Information for housing providers offering Seniors' Supportive Housing

This section provides information and helpful tools for housing providers offering the Seniors' Supportive Housing (SSH) program in one of their subsidized housing developments.

Information for housing providers
The Seniors' Supportive Housing 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 program focuses on converting and upgrading existing seniors' housing to enhance accessibility and improve safety systems. It also introduces support services such as 24-hour response, light housekeeping, meals, and social and recreational activities.

Buildings eligible for the Seniors' Supportive Housing program will either be within BC Housing’s directly-managed portfolio or operated by non-profit housing societies incorporated under the Society Act of BC. Societies applying for funding under the program must have a motion approved by their Board of Directors confirming that the society wishes to convert its building and will provide the necessary services for it to become a supportive housing development. Verification is to be submitted to the Property Portfolio Manager responsible for the building. Necessary services are outlined in subsequent sections of this guide. All tenants of buildings operating under the Seniors' Supportive Housing program must be eligible for rent geared to income (RGI) housing and have incomes at or below BC Housing’s Core Need Income Thresholds.

In considering buildings to be approved under the Seniors' Supportive Housing program, preference will be given to upgrading all units in the building. Consideration may be given to partial upgrades where only a portion of units within a building are upgraded to program standards. However physical features relating to accessibility, fire, safety and delivery of Seniors' Supportive Housing program services will be mandatory for the entire building regardless of the portion of Seniors' Supportive Housing program units.

Helpful resources for your tenants
BC Housing has created a website and a few other resources with information for tenants interested in the Seniors' Supportive Housing program.

Who to contact
Questions on the Seniors' Supportive Housing program can be directed to the contact information below:  

Lower Mainland: (604) 433-2218
Toll free: 1-800-257-7756 
Email: tenantinquiries@bchousing.org