WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and UBCM recognize that homelessness is a national concern requiring long-term solutions; AND WHEREAS the 2014 Fraser Valley Regional District Homelessness Survey Report recognizes that homelessness in general is directly related to unaffordable rental rates, the erosion of the social safety net, and insufficient social housing inventory; AND WHEREAS the Fall 2014 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation British Columbia Rental Report identifies the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in British Columbia as 953 while at the same time the provincial shelter assistance rate for an employable one parent family is 375 and has not increased since 2007; AND WHEREAS there is an increased risk of homelessness for households spending over 50 of their income on housing costs: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to increase income assistance shelter allowances and expand and lengthen rent subsidies as part of homelessness outreach and support funding from BC Housing.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing We understand that people transition out of homelessness in different ways, and provincial rent subsidies are part of the housing programs available that help make that transition. To respond to local rental markets changes, subsidy limits were increased for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER and Rental Assistance Programs RAP in April 2014. - Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER recipients now receive an average subsidy of 179 per month up from 150. SAFER helps approximately 20,000 seniors households to pay their rent. - Rental Assistance Program RAP recipients now receive an average subsidy of 404 per month up from 370. RAP helps more than 10,000 families in BC. The BC Employment and Assistance BCEA program is an income- and asset-tested program, intended to assist people temporarily while they find work and support those who are not able to fully participate in the workforce. The payment of assistance is based on ongoing financial eligibility, which includes a number of factors including family size, living situation and the applicants assets and income from all sources. People on income or disability assistance are eligible for provincially subsidized housing. We understand that people would like an increase in rates and that is something we continue to look at.