AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON 
THE NORTH SHORE
Information compiled by North Shore Women's Centre

Some of this information was compiled by North Shore Community Resources Society, where a detailed resource kit on finding housing on the North Shore can be obtained. They can be reached at 604-985-7138.

Housing - Direct Assistance With Rental Costs

SAFER Program
Phone: 604-433-2218
Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents provides direct cash assistance  to eligible senior  residents of BC.  Administered by BC Housing.

Wings Housing Society
www.wingshousing.bc.ca
Phone: 604-899-5405
1107 Seymour Street, Vancouver
The society administers a portable housing subsidy program for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Housing - Emergency

SAGE Transition House (North Shore)
Phone: 604-987-3374
Provides emergency shelter, support, counselling and referrals to women and their children experiencing violence and abuse in relationships Provincial Emergency Housing Line
BC Housing - during regular business hours  Phone: 604-433-2218
Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Phone: 604-660-3194
 - after regular BC Housing business hours; they offer emergency support for food, shelter and transportation.

Housing - Information/Referral

BC Housing Management Commission
www.bchousing.org
Phone: 604-433-2218
Fax: 604-439-4729
101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby 
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
This agency is run through the provincial government with a goal of helping those who cannot find adequate, affordable shelter in the private market.  BC Housing assists low to moderate income families, seniors, older singles, and people with disabilities. It also helps people with special needs such as persons with mental illness or those undergoing alcohol and drug rehabilitation.  They also provide a listing of  wheelchair accessible housing.  There is priority placement for women leaving violent relationships but the application must come from a transition home.

Seniors Housing Information Program 
www.seniorshousing.bc.ca 
Phone: 604-520-6621
Royal Square Mall, 209-800 McBride Blvd., New Westminster
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am-4 pm
Has a listing of all the subsidized seniors housing on the North Shore.  Also provides information and referral to appropriate community resources.

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC
www.chf.bc.ca 
Phone: 604-879-5111
200-5550 Fraser St., Vancouver 
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
You must apply to each co-op individually and in writing.  For a list of co-ops accepting applications  check their website, pick up a copy of “ Scoop” or send $3 cheque and self addressed stamped 9x12" envelope to 133 E 8th Ave, Vancouver BC, V5P 1R8.  There is an average wait of 1-3 years if you are looking for subsidized rates.  Once you have a list you send a self addressed stamped business sized envelope to the membership committee of each co-op and they will send you an application.

Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation  
www.gvrd.bc.ca/services/housing 
Phone: 604-432-6300
Rental Inquiries: 604-451-6670
4330 Kingsway, Burnaby
Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am-4 pm
This is a non-profit organization that was established to provide affordable housing for low, moderate, and middle income households.  Several sites have one bedroom units to meet the needs of seniors, the physically challenged and other special needs; majority of sites have two and three bedroom townhouses or apartments for families.

Mount Seymour Lions Housing Society  
Phone: 604-929-9499
Fax: 604-929-9404
147-1300 Parkgate Avenue, North Vancouver 
Hours: Fri & Mon 12 pm-5 pm , Tues - Thurs 9 am-5 pm
There are units which meet the needs of seniors, the physically challenged and other special needs.  The wait list for subsidized housing is quite long.

Housing - Tenants Rights

Ministry of Attorney General- Residential Tenancy Branch 
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/rto 
Phone: 604-660-3456
400-5021 Kingsway Avenue, Burnaby
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Provides information to tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities. Information offered by telephone, in person and by correspondence. Administers an arbitration system to resolve disputes.

Tenants Rights Action Coalition
www.tenants.bc.ca
Phone: 604-255-0546
2681 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Provides information to tenants on their rights and responsibilities. Help individuals or groups having trouble with landlords. Has free publication on tenant's rights called the “Tenant Survival Guide” and will give group presentations on request.

September 2002