Especially when you’ve seen better days and you’re in your prime years, something such as home renovation can prove to be a mammoth challenge. At times, your little pension can barely meet the monthly bills, let alone fund a major renovation project. For a senior citizen or someone with a disabled member in the family, home improvement can be a weighty subject. It gets even worse when you’re a low to moderate income family. Fortunately, though, home improvement and renovation grants are available for British Columbia and other Canadian citizens. But then again, finding a suitable one that you qualify for is even a more challenging task for homeowners. To hit the nail straight in the head, this piece is designed to make the task less daunting for you.
British Columbia Canada Home Renovation Grants – Recommendations
Here are some British Columbia Canada home renovation grants you may want to look into.
1. Home Adaptations for Independence HAFI
HAFI is one of the most popular home improvement funding programs for Canadians. It is specifically designed for low-income homeowners who are seniors or persons with disabilities. It is meant to assist them with funding for home modifications designed to improve accessibility, safety and promote healthy living. The good thing about this program is that British Colombian, Ca renters and landlords may also be eligible. As long as you satisfy the eligibility criteria, you can receive up to a maximum of $20,000 forgivable loan.
However, one has to be a senior or low-income British Columbia resident to be considered eligible. You also have to satisfy the disability criteria and the adaptations application should address the limitation in question. You can check out other application details from the programs official webpage below.
Site URL: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/BC-RAHA
Mailing Address: BC Housing, Suite 1701-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8
Maximum Funding: $20,000
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon to Fri
Contact Phone: 604-433-1711
Contact Link: https://www.bchousing.org/contact
2. Alberta Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)
This one is available mainly for Alberta and Edmonton residents. It is designed to provide home renovation funding for low-income individuals with a disabled member of the family. The grant is meant to fund structural modifications that are geared to accommodating the needs of people with mobility challenges. Eligible individuals may qualify for up to $7,500 annually and up to $15,000 per 10 years. This grant is not only limited to seniors. Albertans of any age can be eligible, provided they rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Individuals with progressive neuro-degenerative diseases and seniors with mobility challenges are also considered.
Site URL: https://www.alberta.ca/residential-access-modification-program.aspx
Mailing Address: RAMP, Alberta Community and Social Services, PO Box 808, Edmonton Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L4
Maximum Funding: $7,500 per person annually
Business Hours: 8:15 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
Contact Phone: 1-877-427-5760
Contact Link: https://www.alberta.ca/contact.cfm
3. Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI)
This one is another program under the oversight of CMHC. It is meant for low-income seniors 65 years of age and above. Funding is provided for home renovations geared towards making the home more accommodating for seniors. This may include modifications from the installation of handrails to deadbolts, grub bars, and height adjustments. The fund is also available for renters as well as landlords who wish to make their residences more senior-friendly. Eligible applicants may be awarded up to $10,000 with a possibility of 25% increase for citizens of the northern/remote areas.
Some of the most basic eligibility requirements include the following:
• Be a senior citizen aged 65 years or older
• Meet the specified household income threshold
• Be living in the home in question as your primary residence
Site URL: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
Maximum Funding: $10,000
Business Hours: Unspecified
Contact Phone: 1-800-668-2642
Contact Link: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/about-us/contact-us
In addition to these, there are many other British Columbia home renovation grants, including those that are offered nationwide. However, most of them target seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities. The most important thing is to make sure you meet the specified eligibility criteria before applying.
