Wa chxw yuu Reaching Home Program

Wa chxw yuu: "take care" in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh

Wa chxw yuu is a Reaching Home initiative supported by Lu’ma Native Housing Society and Infrastructure Canada. The program provides culturally safe, holistic housing support for Indigenous individuals and families living in the City of Vancouver.

Eligibility

The VAHS Wa chxw yuu Reaching Home Program is available only to people who currently live in Vancouver.

Other Reaching Home programs operate throughout the Lower Mainland; however, VAHS does not maintain a list of these programs and cannot determine which program serves another municipality.

All intake and eligibility assessments for the VAHS program are completed by Frances Whitebear.

How the program can help

Depending on eligibility, individual circumstances and available program capacity, Wa chxw yuu may provide:

• Emergency or short-term financial assistance for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, facing displacement or waiting for benefits
• Eviction-prevention support
• Assistance completing housing applications
• Housing advocacy and support
• Tenant rights and responsibilities information
• Referrals to other community services
• Culturally grounded support, workshops and activities

Services and financial assistance are not guaranteed and are subject to eligibility, assessment and available program funding.

Housing applications and BC Housing

Wa chxw yuu staff can assist participants with completing housing applications. However, VAHS does not maintain its own housing waitlist and cannot place applicants directly into housing.

VAHS is not connected to the BC Housing application or intake process. Anyone wishing to apply for BC Housing must contact BC Housing directly and complete its separate intake and application requirements.

Accessing the program

Both self-referrals and referrals from other programs or organizations are welcome.

To begin the intake process, please contact Frances Whitebear. Frances is the only staff member who completes intake and eligibility assessments for this program.

Applicants seeking assistance with rent arrears or an eviction must provide:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Proof of income
• Bank statements from the last three months
• A copy of the eviction notice
• A tenancy agreement showing the landlord’s name and contact information, monthly rent and any amount owing

Additional documentation may be requested depending on the type of assistance being sought.