July 28, 2020 | Blog

Vancouver Rent Bank receives funding for one-time housing grants during COVID-19

To help keep Vancouver residents safely housed during these uncertain times, the Vancouver Rent Bank has partnered with BC Rent Bank and Reaching Home to provide one-time housing grants. Applications will be accepted until September 30th, 2020.

The grants may be used towards:

  • Security deposit
  • First month of rent or upcoming rent
  • Rental arrears (no more than 2 months)
  • Essential utility arrears (Hydro/Fortis)

Individuals can apply for up to $1000 and families can apply for up to $1500, however, the grant amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Only one housing grant application per household is permitted. Approved grants will only be sent by cheque directly to the applicant’s Landlord/Property Manager – or – to BC Hydro/Fortis for utility payments.

What is required to be considered for a Housing Grant?

  • All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and a Vancouver resident at the time of application
  • Applicants must either be at risk of homelessness, currently experiencing homelessness and/or have low income
  • Applicants must complete an application form and a telephone interview with Vancouver Rent Bank
  • Applicants must submit documents to verify their housing or current circumstances, identification, family size (e.g. number of dependents), and income

Individuals and families interested in applying are welcome to contact Vancouver Rent Bank directly at [email protected] or 604-566-9685 for application details.

Please note, due to increased number of inquiries and applications, Vancouver Rent Bank will respond as soon as possible, however, they cannot guarantee a call back time.

Funding for these grants has been generously provided by the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy to ensure individuals and families are able to remain safely housed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

About the Vancouver Rent Bank:

The Vancouver Rent Bank is a program of Network of Inner City Community Services Society that provides one-time interest free loans to eligible families and individuals in Vancouver who have low income and are at-risk of eviction or essential utility disconnection due to a temporary shortage of funds.