• Since 2001, the Province has invested or committed to a total of $6.3 billion to provide affordable housing supply and access for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• This includes new investment commitments of $920 million to support the acquisition, construction and renovation of almost 5,300 housing units across B.C. over the next few years.
• Around six per cent of the total housing stock in British Columbia is government-assisted housing with various levels of support.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services:
  • Funding for emergency shelters, outreach and supportive housing to help homeless people get off the street and begin to rebuild their lives.
  • Transitional housing for women and children starting a new life after leaving an abusive relationship.
  • Supportive housing for individuals suffering from addictions and mental health challenges.
  • Rent assistance to keep private market rentals affordable for low-income families and seniors.
  • Assisted living and accessible apartments for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Subsidized rental units for individuals and families.
  • Affordable housing that also includes the cultural needs of Aboriginal people.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has completed close to 24,000 new units of affordable housing. More than 2,000 units are in development or under construction.
• Last year, the B.C. government created more than 2,800 new affordable housing units in approximately 42 communities across the province.

Rental Assistance

• Working families and seniors’ households living in private market rentals can receive monthly financial assistance to help keep their rent more affordable.
• Introduced in 2006, the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) currently helps close to 10,180 families with the cost of private market rental housing. The program provides eligible low-income, working families with a household income of less than $35,000 a year, with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments in the private market. The average monthly payment is approximately $400.
• For more information, please visit: www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-financial-aid-for-home-modifications/rental-assistance-program
• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) provides cash assistance to eligible B.C. residents age 60 or over, who pay rent for their home. Nearly 19,900 seniors’ households receive benefits through the program. The average monthly payment is approximately $175.
• For more information, please visit: www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-financial-aid-for-home-modifications/shelter-aid-for-elderly-renters
• These monthly benefits give low-income households more options, allowing them more flexibility to choose the neighbourhood they want to live in, while helping to keep their housing costs within their budgets.