YWCA Vancouver partners with BC Housing to promote Rental Assistance Program

YWCA Vancouver is pleased to be partnering with BC Housing to promote the Rental Assistance Program to our clients.

This spring, BC Housing widened the eligibility criteria for their Rental Assistance Program (RAP), which offers cash assistance to low-income, working families who earn up to $35,000 a year. Eligible families may receive anywhere from $50 to $765 per month in financial assistance.

In BC today, 20% of families are headed by single moms, half of whom live in poverty. These families are especially vulnerable because they often live in sub-standard accommodation and direct a high proportion of income to rent – leaving few resources for food and other necessities, let alone child care that will allow a single parent to seek employment or further her education.

For more than 25 years, YWCA Vancouver has been working with single mothers to reduce their barriers to education, employment and economic independence. We offer weekly support groups, legal support, resources, special activities, subsidized fitness memberships, food and Thrift Shop vouchers, housing and much more.

With approximately 68% of current RAP recipients coming from single parent families, many of whom are mothers, a number of YWCA clients could either benefit from the program or know someone who would. That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with BC Housing to help single mothers make rent more affordable.

For more information on the Rental Assistance Program and a complete list of eligibility criteria, visit: www.bchousing.org/programs/RAP.