The head of the organization that operates Abbotsford’s temporary homeless shelter on Riverside Road says the province’s new fund to build affordable housing will do little to help those most in need.
Earlier this month, the province called for proposals to build affordable rental housing across the province as part of a $355 million program announced in February. The plan aims to create 2,000 affordable rental housing units. When it was announced, the Provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (PIAH) program was billed as the largest such investment in B.C.’s history.
But the call for expressions of interest released earlier this month has drawn some criticism for failing to provide the supports that would allow for the creation of rental housing accessible to those on government assistance.
“It is not for the most vulnerable people – the ones that are staying in shelters,” Shayne Williams, executive director of the Lookout Society, which operates Abbotsford’s at-capacity Riverside Road temporary shelter, told The News. “In my opinion, they’re missing the core need.”
The comments echo statements from the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, which said the design of the PIAH program wouldn’t address the needs of the homeless.
“There has been no increase in BC Housing’s operating budget, and health authorities have not been partnered with to create supports,” the association’s CEO, Kishone Roy, said in a press release. “Without a subsidy stream, our non-profit housing provider members cannot use this program to provide very many units aimed at those on income assistance, disability, making minimum wage, for homeless populations or those suffering from mental health or addiction.”
The association noted that the units created will be available for families making up to $96,000 each year, or individuals and couples making under $65,000. While Roy credited the program’s capital infusion and said he was a vocal proponent of the program, he stressed the need for more funding for BC Housing in order to meet increased demands.
Williams said the problem boils down to the fact that income assistance or disability has failed to keep up with the rising cost of housing in British Columbia. While the infusion of new housing might drive rental rates down a bit, those currently unable to afford a home will still not be able to afford a unit in a building built through the program, he said.
Asked about the criticism, a BC Housing spokesperson said: “The program is for the development of affordable rental units across the province. BC Housing has programs to help those that are and at risk of homelessness.”
He pointed to a rent subsidy program administered by BC Housing, in addition to the agency’s outreach program.