Supportive Housing

Supportive housing is subsidized housing with on-site supports for single adults, seniors and people with disabilities at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These supports help people find and maintain stable housing.

Updates to the Residential Tenancy Regulation (RTR) will support increased safety for staff and tenants in supportive housing. Learn more about how this will impact you as a provider, or tenant

About

Non-profit housing providers operate supportive housing units. Tenants have self-contained units with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. There are also communal spaces, including, in some buildings, culturally appropriate spaces. Supportive housing provides a range of on-site, non-clinical supports such as: life skills training, connections to health care, mental health or substance-use services. Staff are on-site 24/7 to provide support.

Supportive housing is needed and being made available across the province.

You may be eligible for Supportive Housing if you:

• Are a low-income adult
• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Require supports to live independently
• Need support to maintain a successful tenancy

Services

If you qualify, you could live in an apartment or a private room in a building with support services. Your rent includes housing and services. Buildings and living units vary in style and size.

Most supportive housing includes:

• Self-contained units, or private rooms, with doors that lock in an apartment-style building
• Private or shared bathroom and kitchen
• Meal program
• Access to laundry facilities
• Access to support staff – 24/7
• Training for life skills, employment skills
• Referrals to other community services
• Access to health supports

Additional services may include:

• On-site medical supports

How to Apply

To apply for supportive housing, you must submit an application to the Supportive Housing Registration Service. You only need to apply once.

1. Get the Supportive Housing Registration Service Application form
2. Complete the application form. Instructions are on the form
3. Submit your completed application:
   • Scan and Upload: Using our Program Upload Form
   • In person: Bring your application to a BC Housing office
   • By mail: The Supportive Housing Registry, BC Housing, 101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C., V5H 4V8
   • By fax: 604-439-4729 (only fax pages 2, 3 and 4)

Important: Check your form before you send it to us:

• Have you completed all pages?
• Be sure to sign and date the document below the Declaration on page 4.

Note: If you already live in supportive housing and want to move, complete a Supportive Housing Registry - Transfer Request Form. Transfers to a different building are dependent on need and unit availability.

Additional Information

• Supportive Housing Registration Service - Lower Mainland
• Supportive Housing Registration Service - Outside Lower Mainland
• The Supportive Housing Registry does not facilitate access to:
  • Emergency shelters
  • Transition houses, safe homes and second-stage housing for women experiencing or at risk of violence
  • Subsidized housing with no support services