 24-hour institutional care. ILBC offers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care.  Through Housing Matters BC, the Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province.

• Emergency Shelter Program - The Emergency Shelter Program offers temporary shelter, food and other services to meet the basic nutritional and hygiene needs of people who are homeless as well as providing a gateway to support services that help individuals to re-stabilize their lives.  There are approximately 60 homeless shelters and drop-in agencies funded by the government throughout British Columbia.

• Housing Endowment Fund - The Province of B.C. announced the Housing Endowment Fund during the 2007 Budget Speech. The fund is a $250 million capital endowment that was established to encourage new ideas and support innovative housing solutions. The investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year is paid out in keeping with the mandate and purpose of the Housing Endowment Fund. The intent is to allocate available revenue on an ongoing basis each year.

• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) - The SAFER program provides direct cash assistance to eligible residents of British Columbia who are age 60 or over and pay rent for their homes.

• Community Partnership Initiatives (CPI)  - Our Community Partnership Initiatives help our housing partners create a range of innovative housing projects for people in need. CPI offers one-time grants, access to consulting services, and construction and long-term financing for projects that do not need ongoing operating subsidies.

• Sustainability Initiatives - BC Housing is committed to sustainability; as a result, we evaluate environmental impacts and employ environmentally and socially sustainable practices, whenever possible within our fiscal and operational means. This section outlines some of our sustainability practices.

• Provincial Housing Program (PHP) - The Provincial Housing Program (formerly HOMES BC) subsidizes housing for frail seniors, people at risk of homelessness, people with disabilities, and low-income families, including women and children fleeing abuse. The funding for this program is fully allocated. Most of the PHP projects are complete and occupied, with a few developments still under construction.