The Community Bridge to Housing First Program serves a broad range of people, including: families, seniors, and individuals with complex needs; those transitioning from shelters into stable housing; and people seeking employment while maintaining housing stability.  By offering a combination of housing support, financial assistance, and direct referrals, we ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.  We are enhancing client financial stability by reinforcing financial literacy and direct rent payments, which reduces the risk of rental arrears and eviction.

We continually witness the impact and success that highlight the program’s value.  One client has connected with community supports and now is stable in their housing and transitioned out of this program.  Another client developed a strong support network and became stabilized in their housing.  As a result of receiving Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) funding through BC Housing they have successfully transitioned out of our program and continue to thrive in the community.  A new client this quarter, has been supported by our program into market housing for the first time. This program has helped them to not only obtain housing, but additional supports needed. They are now thriving in their new home and have reduced the amount of in-house support they initially received.

The outreach efforts helped another new client into market housing and connected them with community supports.  This program has reached numerous lives in our community, and we continue to strive to support as many vulnerable people as we can even though our community struggles with limited housing opportunities and the hard to house individuals we support are even more limited with options.  By having partnerships with landlords and community organizations we are actively reducing barriers and providing opportunities for our clients accessing all available resources in the community.