Housing Resources

Providing refugees with a variety of accessible housing resources

Housing

Our team connects with landlords to create access to available housing, and reduce barriers related to securing permanent housing such as requirements for Credit Checking, References, and Criminal Record Checks.

Are you a property manager or homeowner interested in learning more about renting to newcomers? Click here for the pdf version of an information pamphlet addressing frequently asked questions.

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BC Rent Bank

This resource can help financially support individuals struggling to access housing.
Please see their website for more information on eligibility

Tenant Resource and Advisory Center

This website provides information about the different stages of renting:
- Finding Rental Housing
- During a Tenancy
- Ending a Tenancy
- Dispute Resolution
It offers many resources as well as a self-paced video on Renting It Right that provides practical and legal information on how to find rental housing, maintain a stable tenancy, and resolve disputes with their landlord.
Online Tenant Survival Guide: Offers legal education on tenants’ and landlords’ rights in BC in plain language and links helpful resources.

RentSmart Certificate Online (RSCO)  

*CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE TO TAKE THE COURSE*

This organization provides a self-paced, online course of 6 modules that includes information about the following topics:

Tenant and Landlord rights and responsibilities
Applying for rental housing
Effective communication skills
Budgeting and planning for housing expenses
Maintenance dos and don’ts
Safety and pests

Upon course completion, participants will receive a certificate, with ID #, that landlords may verify on Rent Smart’s website.

While taking a course like this does not guarantee you getting a rental unit, adding the certificate to your reference letter can improve your desirability as a renter.

Salvation Army Housing Resources

Abbotsford/Mission: Go to “Salvation Army – Centre of Hope” and scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will find the tab “Available Housing.” Click there to find some updated information about available Housing in Abbotsford and Mission.

Chilliwack: A list of available housing is emailed out every week. Email outreach@salvationarmychilliwack.ca to be added to the list.

Maple Ridge: Housing resources for those experiencing homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. However, once refugees or displaced Ukrainians find housing, the Salvation Army can often offer some basic supplies, such as bedding, dishes, etc.

Wilma's Transition Society - Chilliwack

The Housing Outreach Program can help individuals find, achieve, and maintain permanent housing. Contact Camilla at c.haaland@wilmas.org or 604-991-6184 to learn more.

The Homeless Prevention Program may be able to offer financial aid for housing for those at risk of homelessness. See the website for more information. Contact Erin at e.mosa@wilmas.org or 604-824-0939 to learn more.

Websites to look for units:

Some examples of questions to ask rental property owners:

Does the rental unit follow local bylaws? For example, is the rental unit an illegal suite?
Does the place include appliances and amenities, or has it been “staged” for the viewing?
Are the neighbours generally quiet and respectful?
Is the building soundproofed, or is it common to hear noise from other units?
Has there been a history of bed bugs, other infestations, or illegal activity?
Is there public transit nearby?
What are the rules about smoking, pets, roommates, and accessibility?
Is there laundry available in-suite, or at least somewhere on the property?
Are there designated parking spots for tenants, or is there only street parking?
Is storage room available on the property?
Are there any fees for parking, storage, or laundry?
Is the heat for the unit controlled from within the unit or from within a different unit?

Taken from Tenant Survival Guide, section 4.3 under Finding Rental Housing

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