B.C. raises shelter allowance, advocates want more

For the first time in 16 years, B.C.’s housing allowance for people on income and disability assistance is going up. An advocate says it’s long overdue but not enough.

For the first time in 16 years, B.C.’s housing allowance for people on income and disability assistance is going up. An advocate says it’s long overdue but not enough. (Monika Gul, CityNews Image)

Ever since a collapse that impacted his nervous system, Isaac Nelson has received disability assistance. The Vancouver man, who hopes to walk again one day, says it can be a challenge.

“If I didn’t have savings, I would be probably a little stressed because it’s a very, very tight budget so I have to be careful on how I budget. No extraordinary expenses,” said Nelson.

“In my building, there’s a lot of people on disability. And a lot of them are always broke.”

But there is some relief coming on July 1. B.C.’s Shelter Allowance is going up for the first time since 2007, rising from $375 a month to $500. But not everyone will qualify. The increases will only apply to people whose shelter costs are more than the current shelter rate. The allowance itself doesn’t apply to people who live in subsidized housing where rents are calculated according to income.

The executive director and CEO of Mission Possible says the increase is long overdue and needs to continue rising — especially since the cost of living has dramatically increased.

Matthew Smedley says he’s calling for regular, planned increases going forward.

“The cost of living — it’s just going up and up and people are really struggling to meet their needs,” he said.

“This increase is certainly needed. It’s been 16 years since there was an increase made, which is far too long.”

When CityNews asked why the increase isn’t higher, B.C. Premier David Eby outlined the ways his government is responding to housing challenges, including building more social housing and using a grant program.

“That tops up money for them for shelter to respond to someone who may face homeless because their allowance is not enough to allow them to get into market housing,” he said.

Eby acknowledged people struggling to pay rent is one of the factors driving homelessness.

Nelson says any increase will help people get by, and adds he’s found work through Mission Possible.

“It gets me out of the house, make a little bit of extra money, and I feel productive,” he told CityNews.

The province says the increase to the shelter allowance will help about 160,000 people, including 33,000 children.