People at risk of homelessness, including youth, women, Aboriginal people and those leaving correctional facilities or hospitals in Victoria now have expanded access to rental assistance and support services with the launch of the new Homeless Prevention Program.

The Province has selected Pacifica Housing Advisory Association to be a Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) provider in Victoria. Participants will receive monthly rental supplements to keep their housing costs in the private market affordable and assistance from outreach workers who will connect them with community supports and make sure they remain housed.

The program is available in six communities and soon will expand to more than 30 communities throughout B.C. Over the next five years, it is estimated that up to 4,000 people will receive rental assistance and support services through the program.

The governments of Canada and B.C. will provide $62.5 million over five years to the Homeless Prevention Program for rent supplements under the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Housing -

“As part of our Housing Matters 2014 update, we committed to expanding rental assistance programs because they are a better and more-flexible option for most households. Having this program is an important step to helping prevent homelessness in Victoria.”

Karyn French, executive director, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association -  

“The Pacifica Housing Advisory Association is proud to be a selected provider of the Homeless Prevention Program in the Victoria region. Being able to offer clients rental supplements and providing them with the support services they need is an effective way to prevent them from becoming homeless and we are pleased to be involved.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2013-14 the B.C. government provided rent supplements to more than 10,000 low-income families and more than 17,000 seniors’ households to help make their rent affordable.
• Last year, provincially funded outreach and shelter workers connected more than 6,700 homeless individuals in 60 communities to housing, income assistance and a range of support services.
• In 2013, the B.C. government invested $169 million on more than 11,000 emergency shelter and housing for the homeless throughout the province.
• More than 100,000 B.C. households benefit from a range of provincial housing services each year.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families in communities around the province.

Learn More:

To find out more about the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), visit: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Access/HPP

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and
Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617