BC rent help for private assisted living

Community Action, June 16, 2003

VICTORIA -- Independent Living BC program, will administer BC government's program to provide rent supplements to help individuals with the costs of renting in six private assisted-living developments in Chilliwack, Delta, Agassiz, Surrey and Langley.

Two hundred units will be available in private run assisted living development, taking advantage of rising vacancy rates.

Independent Living BC will also create 3,500 independent living units with support services across the province. Under the program, the provincial government will provide 1,000 rent supplements to units in private, assisted-living developments. The remaining 2,500 units will be developed by non-profit societies and funded by the provincial and federal governments.

These projects will involve the construction of 1,500 new apartments and the conversion of 1,000 units from existing housing or health facilities. The units are self-contained, barrier-free apartments. Tenants receive hospitality services like housekeeping and laundry services, a 24-hour emergency response system, some meals and recreational opportunities. Regional health authorities fund the personal-care services tenants receive. 604-439-4715