Temporary Housing Program (THP)

With generous funding from the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Seniors Services Society’s Temporary Housing Program is filling the gap in emergency housing for seniors by providing low-barrier and hospitable shelter space for homeless or at-risk seniors. 

The program provides a private apartment, furnished by donation, as temporary accommodation to homeless seniors for an average of three months.

Clients will be assigned an outreach worker and will get one-on-one support from that worker as needed to help them live independently in our temporary program.  The worker and client will work together to obtain permanent, appropriate housing.

THP is not the same as a traditional shelter; it is unsupervised and unattended, and the units are embedded within regular apartment buildings where the neighbours are regular tenants of the building.  For this reason, clients must go through a strict screening process including intake and interview with THP staff.  Not all homeless and at risk seniors will be eligible for THP.  For immediate assistance to shelter, please call the shelter and street help line at 604-875-6381. 

Please note the program is priority and suitability based, and there is no waitlist.

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Generally, the THP is for vulnerable adults 55 years or older, or less than 55 years with a disability, (priority will be given to those over 55) who

• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Are able to live independently
• Are able to live in the unit without being at risk to themselves or disturbing other tenants
• Do not have any active addictions or untreated mental illnesses
• Are willing to adhere to THP Rules
• Are self-motivated and able to take direction regarding housing search

RESIDENCY CHARGE

The Residency Charge is set on a sliding scale set at 30% of income, or if on Income Assistance, the maximum shelter portion.

TO REFER:

All clients must go through the agency’s standard intake process. Eligibility for THP will be determined by Seniors Services Society first during the intake process.  If selected as meeting the basic criteria, the client will be referred to the THP Coordinator who will conduct a comprehensive interview, including reference checks, and then make the final decision.

To refer a new client, submit a referral form (download it here) or have the client call our Housing Counselor directly at 604-520-6621.