The Housing Continuum

The housing continuum for victim-survivors of violence in British Columbia highlights the spectrum of housing options, ranging from the least stable to the most stable. It spans from street homelessness to second-stage transitional housing, such as the BWSS Housing Program – Synchronicity, ultimately progressing to market housing. 

At BWSS, our mission to end gender-based violence, and we know that it starts with a safe place to call home. For so many, violence happens not in public but behind closed doors, in the very place that should offer comfort and security. A home should be a sanctuary, but when it becomes a place of harm, where can survivors turn? 

Across British Columbia, shelters, safe homes, and transition houses are over capacity, turning away more than 200 women and children every night. With limited alternatives, 75% of women return to abusive partners.  

Additionally, Eligibility for many housing programs is often determined by factors such as immigration status, income levels, and the total value of assets. These criteria can create significant barriers, limiting access to safe and stable housing for some victim-survivors.  

This illustrates the critical need for more housing options and support systems to provide a path to safety. 

During this 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we must face the unsettling truth: violence against women has reached epidemic levels. To shed light on the barriers victim-survivors experience, we invite you to stay connected with BWSS as we take action housing crisis and its impact on victims-survivors of gender-based violence.

Today, on our Ending Violence Blog, we delve into the housing continuum. 

1. Street Homelessness / Camping / Couch Surfing / Living in Car

Not officially part of the recognized housing continuum, people without safe, stable housing often end up in survival spaces, such as street camping or couch surfing, seeking temporary refuge from the elements and those who pose a threat to their safety. Unsheltered individuals may collect social assistance, but they are denied the rental portion ($500/month for a single person in BC) until they secure housing. However, affordable market housing is unavailable at that rate, and room/house shares are not permitted for those receiving social assistance. Individuals in this situation must wait until government-subsidized housing becomes available, but with waitlists often lasting years, many face extended homelessness, deteriorating health, and increased mental, spiritual, and emotional strain. 

2. Homeless Shelters

Shelters and supportive housing are key elements in the transition out of homelessness, providing temporary safe spaces for individuals seeking refuge. These options may include shelters for the homeless, supportive housing, or emergency shelter facilities that open during natural disasters or times of crisis. While they offer short-term shelter, they do not count as permanent housing due to the lack of privacy or long-term security. Individuals often find themselves in these shelters for extended periods due to ongoing housing shortages. Supportive housing may include additional resources such as health services or employment support, aimed at helping individuals stabilize and eventually transition into permanent housing.

3. Transition Houses / Second-Stage Housing and Programs for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-Based Violence

For individuals escaping violence, the first step out of homelessness often leads to a variety of housing types in BC, such as homeless shelters, supportive housing, and transition homes. These spaces are crucial for women with children fleeing abusive partners, youth aging out of care, and asylum seekers arriving in Canada. Transition homes provide more than just shelter; they offer safety, healing, and support as individuals move away from immediate danger. While temporary, these homes are meant to help residents stabilize before moving into independent housing. Unfortunately, long waitlists for government-subsidized housing delay the process, exacerbating health and well-being challenges for survivors of violence.

4. Group Homes / Supportive Housing

Group homes in BC provide housing for individuals with disabilities or other specific needs, offering a semi-independent living arrangement. These homes can range from single-family houses to apartment complexes and typically accommodate four to six residents. Residents share resources such as personal care, household management, and social support, while maintaining a degree of independence in their decision-making. Group homes are specifically funded for eligible populations, and the degree of support provided varies based on the residents’ needs. While this model allows for some autonomy, it is intended to provide a stable foundation for those requiring ongoing support.

5. Rent-Geared-to-Income / Subsidized Housing

In BC, Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing is available for households with fixed or low incomes who can afford to pay up to 30% of their income toward rent. Through the Housing Registry, managed by BC Housing, individuals can apply for subsidized housing. RGI units receive operating subsidies to cover the gap between rental income and operating expenses. While RGI rents increase as household income rises, some operators may evict families once they reach the market rent threshold, which can lead to displacement and further instability. This issue highlights the precarious nature of affordable housing, especially when households struggle to find comparable rentals within their community. The Community Housing Fund (CHF) helps support RGI rents by subsidizing the shortfall in operating budgets for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

6. Affordable Rental Housing / Low-to-Moderate Income Housing

Often referred to as the “Missing Middle,” affordable rental housing targets low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. These units are rented below average market rates in specific regions, making them more accessible for households with incomes that fall just above the low-income threshold. In 2024, BC Housing defines the median income for low-to-moderate households as $84,780 for couples without children and $134,140 for families with children. This housing option provides some relief for individuals who may not qualify for fully subsidized housing but cannot afford market rates. Rent increases may occur based on the annual increases set by the Residential Tenancy Board, though landlords may also increase rents to market levels upon vacancy, depending on program conditions.

7. Affordable Home Ownership

The Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) is a government initiative designed to help individuals purchase homes they otherwise could not afford. This is achieved through complex financial mechanisms, such as silent second mortgages or shared appreciation structures, where the province contributes to the down payment or equity. Despite the good intentions, these programs have faced challenges, including difficulties in qualifying buyers, monitoring asset concealment, and managing situations where buyers struggle to pay mortgages during market downturns or job losses. The province’s new AHOP program offers buyers a 60% share of the home’s value, with the government contributing 40% in the form of a repayable loan. These programs, while helpful, have struggled to provide long-term success due to financial and administrative complexities.

8. Market Ownership / Rental

The majority of housing in BC is built by the private sector, whether for purchase or rent. However, housing has increasingly become a financial investment rather than a shelter, leading to a significant gap between incomes and housing prices. In Vancouver, for example, the income required to purchase an average-priced home now exceeds $230,000, making homeownership inaccessible for most. Market rental prices have also surged, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver now hovering around $2,750 per month. This is affordable only for individuals earning at least $110,000 annually, assuming they spend no more than 30% of their income on rent. As market housing becomes increasingly out of reach for average-income individuals, the ongoing housing crisis continues with minimal government intervention to alleviate the issue.

Women deserve better, and safe, stable housing is a fundamental right for all women and children. We must take immediate action to make this a reality by: 

• Investing in affordable, diverse housing options that are specifically designed to meet the needs of women fleeing violence, ensuring access to safety and security. 

• Addressing the colonial legacy of land theft and housing commodification, which continues to marginalize Indigenous and other vulnerable groups, denying them the stability they need. 

• Centering survivors’ voices in policymaking to ensure that systems are built around their needs, empowering women to regain independence and security. 

Take action today by donating and sharing our resources to raise awareness. Together, we can bring safety and take action to end gender-based violence.