The B.C. government provides support to nearly 30,450 low-income families through a range of affordable housing options.

Since 2001, the B.C. government has created close to 3,000 new affordable housing units for families across the province. More than 1,440 additional units are currently in development or under construction.

The Province provides support to close to 30,450 low-income families, including:

• Provincially subsidized housing for more than 20,120 low-income families.
• Rental assistance to approximately 10,330 low-income working families.

Rental Assistance Program

• The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides working families with rent assistance to keep the cost of private market rental housing affordable. Since its inception in 2006, more than 34,800 low-income, working families have received assistance.
• Introduced in 2006, the program provides working families earning up to $35,000 a year with rental supplements ranging from $50 to $765 per month. 
• As a result of program enhancements in April 2014, the average monthly payment increased from approximately $370 to $400.
• Seventy per cent of the families receiving a RAP subsidy are single mothers supporting their children.

Women in Need

• Last year, more than 12,300 women and children fleeing violence were assisted by provincially funded transition houses, second stage housing and safe homes.
• The B.C. government provides approximately $32 million annually to support more than 830 spaces in transition and safe houses as well as second stage housing. Provincial funding ensures 24/7 staffing at all transition houses.
• There are approximately 250 provincially funded emergency shelter spaces for women or women with children across B.C.
• In addition, there are eight women-only developments providing more than 380 housing units in Vancouver.