BC Housing’s role is to assist British Columbians in greatest need of affordable and appropriate housing by providing options along the continuum. The housing continuum extends from emergency shelter and housing for the homeless through to affordable rental housing and homeownership. Where there are gaps in the housing continuum, they are addressed through the creation of new housing options or by adapting existing housing.

The diagram below illustrates BC Housing’s role within this continuum in 2010/11, including the portion that is government assisted with differing levels of support services as well as the development of rental and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income households.

Through new responsibilities under the Homeowner Protection Act, BC Housing also plays an important role at the homeownership end of the housing continuum by licensing residential builders, administering owner builder authorizations, overseeing the third-party home warranty insurance system and carrying out research and education to improve the quality of construction of new homes.

Click here for an enlarged version of the housing continuum chart.

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