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Apartment Building

Housing Loss Prevention Services

CHA's Housing Loss Prevention program provides a suite of services to assist and support individuals and families who are at imminent risk of losing housing. We gratefully acknowledge Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy, the United Way, and the BC Rent Bank that provide funding for these programs.

How We Can Help

Information & Referrals

Our Housing Loss Prevention Team responds to inquiries via email, telephone, and in-person drop-ins. 

 

We provide information on housing services, community resources, emergency financial aid, and tenancy issues.

Cowichan Rent Bank

This program offers repayable no-interest micro-loans to those facing a temporary financial crisis that impacts their ability to pay for rent, damage deposits, or utility costs.

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Please note that it can take up to 2 weeks to receive the loan if eligible.

Utility Bank

This program offers basic energy retrofit supplies, assistance with crisis applications, and energy efficient coaching to support individuals decrease their energy costs and usage.​

This program is available to those who self-identify as Indigenous and are living off of reserve.

Emergency Assistance

This program assists applicants by providing financial grants towards evictions due to rental arrears or hydro disconnections.

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Available once in a twelve-month period per household. Funds are distributed on a first come first served basis until the monthly quota is exhausted.

Food Voucher Program

To help offset the high cost of living for individuals/ families who experience difficulties meeting monthly costs, the Food Voucher Program provides grocery cards for eligible recipients.

 

Applicants may apply once in a two-month period, per household. Food vouchers are distributed on a first come, first served basis until the monthly quota is exhausted.

Housing Navigation

If you are seeking support in your rental search, completing BC Housing Registry Applications, or need assistance with other housing concerns, our Housing Navigator can offer one-on-one support.

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Appointments Required. 

Please call ahead to book.

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To inquire about these services and assess your eligibility, please contact us to learn more.

Housing Search Resources

Looking for affordable rental housing in the Cowichan Region? Not sure where to start?

Below are some helpful tips for your rental search.

1

Facebook

Many landlords post on Facebook Marketplace or in local groups. It can be beneficial to make a brief post in these groups with information on what type of housing you are seeking, your budget, number of tenants, etc. 

2

Websites

Below are other useful websites that may have rentals listed in your area:

thepropertymanagers.ca

broadstreet.ca

usedcowichan.com

3

BC Housing Registry

The BC Housing Registry offers subsidized housing and supported housing for low income individuals and families.

BE AWARE OF RENTAL SCAMS

There are many scams out there so use your best judgement when searching. If something feels too good to be true, it might be! 

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Other Resources

Below are other resources that you may be eligible for outside of CHA's services and programs.

BC Housing Programs

There are a variety of rental support programs offered through BC Housing including the Rental Assistance Program for low-income families and SAFER rental assistance for seniors.

Find out if you qualify for BC Housing assistance here.

Utility Assistance & Support

If you're a BC Hydro customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis and you've fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service. 

Learn more here.

Happipad Room Sharing

Happipad is about matching two compatible people – a host and a renter – into a mutually beneficial living arrangement. The host gains a happy face around the house, a helping hand, and some extra cash. The renter is given affordable, comfortable housing with a like-minded roommate. 

Learn more here.

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