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.

Watch the press conference from April 2, 2026: https://youtu.be/Fiiv9D0atzE

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

Email: helaine@dabc.ca | phone: 236-598-0463

Download the press release here.

# # #

Open: December 19, 2025
Closes: January 12, 2026
Location: Vancouver
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Part-time Contract (24 hours/week); Remote
Length of the position: 6 months
Compensation: $35 / hour

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

Program Description

Launched in 2017, the Right Fit program is a multi-partner service designed to address the shortage of wheelchair accessible housing in the Vancouver region. The program matches affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them.

Led by Disability Alliance BC in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC), the Right Fit program provides peer-led navigation support to wheelchair users and their families, which includes holistic assessments, coordination of disability-related supports (such as home support, equipment, and assistive technology). The Right Fit maintains a comprehensive inventory of accessible units through a standardized Accessibility Checklist. The program also works with housing providers by matching vacant units with wheelchair users who have diverse accessibility needs, ensuring the most effective use of available accessible housing.

Job Description:

The Accessible Housing Research Specialist will support the Right Fit team by conducting client surveys, documenting client needs, analyzing survey data, conducting a feasibility study on home adaptations, coordinating accessibility improvements, and assisting in consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience. This role reports to the Right Fit Program Manager.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct in-person Right Fit client surveys
• Document client needs and accessibility requirements
• Photography units, accessibility features, and (with consent) clients
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Conduct feasibility study on home adaptations
• Coordinate accessibility improvements for clients
• Assist with consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other documents as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The successful applicant must:

• Have a degree or diploma in urban planning, architecture, interior design, occupational therapy, housing construction, social science or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Have knowledge and/or experience with accessible housing
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Be team-oriented with a positive and approachable attitude
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients across many diverse backgrounds
• Have the ability to act ethically and handle sensitive information with confidentiality
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
• Have excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and manage priorities effectively
• Be technologically proficient with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook
• A driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required

The following are strong assets for this position:

• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Proficiency in photography and photography/video editing software

 This is a fixed term, contract position with the possibility of extension based on future funding.

Location: This position is based in the Lower Mainland, on the Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations. Applications from individuals residing outside the Lower Mainland will not be considered.

The contractor will work primarily from their home but must reside in the Lower Mainland to conduct in-person visits of clients and unit visits. Occasional travel to the DABC office in Vancouver will be required. Some evenings and weekend work may occur.

Commitment to Equity

DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Isabelle Groc, Program Manager of the Right Fit at rightfit@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist”. No phone calls please.

Applications are due no later than midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.