The B.C. government is inviting non-profits, First Nations, municipalities and other organizations to submit proposals for the Building BC: Community Housing Fund (CHF).

Proposals for the CHF are managed by BC Housing and will be accepted until mid-November 2023. The project proposals will be evaluated and projects totalling approximately 3,500 units are expected to be announced in early 2024.

Projects will be prioritized based on several criteria, including prioritized populations and the effect the project would have in addressing the community’s affordable rental housing need. Project-development funding will also be available for projects that require further development to prepare them for the next CHF funding call.

“We are in a housing crisis, and this new round of CHF funding will ensure more people have access to an affordable place to live by creating approximately 3,500 homes,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.

“This is a significant step toward our goal of 20,000 CHF-funded homes by 2032, as our province increases its housing stock faster than ever so people have the homes they need now and into the future. Together, with our many partners, we’re making progress, but we know there’s much more work to be done.”

“We welcome this response to the desperate and growing need for more safe, secure, affordable housing for British Columbians,” said Thom Armstrong, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of British Columbia. “Help is on the way for 3,500 more households that are struggling to make ends meet in this overheated housing market. This government continues to lead the way in Canada by making new affordable housing supply a priority.”

The CHF is a $3.3-billion investment to build more than 20,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32. Approximately 9,000 of these homes are open or underway throughout the province. Additional CHF proposal calls will be issued during the next four years to allocate funding for the remaining units, a Ministry of Housing media release stated.

“With rents rising faster in B.C. than anywhere else in the country, the homes funded through the Community Housing Fund could not come at a more critical time,” said Jill Atkey, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association. “Non-profit housing providers have been eagerly anticipating this call, and the affordable developments they bring forward will impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families for decades to come.”

Under the CHF program, most residents (70%) pay rent geared to income, where rent is generally based on 30% of household income.

This includes 20% of units for residents with very low incomes, such as those receiving income or disability assistance.

The balance (30%) of units are available at or below market rents for households with moderate incomes.

Find information about the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and request for proposal.

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