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