November 26, 2021

Prince Rupert — Low-to moderate-income renters across North Coast now have access to rent bank services through an extended partnership between BC Rent Bank and the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society.

Rent banks provide interest-free loans for tenants in urgent circumstances so they do not lose their housing. BC Rent Bank, a project of the Vancity Community Foundation, is partnering with the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society on an interim basis to centralize rent bank services throughout the province. This means people in communities that did not previously have access to rent bank loans and services, including in Northern B.C., can now access help to stay in stable housing wherever they are in the province.

“Rent banks help the community’s most vulnerable avoid eviction and homelessness,” said North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice. “By providing residents of North Coast with access to this critical service, we can help prevent people from falling through the cracks.”

BC Rent Bank, which is supported by a $10-million investment from the provincial government, is working to secure long-term partners to provide rent bank services in each of the newly covered 15 regions to localize services and support the delivery of other wraparound services to rent bank clients.

North Coast tenants wanting to apply for rent bank loans should apply online: www.bcrentbank.ca/apply