Dear Editor:
Re: New homeless strategy could leave seniors out in the cold, Burnaby NOW, Jan. 8.
As with others, I am concerned about housing for low-income seniors and want to let readers know about some of the steps the provincial government is doing to help. In 2006, the provincial government launched Housing Matters B.C. The goal of this strategy is straight forward - help end homelessness and ensure those in greatest need have access to safe and affordable housing.
For seniors, Housing Matters B.C. includes the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program. Through this program, direct cash assistance is available to eligible British Columbians who are age 60 or over and pay more than 30 percent of their gross monthly household income towards rent up to a maximum rent ceiling. Right now, more than 16,700 senior households receive assistance through SAFER.
All totalled, more than 50,000 seniors' households across our province receive support for housing, including some 21,000 households in independent social housing.
These are just a few ways the provincial government is providing access to safe and affordable housing to people who are in need in Burnaby and throughout B.C.
Richard T. Lee, Burnaby North MLA
