NationTalk: Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is pleased to announce new guidelines and eligibility criteria for:
- Ma Nîķi Seniors Home Renovation Program;
- Métis Rent Supplement Program; and
- Reaching Home.
The Ministry of Housing and Homelessness has seen unprecedented demand for its Housing Support programs over the last year and has been able to connect with and support more than 800 individuals and families with its services.
Near the end of 2022 the Ministry of Housing and Homelessness embarked on an ambitious project to update its Housing Support program guidelines to bring them into alignment with the overarching strategy of reducing Métis core housing need in BC by 50%. The guideline updates were also precipitated by valuable feedback from citizens and the expertise of Big River Analytics (a Métis owned and operated research company).
The new guidelines and eligibility criteria will take effect August 1st, 2023.The guideline changes are intended to ensure that MNBC is responsive to the needs of citizens and communities. Many of the changes are specifically designed to guarantee support and services are available to the most vulnerable when they need it most.
Métis Rent Supplement Program applicants will now need to spend 30% or more of their gross annual income on rent to qualify. This ensures that individuals and families living in unaffordable housing are consistently supported and that funding remains available to them over time.
Ma Nîķi Seniors Home Renovation Program applicants will now have a more clearly defined list of eligible and ineligible repairs and renovations with a focus on providing support to Seniors/Elders who need assistance aging in place within adequate homes that are suitable to their needs.
Reaching Home applicants will be largely unaffected because eligibility has only been modified slightly to ensure support is available for critical interventions for the program’s duration.
Métis Rent Supplement Program and Ma Nîķi Seniors Home Renovation Program will work with MNBC citizens exclusively, after August 1, 2023. Reaching Home will continue to support MNBC citizens as well as self-identifying Métis.
If you are planning to apply for one of the Housing Support programs, please ensure you check out the updated guidelines, eligibility criteria and application forms, available on the MNBC website starting Aug 1st, 2023.
Ma Nîķi Home Renovation Program can be found here.
Métis Rent Supplement Program here.
Reaching Home, here.