Rent Bank program launched to support area residents facing housing challenges

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“The North Okanagan is an incredible place to live, but there is a growing number of households who are only one paycheck away from choosing between rent and food. With North Okanagan Rent Bank, we can help people manage short-term financial distress while also providing additional support and referrals.”

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The CMHA said there are many people living paycheque to paycheque in the region, and these supports are available should they suffer some sort of financial crisis that puts their ability to pay for housing at risk.

The organization notes that 24 per cent of rental households in Vernon spend more than half their income on housing costs, while the vacancy rate for apartments sits at one per cent. CMHA also notes that the ripple effects of the rapid employment loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic has mainly impacted those in low-income housing living in non-subsidized rentals.

In addition to the loans, the Rent Bank program can assist with advocating on behalf of individuals to landlords, tenancy boards, utility companies and more; mediate and guide conversations between tenants and landlords; provide referrals to other agencies that can support a person with food, clothing and transportation; and help tenants access government subsidies, grant programs, and other benefits that they may be eligible to receive.

The CMHA said while they want to do their part to support as many people as they can on the brink of homelessness, there are some requirements applicants must meet:

• Must be 19 years or older with two pieces of identification, one of which is a photo ID;
• Must reside in the North Okanagan (Vernon, Coldstream, Spallumcheen, Armstrong, Lumby, Enderby, Grindrod, Cherryville);
• Must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, permanent resident, refugee claimant or a temporary foreign worker;
• Must have income sufficient to cover other living expenses;
• Does not have excessive outstanding debts or undischarged bankruptcies;
• Have a current bank account and can provide 3 months (90 days) of banking statements;
• Able to demonstrate a temporary financial need or crisis;
• Able to demonstrate housing will be stabilized for a minimum of 90 days;
• Must provide proof of tenancy; eviction notice; utility notice of disconnection; rent receipts or rental payment record; recent household utility bills; or confirmation from landlord or property management company verifying rental or housing arrangement.

Applications for the North Okanagan Rent Bank program can be made through the CMHA Vernon and District’s website or by calling the organization at 250-542-3114.

The program, which is one of growing number of rent banks in the province, is supported financially by the B.C. Rent Bank and the Province of B.C.

“Our government is proud to support this new rent bank, which will help renters in the North Okanagan living paycheque to paycheque keep a roof over their head,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“This support will give families a peace of mind where they don’t need to worry about eviction if they face an unexpected crisis. We will continue to work closely with all of our community and municipal partners to deliver supports like this so that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

The Vernon and District Branch of the CMHA also offers a number of wraparound services to individuals and households in the region, such as employment assistance; specialized occupational therapists; educational courses focusing on mental health; financial planning; tele-support programs including BounceBack, distress lines and peer support.