Supportive housing is subsidized housing with on-site supports for single adults, seniors and people with disabilities at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These supports help people find and maintain stable housing.
About
Non-profit housing providers operate supportive housing units. Tenants have self-contained units with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. There are also communal spaces, including, in some buildings, culturally appropriate spaces. Supportive housing provides a range of on-site, non-clinical supports such as: life skills training, connections to health care, mental health or substance-use services. Staff are on-site 24/7 to provide support.
Supportive housing is needed and being made available across the province.
You may be eligible for Supportive Housing if you:
- Are a low-income adult
- Are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Require supports to live independently
- Need support to maintain a successful tenancy
Services
If you qualify, you could live in an apartment or a private room in a building with support services. Your rent includes housing and services. Buildings and living units vary in style and size.
Most supportive housing includes:
- Self-contained units, or private rooms, with doors that lock in an apartment-style building
- Private or shared bathroom and kitchen
- Meal program
- Access to laundry facilities
- Access to support staff – 24/7
- Training for life skills, employment skills
- Referrals to other community services
- Access to health supports
Additional services may include:
- On-site medical supports
How to Apply
To apply for supportive housing, you must submit an application to the Supportive Housing Registration Service. You only need to apply once.
- Get the Supportive Housing Registration Service Application form
- Complete the application form. Instructions are on the form
- Submit your completed application:
- Scan and Upload: Using our Program Upload Form
- In person: Bring your application to a BC Housing office
- By mail: The Supportive Housing Registry, BC Housing, 101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C., V5H 4V8
- By fax: 604-439-4729 (only fax pages 2, 3 and 4)
Important: Check your form before you send it to us:
- Have you completed all pages?
- Be sure to sign and date the document below the Declaration on page 4.
Note: If you already live in supportive housing and want to move, complete a Supportive Housing Registry - Transfer Request Form. Transfers to a different building are dependent on need and unit availability.
Additional Information
- Supportive Housing Registration Service - Lower Mainland
- Supportive Housing Registration Service - Outside Lower Mainland
- The Supportive Housing Registry does not facilitate access to:
- Emergency shelters
- Transition houses, safe homes and second-stage housing for women experiencing or at risk of violence
- Subsidized housing with no support services