Seniors' Supportive Housing Program

Seniors’ Supportive Housing provides low-income seniors and people with disabilities accessible housing with supports.

About the Seniors’ Supportive Housing program

The Seniors’ Supportive Housing Program provides housing and support services to older adults, seniors and people with disabilities. The Program assists low-income British Columbians who are 55 years of age or older, and people of any age who have a disability or diminished ability.

The Program’s modified apartment units are designed for people who can live independently with some assistance, but who are not eligible for assisted living or a greater level of care.

  • Housing
    • Our non-profit partners operate these subsidized housing buildings. In general, they are multi-unit apartment buildings with private units. In each building, the operator has adapted some suites and common areas to include accessible features like handrails, grab bars and lever door handles.
  • Services
    • The buildings also have services that include hot meals, housekeeping, laundry, social activities and emergency response systems. Each building varies in style, size and amenities
  • Cost
    • BC Housing and our partners subsidize the cost of housing and services, but we will ask that you pay a portion of the monthly rent. Your payment could come from savings, a disability pension, old age security pension or a form of social assistance.
  • Downloads

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you may be asked:

  1. Are you becoming less independent in your current living situation?
  2. Could you regain independence if you were living in a modified home with services?
  3. Can you respond appropriately in an emergency, including following instructions?
  4. Can you still manage your own personal care, including eating, grooming and bathing?

Support Services

If you qualify, you could live in a private, modified suite in a building with support services. Your rent includes housing and hospitality services. Buildings and living units vary in style, size and amenities.

Housing

  • A self-contained suite with a lockable door in a shared rental building
  • Smoking and pet policies

Note: You are responsible for your own phone, Internet and TV cable expenses.

Hospitality

  • A daily meal
  • Weekly light housekeeping
  • Weekly laundering of towels and linens
  • Access to laundry for personal items
  • 24-hour emergency response system (optional)
  • Weekly social and recreational activities

The Seniors’ Supportive Housing Program does not include the additional level of support provided through personal care services. If you require assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, etc., you may wish to consider the Independent Living BC Program.

Cost

  • In general, Seniors’ Supportive Housing tenants pay 50 per cent of their gross income as rent.
  • Your contribution towards rent includes housing and hospitality services.
  • If you receive income assistance, have a very low income or have another agreement with your housing provider, you may be asked to pay a fixed amount instead.

The Application Process

How to Apply
  1. Go to Housing Listings to find a building
  2. Search for a building in the areas you'd like to live
  3. Under View Building Details, see ​How to Apply and follow the instructions:
  • Apply to The Housing Registry – If there is a three-digit building code, you must apply online through the Housing Registry portal or download the Housing Registry Application Form.
  • Apply to the housing provider – If it says apply to housing provider, use the contact information to apply directly.

Note: If a building does not have a three-digit building code you cannot apply through the Housing Registry.

Tips for applying to The Housing Registry:

  • Make a note of the code for up to 16 buildings that you prefer. This will help BC Housing staff match you with suitable housing.
  • When you apply, be sure to provide your day and evening phone numbers, or the phone number of a contact person. This helps housing providers contact you if a unit becomes available.
After you Apply

Wait time

The need for affordable housing is much greater than the number of available units. The wait time can vary and it’s difficult to predict when a suitable unit will become available.

It can depend on the housing providers, the unit that becomes vacant, the needs of the applicants and many other factors. Plus, different housing providers use different methods to select renters. Some select renters on a first-come, first-served basis. Others use a point system, and others prioritize according to housing-needs categories.

If you chose several buildings in your application, it can speed up your wait time.

Vacancy

When a suitable unit becomes available, you can accept the placement or refuse it. However, if you refuse two offers of housing, we will cancel your application.

Once you are in housing, be aware that care workers may contact you. They will check with you that housing with support is still meeting your needs. If there are changes in your situation, they can assist with next steps.

Keep your Application Active & Up-to-date

To keep your application active, you must contact BC Housing to update it every six months. This tells us that you are still interested in finding a unit in a Seniors’ Supportive Housing building.

If we don’t hear from you, we will put your application on hold and mail you a reminder card. You must respond to the card. If you don’t, your application will be cancelled, and you will need to reapply.

You can update your application by including you name, file number and any new information and get it to us in one of three ways:

  • In person: to a BC Housing office
  • By mail: The Housing Registry, BC Housing, 101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4V8
  • By fax: 604-439-4729