Housing
Financial
Housing
These resources can assist people with disabilities with securing accessible housing.
Housing Support
The Right Fit is a multi-partner service designed to address the crisis in wheelchair accessible housing by matching affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them in the Vancouver region of British Columbia.
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. We also license residential builders, administer owner builder authorizations and carry out research and education that benefits the residential construction industry, consumers and the affordable housing sector.
Community Housing Fund: Program- (through BC Housing)
The province recognizes there is an urgent need to create more options for those struggling to find suitable, adequate, and reasonably priced accommodation. Together with their housing partners, they’re developing affordable rental homes for middle and low-income families, independent seniors and individuals in BC. BC Housing will work with non-profit organizations, housing co-operatives, and local government to create this additional supply through the submission and approval of project proposals. The program does not include housing with support services or residential care components.
BC Society for Transition Houses
The BC Society of Transition Houses is a member-based, provincial umbrella organization that, through leadership, support, and collaboration, enhances the continuum of services and strategies to respond to, prevent and end violence against women, children and youth.
Aboriginal Housing Management Association
In addition to affordable and culturally safe housing, AHMA members offer many support services. From homelessness prevention to transition homes, daycare, health and well-being, substance use support, and more.
BC Non-Profit Housing Association
The BCNPHA is committed to strengthening BC’s non-profit housing sector through advocacy, education and support. Their role is to strengthen the ability of non-profit housing providers to deliver the full spectrum of affordable housing options to meet the needs of B.C. residents. We do that through.
The BC Non-Profit Housing Association provides hands-on support to members and other community stakeholders who are looking to open up constructive dialogue on the topic of affordable housing.
A 10-year, $70+ billion plan creating a new generation of housing in Canada giving more Canadians a place to call home.
National Occupancy Standards (NOS)
(NOS) are used by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to measure housing suitability (Canada Morgage and Housing Corporation, 2013), which is ultimately a measure of crowding. NOS stipulate that family size and composition should determine the number of bedrooms required by the household.
Family Support Institute of BC
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. They also hold a biweekly Housing Options series where they feature a variety of guest speakers to discuss housing options, existing housing communities and provide information on starting points.
Technology for Living (TFL) supports people who have limited mobility across British Columbia. They believe everyone has an equal opportunity to maximize their independence.
ConnecTra Society provides information, resources and opportunities for people living with disabilities. It is our mission to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment where questions can be asked and stigmas can be challenged, breaking down barriers for a greater quality of life and connection.
At Tetra, their focus is to find solutions to environmental barriers faced by people with disabilities. While these environmental barriers are a part of a person’s journey, they believe Tetra solutions help foster greater independence, quality of life, and inclusion.
Provides accessibility consulting and accessibility rating based on the Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification program.
The Homeless Hub and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the steward of the Homeless Hub.
Accessibility Services Canada is a training and development organization that helps non-profits and businesses in Canada to understand and comply with provincial accessibility legislations.
Canada’s premier affordable housing event draws more than 1,200 delegates each year for three days of inspiring keynotes, learning from the sector’s thought leaders and networking with housing professionals.
Port Alberni Association for Community Living
PAACL has a long and highly respected reputation in the community for advocacy and service to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Their history reflects the significant contribution of individuals, their families and friends, their employees, and other concerned citizens for 65 years.
Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society
Along with developing and operating housing, NAHS has played an ongoing active role in BC’s housing sector – consulting, mentoring, participating in public forums, liaising with other community groups around Vancouver Island, and lobbying various levels of government for housing resources.
Catalyst is a BC-based not-for-profit real estate developer, dedicated to building vibrant, affordable, and inspiring rental properties for living and working.
A non-profit real estate development company that builds and preserves affordable housing and community real estate.
Comparethemarket (guide for seniors)
The essentials of safe, independent living for seniors.Support to help you live independently at home. Guide to cover accessibility options, types of independent housing, managing finances, and home safety improvements for peace of mind.
Assistive Housing
Okanagan
The initial concepts of the Society of Hope began in the late 1980s. A number of Christians in the Central Okanagan saw the need to provide practical help and support for single parent families, dual parent families and seniors – particularly in the area of providing affordable housing.
Burnaby
Spectrum Housing Co-op is a newly renovated 44 unit apartment/stacked townhouse complex situated near Canada Way and Boundary. They are conveniently located 10 minutes walk from Burnaby General Hospital and BCIT.
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre is British Columbia’s largest rehabilitation centre. As a freestanding facility, G.F. Strong provides inpatient, outpatient, outreach and clinical support services to clients/patients in four unique programs: Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Arthritis and Neuromusculoskeletal.
Financial
These resources can assist people with disabilities with affording accessible housing..
Individualized Funding Resource Center Society
The Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC) Society was developed to help people succeed on the Choices in Support for Independent Living (CSIL) Program and other individualized funding programs in British Columbia. Paul Gauthier, founder of the CSIL program now has a place to share his knowledge, and experience. The IFRC is committed to providing supports that will allow individuals to fully participate in their communities. The Individualized Funding Resource Centre understands that managing individualized funding can be overwhelming and challenging for many people with disabilities. Too often, individuals accept the alternative, because of a lack of information or support. We can provide that information and support to ensure success and independence!
Choice in Supports for Independent Living
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a self-directed option for eligible home support clients. CSIL clients receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. Clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support, from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent.
Subsidies/Rebates
Subsidized housing is long-term housing for people who permanently reside in British Columbia. Rental fees are calculated on a rent geared to income basis (30% of household total gross income, subject to minimum rent based on # of people). You may be eligible for subsidized housing if you can live independently and meet the household, residency, income and assets criteria.
BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations
The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) provides financial assistance in the form of a rebate to eligible low- and moderate-income households to complete home adaptations for continued independent living in their home.
Government Of BC – Disability Assistance
Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.
Rental Assistance Program (BC Housing)
The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income working families with monthly assistance to help with their monthly rent payments.
The proposed one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit program would consist of a tax-free payment of $500 to provide direct support to low-income renters—those most exposed to inflation—who are experiencing housing affordability challenges.