GIBSONS, B.C.–Sunshine Coast Credit Union here has joined with two other organizations as part of an initiative to keep people housed during times of acute financial stress by offering short-term, interest free loans and support through advocacy and referral services.
The move follows the release last month of the latest Canadian Rental Housing Index, which ranked the Sunshine Coast as one the province’s 10 worst communities for rental affordability and supply, according to the Coast Reporter.
Joining the credit union in the effort are The Co-operators and the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society. Tenants facing potential eviction, or the termination of their utilities, will be able to apply for a short-term interest-free loan, the Coast Reporter said. Applicants will have to qualify based on specific criteria including minimum income verification, and the loans will be provided in conjunction with advocacy, financial literacy and referral support tailored to the needs of the individual in crisis.
“Housing security affects us all; the importance of which is underlined by the number of individuals and organizations working on delivering solutions within our community today,” Shelley McDade, CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union, told the Coast Reporter. “We are pleased to be able to contribute our expertise and resources, alongside our community partners.”