In March 2026, DABC learned that our federal Reaching Home funding for the Right Fit Program would not be renewed after six years of continuous support. This decision was unexpected and placed the future of our program at immediate risk.
The Right Fit Program supports wheelchair users in finding accessible housing; preventing homelessness, institutionalization, and unsafe housing situations for people with disabilities. Since its launch, the Right Fit has helped 373 individuals secure stable, accessible housing.
In the past several weeks, we have been determined to raise awareness about the Right Fit program; calling upon the federal government to support our impactful work and ensure that this program stays alive. On April 2nd, we conducted a press conference and on April 22nd, we held a rally in front of Gregor Robertson’s constituency office.
We have been deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from Right Fit clients, community members, partner organizations, housing providers, advocates, and members of the public who have spoken out, attended rallies, shared our message, and supported our calls to action. Your advocacy has made a difference.
DABC has now secured partial funding from Reaching Home, however this funding covers only 38% of the annual costs required to operate the Right Fit Program in Vancouver. As a result, the program cannot continue operating at full capacity, and its long-term future remains uncertain. Without stable funding, wheelchair users in need of accessible housing will continue to face significant barriers and increased risk of homelessness and housing instability.
DABC continues to call on both the federal and provincial governments to recognize accessible housing as a critical priority and to commit to sustainable, long-term funding for the Right Fit Program.
DABC has not yet received a response from Minister Robertson; we continue to request a meeting with him to discuss the urgent need for long-term engagement and solutions around accessible housing for people with disabilities.
Please stay tuned for further advocacy efforts that will continue in the coming weeks. DABC will be encouraging constituents in the Lower Mainland and the Capital Regional District to contact and meet with their Members of Parliament to share concerns about the future of the Right Fit Program and the importance of stable funding for accessible housing supports.
If you have the financial capacity to make a donation to our Right Fit program, we would be grateful for your support during this time. This will directly help to ensure that we continue operating the Right Fit Program while we work to advocate for stable, long-term funding. Donate here: https://give-can.keela.co/save-the-right-fit-program
PRESS RELEASE AND MEDIA ADVISORY -For Immediate Release-
No Response from Federal Housing Minister as Rally Planned to Save Accessible Housing Program
Vancouver, B.C. – April 21, 2026 — Disability Alliance BC (DABC) and the Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC) say they have yet to receive a response from Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson following the loss of funding for the Right Fit Program, Canada’s only program matching wheelchair users with accessible housing.
Operated by Disability Alliance BC in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre, the program lost its federal Reaching Home funding on April 1 and is now at risk of shutting down.
“This is a time-sensitive crisis, and we are still waiting for a response,” said Helaine Boyd, Executive Director of Disability Alliance BC. “Without action, hundreds of people in Metro Vancouver will lose access to a proven pathway out of homelessness.”
The Right Fit Program is the only initiative of its kind in Canada and has:
Housed 371 people (including family members)
Achieved 83% improved housing accessibility and 95% client satisfaction
Supported many clients who were homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness
There are currently 213 people on the Right Fit Program’s waitlist, many facing eviction, unsafe housing, or homelessness.
Beyond housing, DABC warns that the loss of the program will increase pressure on B.C.’s already strained long-term care system. In the absence of accessible housing, some younger adults with disabilities are placed into long-term care, not because it is appropriate, but because no other option exists. “Without programs like the Right Fit, the system defaults to institutional solutions, at a higher cost and with worse outcomes for individuals,” Boyd said.
DABC and IFRC are calling on the federal government to restore funding immediately.
MEDIA ADVISORY: RALLY TO SAVE THE RIGHT FIT PROGRAM
Organized by Disability Alliance BC (DABC) and the Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC)
What: Rally calling for urgent federal action to save the Right Fit Program
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM PT
Where:
Minister Gregor Robertson’s Constituency Office
#360 – 3150 E 54th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Why: DABC has received no response from Housing Minister Gregor Robertson as a critical housing program faces shutdown, putting wheelchair users at risk of homelessness and institutionalization.
Media Contact:
Helaine Boyd, Executive Director, Disability Alliance BC
By signing and sharing this petition, you can help protect accessible housing for wheelchair users. 🤝 Demand urgent federal action to save the Right Fit Program, which is at immediate risk of shutting down due to a sudden loss of federal funding.
Without urgent action, this proven program will end—leaving hundreds of people with disabilities without the support they need to find safe, accessible housing.
