British Columbia

Homeless Prevention Program

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

The Homeless Prevention Program is an initiative aimed at providing individuals in identified at-risk groups facing homelessness with portable rent supplements and support services to help them access rental housing in the private (non-subsidized) housing market.

The Homeless Prevention Program operates, in many instances, as an enhancement to the existing Homeless Outreach Program / Indigenous Homeless Outreach Programs and targets individuals at transition points that put them at greater risk of homelessness.

Note: Rental supplements are intended to be temporary.

To be eligible, you must be at immediate risk of homelessness. This includes:

  • Youth transitioning out of foster care
  • Women who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence
  • Individuals leaving the correctional or hospital systems
  • Individuals of Indigenous descent

Age

Services

If you are eligible and approved, the rent supplement can assist with:

  • Your rent
  • Your damage deposit
  • Costs that help you secure housing (for example, getting identification)
  • Transportation to a housing opportunity
  • Storage for your belongings as you wait to move into a new home
  • Ensuring access to utilities (for example, heat and water)
  • Moving expenses
  • Home start-up items

You cannot use the rent supplement for:

  • Rent, if you are already receiving a subsidy
  • Expenses not related to housing or this Program
  • Clinical health and treatment services
  • Medical or clinical staff expenses
  • Daycare expenses

Contact a Homeless Prevention Program Service Provider or go to the nearest Emergency Shelter and ask to speak to staff. Outreach staff will ask a few questions about your situation and income to determine your eligibility.

Last updated: September 6, 2023