A $12.5 million annual investment will enhance British Columbia’s existing Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program and Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The investment comes as part of the Canada-B.C. Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) agreement for low-income seniors and family households.

“Rental assistance programs give low-income households more options,” says Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible For Housing. “They are flexible, giving families and seniors the choice of where they want to live and the cash assistance helps with housing costs. The provincial government helped 26,700 households last year with the RAP and SAFER programs, and we hope to assist even more with these changes.”

A $62.5 million investment, over the course of five years, will be provided through the IAH by both the federal and provincial governments.

“Our government is committed to working with British Columbia to develop and implement local solutions to housing,” says Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “These new investments are especially helping seniors access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs.”