The provincial government of British Columbia will be offering eligible residents affected by wildfires this year some financial assistance.
In partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, it will provide qualified households with financial assistance – as much as $1,300 per month while they are supported in the transition to long-term housing. The program begins this December, a release on the BC government’s website said.
According to the government, this assistance will help support the interim housing needs of households that have been receiving short-term accommodation support through Emergency Support Services since July.
Eligible households will be contacted by the Canadian Red Cross, which will discuss how the households would manage their interim housing needs and find longer-term housing as part of the new program. This will be in addition to the Canadian Red Cross’s ongoing support for wildfire victims.
In addition, the Canadian Red Cross is offering support for housing repair and reconstruction efforts for homeowners who have been unable to return to their properties. Those who meet the qualifications may receive financial support to meet their reconstruction and cleaning needs.
Aside from financial support, the provincial program will also help those displaced by wildfires better understand insurance and community resources. The program will also provide access to mental health services.
