Whereas BC Housings Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program is an important support within the housing continuum for many seniors, and where provincial funding for the program has remained stagnant since 2018; And whereas BC Housings Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program provides much needed rental subsidies for low-income seniors, yet the programs current rent ceilings and monthly payments do not reflect increasing housing costs for renters in many communities; And whereas local governments are committed to increasing housing choices for all residents and low-income seniors are a key demographic, increasingly in need of affordable housing and other forms of financial assistance: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Government of British Columbia to provide an increase to the maximum rent ceilings and monthly payment amounts through BC Housings Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program; And be it further resolved that the Province ensure that BC Housings Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program will receive regular increases to its maximum rent ceilings and monthly payments in subsequent years.
Ministry of Housing The provincial government is committed to supporting seniors by offering programs and services that meet their diverse needs. In 202223, the Province will spend 63.1 million on Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER to help over 24,000 senior households pay market rent for their homes. We know SAFER enrollment has increased steadily in recent years. Recognizing this need, in 2018, the Province invested an incremental 46 million a year to expand the eligibility requirements, increased the maximum rent ceilings, and added a third rental zone under the SAFER and Rental Assistance Programs RAP. Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic inflation has put increased pressure on fixed income senior households. Government has safeguarded affordability by limiting rent increases for 2023 to two per cent, significantly below inflation, and increased the Climate Action Tax credit for low- and moderate-income British Columbians. In addition to assisting seniors to age in place by providing rent supplements, Government has invested 1.9 billion to build 14,350 units of affordable rentals with a focus on seniors and families through the BuildingBC Community Housing Fund. To date, over 9,000 units are complete or underway through the CHF. BC Housing also operates several additional programs that provide housing and support services to seniors in British Columbia. The Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations BC RAHA program provides seniors or their landlords a grant up to 17,500 for eligible home adaptations for independent living. The Seniors Supportive Housing Program provides housing and support services to older adults, seniors and people with disabilities who can live independently with some assistance, but who are not eligible for assisted living or a greater level of care. The Independent Living BC Program is a subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities. The program is offered in partnership between BC Housing, provincial health authorities, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and both non-profit and private-market housing providers. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction also provides up to 100month seniors supplement for very low-income seniors.