The Vancouver Rent Bank provides interest free loans for people in danger of eviction or essential utility cut-off. Loans can be used for rental and utility arrears, and security deposits. Loans are a maximum of $1,300 for a single person and $1,800 for a family. The Rent Bank also provides financial workshops, resources and connections to housing support services. Streetohome’s contribution of the capital for loans is made possible through a generous donation from the Giustra Foundation. Streetohome’s contribution to operations funding is made possible through a generous donation from Hollyburn Properties Limited. Since 2012, the Rent Bank has approved 836 loans and helped 1,439 individuals.
Vancouver Rent Bank requirements:
- Currently a resident or will be a resident of the City of Vancouver
- Are low-income
- Are nineteen years of age or older
- Have a bank account or are on income assistance
- Have (will have) a concrete, consistent source of income
- Have two pieces of ID
- Can provide proof of tenancy
- Not be in the process of bankruptcy
- Have no un-discharged bankruptcies
- Have a sincere reason for any delinquency in payments
- Are not able to access any other form of government financial assistance
- Have/ will have long term, safe housing
- Have rental costs that do not exceed an ongoing ability to pay rent
- Be experiencing temporary financial crisis
- Owe no more than two months rental arrears
If you meet the above requirements you can start the application process by filling out Pre-Assessment Form. If you require assistance, please call us Vancouver Rent Bank directly at 604-566-9685 from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or leave a voice message and one of their Case Managers will respond as soon as possible.
Read how the Vancouver Rent Bank helped Arlene and Christine stay in their homes
Project Donors
Silver Wheaton
The Giustra Foundation provided $366,000 to cover the loan portion of Vancouver’s first rent bank. “The Giustra Foundation is proud to be part of this project, which provides so much more than a short term loan,” said Frank Giustra, President of the Giustra Foundation and Streetohome Capital Campaign Chair. “It provides individuals and families who are down on their luck with some hope, which I know will carry on into their children’s lives, into their communities and throughout the city.
Hollyburn Properties Limited
Hollyburn Properties Limited generously contributed $30,000 to support the Vancouver Rent Bank operations and has committed a further two years of funding. Hollyburn Properties is a family-run business dedicated to providing premium rental apartments across three provinces in Canada. Proudly founded in Vancouver over 45 years ago, Hollyburn strives to enhance and strengthen community within its properties and in neighbourhoods surrounding them through partnerships that deliver greater wellbeing for all.Back to Services
