Advocates frustrated by application process for social housing

Some housing advocates are voicing concerns about the application process for a new social housing project, saying it discriminates against low-income people.

Our Homes Can’t Wait (OHCW) advocates for housing in the Downtown Eastside and is seeking accountability for Bob and Michael’s Place at 58 West Hastings.

Bob and Michael’s Place is an affordable housing project led by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation.

“Tons of our members have applied and have not gotten in, nobody has gotten in, people are turned away for a huge number of reasons because of the barriers,” said coalition member Nate Crompton.

OHCW says Bob and Michael’s Place has “unusually high barriers” for tenants to apply, including an online application process, submitting paper copies of birth certificates, passing a credit check, going through a criminal record check, and submitting at least three references.

In a statement, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Affordable Housing Society — the housing operator reviewing tenant applications — says, in part, it is “crucial to emphasize that applicants are required to furnish proof of B.C. residency and documentation verifying their identity. These requirements align with the responsible and prudent practices expected of a landlord. Ensuring the functionality and safety of the building for incoming tenants has been a top priority. “

Of the project’s 231 units, 120 are offered at “shelter rates,” and just over 100 are below the market rental rate. One-bedroom units are going for just over $1,400, and two-bedroom suites are $1,700.

The coalition says these rates are unaffordable and not what was promised in the past.

“In 2015, then-Mayor Gregor Robertson signed a contract with residents promising 100 per cent community-controlled welfare and pension rate housing at 58 West Hastings, where we stand today,” said OHCW coaltion member Vince Tao.

“That promise was broken.”

In a statement to CityNews Friday morning, BC Housing says the “City of Vancouver and Vancouver Chinatown Foundation worked with BC Housing and CMHC to establish affordability levels for Bob & Michael’s Place.”

“Given the funding available, partners were able to exceed the promised 115 units of shelter-rate housing and add to that 111 units of rent-geared-to-income housing for households making less than $72,000. Any agreements or promises made in 2015 did not involve BC Housing, and the City of Vancouver is best suited to answer questions about this,” the organization added.

“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. manages the tenanting of Bob & Michael’s Place. Our understanding is that this process is ongoing at a steady rate, which helps to ensure long-term community success through a deliberate tenanting process and appropriate resident selection. Tenants are accepted from BC Housing’s Housing Registry and individuals engage with the operator (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) which confirms which tenants are a good fit for the site based on their needs and the available housing units.”