HOUSING RESOURCES

BC  HOUSING  MANAGEMENT  COMMISSION

Rent Assistance for Seniors 

Today’s seniors are living longer, healthier and more independently.

Seniors make up 14 per cent of B.C.’s population, and that number is expected to increase to 23 per cent by 2013. In response to this ongoing growth, the provincial government has doubled its Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) funding to help more B.C. seniors meet the cost of market rents. SAFER provides direct cash assistance to B.C. residents aged 60 and over with low to moderate incomes who pay more than 30 per cent of their gross income on rent. This is the first funding increase to the SAFER budget since 1990, with $16.6 million in total funding in 2005 and $34.1 million in 2006/07. The provincewide rent ceilings for SAFER were increased on October 1, 2005, with separate, higher ceilings in Greater Vancouver. As well, seniors who pay substantive ‘pad rental fees’ in owner-occupied manufactured homes are now eligible for SAFER benefits.

SAFER applicants must have resided in B.C. for a full 12 months prior to their application, and lived in Canada for at least 10 continuous years as an adult. Anyone who receives provincial income assistance, excluding the Medical Services Plan, is ineligible for SAFER benefits, as are individuals who live in subsidized housing, co-perative housing, or residential care facilities funded by the Ministry of Health. For new applicants, information and application forms are available from BC Housing.

290 Nanaimo Ave. W., Penticton  V2A 1N5

 493-0301 - 1-800-834-7149

601-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby  V5H 4V8

1-800-257-7756

 www.bchousing.ca

CHOA The Condominium Home Owners’ Association

A non-profit association that has been assisting strata owners throughout British Columbia since 1976. CHOA membership is comprised of over 2,000 strata corporations, representing over 75,000 units. CHOA promotes an understanding of strata living and the interests of strata property owners.

The strata advisors provide assistance to owners, strata councils, managers, agents and general inquiries to more than 200 callers daily. Education services, such as workshops, seminars, symposiums and on-site advisory assistance, are offered year round in BC.

Penticton Office

Suite 101 - 3115 Skaha Lake Road

Penticton  V2A 6G5

492-3552 - 1-877-353-2462

 www.choa.bc.ca

CANADA  MORTGAGE & HOUSING CORP.

Delivers programs for federal government including:

• on-going financial support for over 70,000 assisted housing units in BC, including senior citizen projects  and  co-ops

• financial assistance to enable development of new projects  by non-profit societies and co-ops

• forgivable loans to enable lower income homeowners to rehabilitate their home to meet disability needs • loan insurance to assist homeowners and landlords obtain mortgage financing.

Ste. 200, 1111 W Georgia St, Van., V6E 4S4

604-731-5733 - Vancouver Toll Free - 1-800-639-3938

INDEPENDENT LIVING BC

Gives information on housing and support services available for seniors with low to moderate incomes and people with disabilities.

Will create 3,500 new homes encompassing two types of housing:  independent housing with some support services, and assisted living for thosewho need a greater level of care. 

SEE BC HOUSING

CONGREGATE CARE/RETIREMENT HOMES

These terms refer to living arrangements for seniors who have some degree of support service requirement.

• residents have own self-contained unit with call system connecting them to administration centre

• units may be studio, one or two bedroom apartments

• range of support services available

• residents come together at least once a day for a meal

• fees for service are incorporated into monthly rent or charged individually.

CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING (Central Okanagan)

Housing co-operatives are incorporated, non-profit business organized by people who have joined together to   provide their own housing through joint ownership.

• member-controlled with members owning share of total project - not individual units • each member has one vote in  operation of the co-op

• instead of rent, members pay a monthly housing charge to cover cost of mortgage, taxes and all operating expenses - housing charges rise only as costs increase

• members manage and maintain the project

• housing security at reasonable cost

• live and socialize in community-type setting.

Most co-ops require members to pay minimal membership deposit upon joining, which is refunded when the member leaves the co-op.

13-2421 Last Road, Westbank  V1X4K4 

768-3060

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY SOCIETIES

211-800 McBride Boulevard, New Westminster  V3L 2B8

604-521-0818

HOMEOWNER - ACTING AS OWN 

CONTRACTOR -  WORK SAFE B.C.

If you hire people to work in or around your home, you may need

to register with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Workers’ Compensation Board of BC has some advice for any homeowner who is about to act as own contractor.

• homeowner could be liable for cost of WCB coverage on your project • ensure sub-trades are registered with WCB • get a letter of clearance from WCB concerning contractor’s status.

PO Box 5350, Vancouver  V6B 5L5 ......................................... 1-888-621-7233

110-2045 Enterprise Way, Kelowna 

717-4301Toll Free  - 1-888-922-4466

321 Battle Street, Kamloops

371-6003 Toll Free - 1-800-663-3935

HOME SUPPORT SERVICES

After assessment, Continuing Care Program may provide some home support help. Home support services may be purchased privately.

See listings in Advertisers’ Business Resources Index and under Home Support Services in Health Resources.

MANUFACTURED HOME OWNERS’ ASSOC.

KELOWNA & DISTRICT

Our purpose is to advise Homeowners of their rights and responsibilities as provided by the Residential Tenancy Act. 

We cover over 100 parks in Okanagan/Thompson & Shuswap Districts - including Kelowna, Winfield, Westbank, Peachland, Vernon, Lumby, Enderby, Armstrong & Oyama.

Ray & Avril Manzer

769-4561

PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL

The Land Tax Deferment Program allows qualifying British Columbia homeowners to defer the payment of annual municipal or rural property taxes on their home.

The deferred taxes are paid by the province to the taxing authority (municipality or provincial collector), on behalf of the homeowner. The deferred taxes must be repaid with interest and administration fee to the province, either:

• before their home can be transferred to a new owner, other than to their surviving spouse, or

• upon their death, with repayment through their estate. Homeowners aged 60 years and over may defer the payment of annual property taxes on their principal residence. The program is also available to homeowners of any age who are widowed spouses, or who meet the definition of a person with disabilities, in the “Disability Benefits Program Act.” 

Check with your local Municipal Government.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE

The program provides low-income homeowners with financial assistance for the repair of their homes. The assistance is prided in the form of a loan. Depending  on household income, part of the loan may be forgiven and may not have to be paid back. Financial assistance is also available for modifications that make homes more accessible for an occupant with disabilities.

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation RRAP Program

1-800-639-3938

RESIDENTIAL TENANCY OFFICE

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, the best way to protect your interests and avoid disagreement is to know what you are signing before you complete a tenancy agreement. The Residential Tenancy Office information officers can provide clarification of rights and responsibilities, help with communication between landlord and tenant, and offer a variety of dispute resolution services.

4th flr, 5021 Kingsway, Burnaby  V5H 4A5

1-800-665-8779

 www.rto.gov.bc.ca

SENIORS SUPPLEMENT - (Gain/Safer) pg. 17 in Hard Copy

SHELTER AID FOR ELDERLY RENTERS (SAFER)

A provincial government program to provide direct cash assistance to eligible BC residents age 60+ who live in rental accommodations.

To qualify you must be:

• applicant or spouse 65 or over and receiving Canadian Old Age Security, or age 60-64 (Canadian citizen or landed immigrant) and have resided in BC for 12 months

• paying more than 30% of total income for Rent Application forms and assistance with completing forms also available through local MSS offices. BCHMC

601-4555 Kingsway Avenue, Burnaby

1-800-257-7756

 www.bchousing.org

TENANTS RIGHTS ACTION COALITION

• offers information to tenants on rental issues

Hot Line - Monday-Thursday - 9:00am - 5:00pm

306-535 Thurlow St., Vancouver  V6E 3L2

1-800-665-1185 

 www.tenants.bc.ca

KELOWNA

Abbeyfield Orchard City Society

Offering care and companionship for lonely elderly.

1531 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna  V1Y 6R8

763-5254

Bertram St. Development

1349 Bertram Street, Kelowna

c/o Columbian Centennial Housing Society

2-1920 Richter Street, Kelowna  V1Y 2N2

862-3206

Brookside Residence

1212 Mountainview St., Kelowna  V1Y 4N1

763-5707

Country Living Estates

Seniors sheltered housing (subsidized) for independent seniors.

Private small bedroom, share bathroom, common eating area, accommodates 8 people.

1160 Band Road, RR5, Hwy 33, Kelowna  V1X 4K4

Evangel Family Manor

969 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

c/o Evangel Family Rental Housing Society

100-969 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna  V1Y 8M8

762-6225

Evangel Senior Apartments

Subsidized Senior Citizen apartments  • 42 units

1439 Bertram Street, Kelowna  V1Y 2G3

762-6225

Father Delestre Senior Citizens Housing Society

Senior Citizens apartments • 78 units • project of Knights of Columbus & under BC Housing

720 Houghton Road, Kelowna  V1Y 6E4

860-1128

Hinode Home

Kelowna Japanese Canadian Community Sr Citizen Soc.

1920 Burtch Road, Kelowna  V1Y 4B2

765-7849

Kiwanis Tower

Low cost rental apartments for seniors 55 years and over living on fixed incomes.  Operated by Central Okanagan Kiwanis Community Service Society, BCHMC.

Central Okanagan Kiwanis Community Service Society

1110 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna  V1Y 7W3

763-2660

Okanagan Manor

Low cost rental apartments for seniors 60 yrs. & over living on fixed income.   Operated by Seventh Day Adventist Church, BCHMC.  • 26 units

c/o BC Corp of the 7th Day Adventist Church

845 Jones Street, Kelowna  V1Y 2S6

Pleasantvale Homes

674 Richter Street, Kelowna

250-448-8828

Providence Landing

333 Whitman Road, Kelowna

c/o Society of Housing Opportunities

210-1433 St. Paul St., Kelowna  V1Y 2E4

862-8233

 www.societyofhope.org

WINFIELD/LAKE COUNTRY

Blue Heron Villa

Insite Housing, Hospitality and Health Services Inc. General info and inquiries about residents

766-1660

FOR APPLICATIONS: Contact Interior Health and ask for

Assisted Living Assessment

868-7707

Society of Hope

210-1433 St. Paul Street

Administration - Kelowna  V1Y 2E4

862-8233

Woodsdale Place  - WINFIELD

A 30 unit apartment complex for 55yrs and older.  Rents are related to tenant’s income.  Tenants pay no more that 30% of their gross family income. 

11505 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., Winfield

Cedar Court - WINFIELD

This is a 30 unit “townhouse” complex.  All units are 1 bedroom and suitable for singles only.  Rents are related to tenant’s income and tenants pay no more than 30% of their gross income to rent.  Rent includes heat andelectricity.  There are laundry facilities on site.

10230 Bottom Wood  Lake Rd., Winfield

                          www.societyofhope.org

Birch & Cedar Manors 

2 apartment complexes that have 1 and 2 bedroom units. 

Both buildings are for single adults and seniors.  Rents are slightly lower than other rents in the neighborhood.

530 & 525 Franklyn Rd., Kelowna

The Burtches

Operated by Orchard Valley Senior Housing Society, BCHMC. c/o Orchard Valley Senior Housing Society

110-1620 Burtch Road, Kelowna  V1Y 9A9

861-5221

WESTBANK

Westbank Lions Seniors’ Housing Society

l40 units consisting of 3 handicapped suites, l5 double occupancy suites, 32 single units. Administrative Office:

209-3715 Gellatly Road, Westbank  V4T 1W8

SOUTH OKANAGAN

Abbott Towers

90 Abbott Street, Penticton

c/o Penticton Senior Citizens Vet Hsg Rec Society

90 Abbott Street, Penticton  V2A 7W8

492-8535

Kiwanis Court & Kiwanis Village

c/o Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society

360 Brunswick Street, Penticton  V2A 5R1

493-8901

SUMMERLAND

Kiwanis Senior Citizens Housing Society

Box 370 Summerland V0H 1Z0

Trinity Centre

Intermediate care facility, operated by Interior Health Region

• Operated within the Long Term Care Program of Ministry of Health • Drop in respite care

75 Green Avenue W. Penticton V2A 7N6

493-6601

Mountain View Manor (BCHMC)

412 12th Avenue, Keremeos

S5 C1 RR1, Keremeos  V0X 1N0

499-2984

Shuttleworth Place

Birch Street, Okanagan Falls

OK Falls Housing & Recreation Society 

Box 202, OK Falls  V0H 1R0

Kiwanis Manor

348th Ave & 99th St, Oliver

Oliver Kiwanis Senior Citizens Society

Box 1466, Oliver V0H 1T0

Elks Golden Villa

5 Jonagold Place, Osoyoos  V0H 1V0

495-6666

VERNON & Area