Housing Options
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Subsidized Housing in Nanaimo
All of the housing projects in Nanaimo are operated by non-profit societies or local service clubs. For most of the projects, subsidies are provided through BC Housing. As a general rule, tenants never pay more than 30% of their gross income for rent. Listings for all subsidized housing projects in Nanaimo and around the province can be found through BC Housing’s website: www.bchousing.org
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Family Housing
There are twelve complexes in Nanaimo operated by non-profit societies which offer subsidized family housing. Seven of those complexes are open to all families and five are available only to families of First Nations status. All projects have a waiting list and there is no emergency housing available at any of the complexes. Most of the complexes are townhouse style and only the project at 3rd and Howard allows cats and dogs.
Family Listings [click here] *Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
Applications: Applicants must have dependent children (minimum 40% legal custody) to qualify for subsidized family housing. For the complexes run by Pacifica Housing, Nanaimo Affordable Housing, and for the project at 3rd and Howard, tenant selection is done through the Provincial Housing Registry. Applications are available by calling 1-800-257-7756 or on the internet at www.bchousing.org and should be returned to the Registry directly.
Housing operators access the waiting list through the Internet. For the Lion’s housing complex (758-4400 / 758-2724) and for M’Akola’s First Nations projects (756-4217), applicants should contact the providers directly.
Subsidies: If you are working, you will pay a percentage (never more than 30%) of your gross family income (family allowance and family tax credits are not included but family support payments are counted). There is an income cap for receiving a subsidy. If you are receiving BC Benefits, flat rates have been negotiated between the Ministry of Housing and Social Development and BC Housing.
Waiting Lists: When applications are received, they are scored for need based on the information provided. Applicants are offered units based on need and availability. Typically, applicants can be on the waiting list for 1 year or longer before a unit comes available.
Rental Assistance Program: In 2006, as part of the new provincial housing strategy called “Housing Matters”, the Rental Assistance Program for families was introduced. The program is designed for low-income working families with children under 19 years of age. The program reimburses between 25-50% of the difference between 30% of your income and your rent, subject to a maximum rent level.
All members of the household must be either a Canadian Citizen, landed immigrant or refugee claimant. Families receiving BC Benefits are not eligible for this program.
Applications can be obtained directly from BC Housing, either by phone, 1-800-257-7756 or by visiting their website at www.bchousing.org/programs/RAP.
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Housing for Single Adults
2104 Bowen Road is the 1st non-supported housing project for singles in Nanaimo. The complex offers 20 subsidized, 1-bedroom apartments. The units are located in a series of 4-plexes with two apartments on the 1st floor and two on the 2nd floor. There are no fully accessible units and no emergency housing is available.
How to Apply: Applications can be obtained directly from BC Housing, either by visiting their website at www.bchousing.org or by by phone at 1-800-257-7756. Applicants are offered units based on availability, need, and good references. Typically, applicants can be on the waiting list for 1 year or longer.
For more information on this project: click here.
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Senior’s Housing
There are seventeen complexes in Nanaimo that offer subsidized or affordable market housing for seniors (see attached list). Fifteen of those complexes are open to all seniors. The two complexes run by M’Akola Housing are only available to seniors of First Nations status. There are several different models of housing for seniors. Some complexes offer fully independent living with no additional services and some offer varying levels of service including meals, housekeeping, and laundry.
Seniors Listings [click here] *Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
(Some Senior’s complexes will consider persons with permanent disabilities that may not meet age requirements.)
Applications: Applicants should be at least 55 years of age (some projects do not take individuals under 60) to qualify for subsidized seniors’ housing. There is no central clearing house for applications – all operators maintain their own waiting lists. Interested applicants should contact the housing operators directly for more information.
Subsidies: There are both Federal and Provincial subsidy programs for seniors, depending on when a particular complex was built. Information can be gotten directly from the housing provider.
Waiting Lists: When applications are received, they are scored for need based on the information provided. Applicants are offered units based on availability and need.
There are also privately operated complexes for seniors, some of which offer rent subsidy for some residents.
S.A.F.E.R.: The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program helps make rents affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes. SAFER provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible BC residents who are age 60 or over and who pay rent for their homes. The links below provide more information on SAFER.
Application [click here] *Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
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Supportive Housing for Single Persons
Living with a Permanent Disability
Nanaimo Affordable Housing runs independent housing for single adults with permanent disabilities who require staff support. The projects are located at 350 Prideaux Street and 153 Wallace Street. No emergency housing is available.
Eligibility: Individuals must be receiving permanent disability benefits from either the Provincial or Federal Government and demonstrate need for supported housing. Health referrals are required.
* Click here to find out how to apply.
Subsidies: Rent is based on the current shelter allowance set by the Provincial Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance.
Waiting Lists: Operator maintains their own waiting list, however, units do not come available very often.
There are other housing services available to persons with special needs in the community. Those services are accessible directly from the Provincial Ministries or agencies responsible for providing services for persons with developmental or psychiatric disabilities.
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Youth Housing
Nanaimo Youth Services runs staff-supported transitional housing for young persons between the ages of 16 – 19. Their complex is located at 1001 Waddington Road. The complex has 6 one-bedroom units for single parent teens, 13 bachelor suites, and 1 access unit for a youth with a physical disability.
Nanaimo Youth Services Website: www.nysa.bc.ca
Applications: Interested applicants should contact the operator directly at 753-3212.
Subsidies: Rent is geared to income. Tenants never pay more than 30% of their gross income.
Waiting Lists: Operator maintains their own waiting list.
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Other Community Resources
Clearview Centre
http://clearviewcentre.org/
Columbian Centre Society, Nanaimo, BC
www.columbiancentresociety.com
Haven Society
http://www.havensociety.com/programs.html
M'akola Housing
www.makola.bc.ca
Nanaimo Family Life Association
http://www.nflabc.org/
Nanaimo Independent Living Resource Centre
http://www.nrdrc.org/
Open Minds / Open Windows
http://www.openmindsopenwindows.com/
Pacifica Housing
www.pacificahousing.ca
Tillicum Haus Native Friendship Centre
www.tillicumhaus.ca
Volunteer Nanaimo
www.volunteernanaimo.ca
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