B.C.’s new shelter rate a good start, but doesn’t go nearly far enough: advocates

published on July 7, 2023 by Simon Little and Travis Prasad in Global News

Advocates say a boost in the amount of financial support British Columbians on income assistance get for housing  is a welcome first step, but won’t do much in B.C.’s brutal housing market.

As of July 1, the “shelter rate,” the portion of income assistance offered for housing needs, is rising by $125 from $375 per month to $500 per month.

It’s the first time the rate has been increased since 2007.

That money is critical for people like Isaac Nelson, who is now on disability after an unexpected medical condition appeared last year that left him in a wheelchair.

“It takes a long time to get your head around it, because it’s a wheelchair, and you never expected to be in a wheelchair,” he said.

“It’s a process of reorganizing your life, based on income.”…