Introducing the “Staying Home” Report

Struggling with rent, or know someone who is? You’re not alone! Over 30% of Canadian renters are facing housing unaffordability.

That’s why BC Rent Bank is here to help.

Last month, our Managing Director, Melissa Giles, joined forces with colleagues across the country to release the “Staying Home” report: the first academic research project on rent banks in Canada.

Led by Dr. Tobin LeBlanc Haley (University of New Brunswick), Dr. Laura Pin (Wilfrid Laurier University), and Dr. Kristi Allain (St. Thomas University), this report provides an overview and analysis of four rent banks in three different provinces, focusing on their role in eviction prevention and housing stabilization.

Despite many similarities, rent banks vary in their funding sources, eligibility criteria, types of financial assistance, and eligibility requirements. Program evaluations indicate that while rent banks are highly effective in stabilizing housing for clients, they face challenges such as funding instability and staff burnout. Rising housing costs and insufficient income also make it difficult for many clients to achieve long-term housing stability.

This report suggests promising practices for communities looking to initiate or expand rent bank programming, and highlights the need for broader policy interventions and continued collaboration and research.

Read on to learn more about how BC Rent Bank is growing alongside other provincial rent banks and the national network, to continue improving support for BC renters.