PHI was launched as a result of the Premier's Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions in December 2004. The Task Force, which consisted of mayors from across the province, recommended PHI as a way to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater self-reliance, and achieve appropriate employment.

The program is funded in part through the second phase of the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement . The federal and provincial governments have contributed $41.7 million each, for a total of almost $84 million.

BC Housing allocates funding to developments that integrate subsidized housing with support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, people with mental illnesses and physical disabilities, those with drug and alcohol addictions, aboriginal peoples, youth, and women with children fleeing abusive relationships.

New units allocated under Housing Matters BC
In October 2006, the Province of British Columbia announced Housing Matters BC, an innovative and comprehensive housing strategy helping those in greatest need access safe, affordable housing. The housing strategy commits the government to provide 450 new supportive housing units in addition to the 533 units already allocated in nine communities across B.C.

Expressions of Interest - B.C. wide call for proposals for new PHI units
BC Housing has issued a B.C. wide call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for non-profit societies interested in providing new supportive housing units under the Provincial Homelessness Initiative. This EOI is now closed. All submissions are currently being reviewed and we will report back the results of the call early in 2007 . Click here to go to the B.C. wide call for Expressions of Interest.

BC Housing sends out an email announcement each time a new release or call for proposal is posted on the website. By registering for the new housing initiative email notifications, you will receive the call for proposal announcements.

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