WHEREAS the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER program of BC Housing is intended to help in making rents affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes by providing monthly cash assistance to subsidize rents for eligible BC residents; AND WHEREAS the upper limits of the maximum monthly rent levels for the SAFER program in Metro Vancouver have not been changed since October, 2005; AND WHEREAS the upper limits of the maximum monthly rent levels for the SAFER program no longer reflect the average rental costs for housing in Metro Vancouver which erodes the intended assistance for seniors on fixed incomes; AND WHEREAS seniors deserve our respect for their decisions in choosing the appropriate community in which to live in order to optimize their opportunities for health, participation and security to enhance quality of life; AND WHEREAS seniors regardless of their health or abilities are required to re-apply annually to stay in the SAFER program or risk losing months of rental subsidy before reinstatement: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia adjust the maximum monthly rent levels under the SAFER program to reflect the actual prevailing cost of housing for seniors across the province and eliminate the requirement of annual re-application.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing Increasing affordable housing options is a priority for the B.C. government and an important part of our commitment to seniors. Since 2001, the Province has committed to build close to 21,000 new units of affordable housing for individuals, families and seniors. More than 19,000 are complete, the rest are in development or under construction. SAFER is one program in a range of housing options that the government invests in to meet the diverse needs of seniors in our Province. The Province helps more than 50,000 seniors households across BC keep their housing affordable through SAFER and subsidized independent housing, as well as supportive housing and assisted living for those who need additional supports. Since the SAFER program expanded in 2005, the Province has invested more than 1.3 billion provincial and federal dollars in affordable, subsidized housing programs for seniors, and launched the Home Adaptations for Independence program, which provides up to 20,000 per home to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home modifications for accessible, safe and independent living. Assisted living and supportive seniors units have been built to help seniors remain independent and stay in their home communities, close to family and friends there are now more than 5,100 units province-wide; 1,760 are in Metro Vancouver and approximately 1,300 units of new affordable rental housing has been built for seniors and people with disabilities more than 300 of these units are in Metro Vancouver. An annual reapplication process is necessary as benefits are based on rent paid, the number of people in the household and household income, all of which can change on an annual basis.