Priority access is given to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, people with mental or physical disabilities, women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and those living in severely inadequate housing. This approach ensures British Columbians most in need of housing receive help when and where they need it most.
Women and Children’s Refuge from Abuse
Transition houses in B.C. offer refuge to women and children experiencing abuse in their homes. There are 63 provincially funded transition houses, all of which now provide 24-hour staffing and support. Women and children who leave their homes as a result of abuse now have immediate access to services.
Women and children staying in transition homes also receive priority access to social housing through the Priority Placement Program. A counsellor connects women with support programs, checks in regularly to ensure their safety and provides referrals to help them build new healthy lives.
Housing Supports for Seniors
There are more than 550,000 seniors over age 65 living in B.C. and by 2031 that number will increase to 1.4 million. Today’s seniors are living longer, healthier lives and they want to maintain their quality of life in the communities they call home.
Independent Living BC provides a middle option for seniors who require some support, but do not need 24-hour institutional care. Assisted living apartments are self-contained and wheelchair accessible. Residents receive hospitality and personal care services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, recreational opportunities, help with medications and a 24-hour response system.
More than 4,500 Independent Living BC and Seniors’ Supportive Housing units have been completed, with another 575 under construction or in development. In total the Province, through BC Housing, helps nearly 50,000 B.C. seniors each year.
To help seniors in social housing remain in their homes longer and live independently, social housing units are being renovated to accommodate those with disabilities as well as being upgraded to supportive living. In total, about 900 units will be upgraded to seniors supportive housing.
Community Living BC
Approximately 12,000 adults with developmental disabilities currently receive a range of housing support services through Community Living B.C., using either residential or family and day support services, or both. About half of the individuals that CLBC supports live at home and use services such as daytime care or respite care. Supports are provided for adults who can live independently but require caregiver assistance for things such as meals, life skills training, self-care needs and access to other community resources. Other options include home sharing where an agency owns and supports the home for several people with disabilities, or a fully staffed residential option.
Helping Young Adults Live Independently
Young people ages 19 to 24 often face challenges as they attempt to live on their own for the first time. For those who have grown up in government care, it can be even more daunting. A new $5-million program helps these youth with their new responsibilities. The Agreements with Young Adults program provides a social worker to help them develop a comprehensive plan for housing, income and education, and provides additional funds to support those needs.