We provide advocacy to ensure that everyone in our community has access to affordable housing. If you are paying more than 30% of your monthly income on rent and your household income is below $35,000, you should make an appointment to see JFS’s Housing Advocate.
Some of the things the Housing Advocate can do:
- Advise on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords
- Explain the different types of housing available in Vancouver and housing related expenses (i.e. rent, damage deposit, hydro bill)
- Steer clients through the labyrinth of applying for social housing
- Advocate for tenant rights and housing suitability
- Ensure clients are applying for programs they are eligible for
- Provide application forms for the BC Housing Registry and non-profit housing organizations
- Provide a letter of support for clients to submit to a non-profit housing provider
- Give applications and information on rent subsidy programs like Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Assistance For Elderly Renters (SAFER)
- Help complete applications
- Assist clients through the dispute resolution process at the Residential Tenancy Branch
- Provide a list of short-term market accommodation
- Provide information and access to the emergency shelter program
The Housing Advocate cannot:
- Find market housing
- Find housing for people before they arrive in Vancouver
For more information about Housing, please contact:
Community Care Line at communitycare@jfsvancouver.ca or (604) 558-5719
