Exiting homelessness isn’t one big breakthrough moment — it’s a series of practical steps that need to come together over time. While every person’s journey looks different, financial access is one of the essential pieces. Without stable income, it’s nearly impossible to secure housing, pay a deposit, or build a foundation for long-term stability. (If you missed it, Step 1 in this series focuses on the first major barrier: identification — read it here: “What Does It Actually Take to Get Off the Streets in Vernon?”)

But in BC, accessing income supports like Income Assistance and PWD is often digital and mail-dependent — two things a person living on the street typically doesn’t have.

Basic Eligibility for Income Assistance

To qualify, a person must:

• Be a resident of British Columbia

• Be 19 years or older (or 18 if transitioning from care)

• Have little to no income or assets

• Be actively looking for work (with some exceptions)

• Be ineligible for other forms of income (e.g., Employment Insurance)

Individuals who have a medical condition, are over age 65, or are in special circumstances (such as fleeing violence) may be exempt from work requirements.

The Difficulty: A System Built for People With Stability

Even when someone qualifies, the system assumes they have:

• a fixed mailing address

• a working phone

• internet access

• the ability to track deadlines and complete online steps

For someone sleeping outside or in survival mode, even one missed letter or phone check-in can mean benefits are delayed or lost. Trying to navigate ministry requirements from a park bench is nearly impossible.

PWD Is Even More Complicated

For guests living with severe mental health challenges, substance use disorder, chronic illness, or disability, PWD can offer better long-term stability — but it’s incredibly difficult to access.

The application requires extensive documentation and signatures from both a doctor and a social worker. That means people need consistent medical care and professional support — something many haven’t had in years. The process is long, detailed, and often discouraging, especially for someone already living in crisis.

The Mission’s Role

At Upper Room Mission, we help remove these barriers by creating stability first — then helping people take the next steps forward.

We provide:

• Safe and warm shelter, giving guests the stability to rest, think clearly, and begin rebuilding

• Support arranging ID, because financial access is nearly impossible without it
  (If you missed it, read Step 1 here: “What does it actually take to get off the streets in Vernon?”)

• A fixed contact address, so guests don’t lose benefits due to missed mail

• On-site Income Assistance support, helping guests connect with the system in a safe, consistent place

• Expert casework, including support to secure damage deposits and monthly supplements, so income stability is locked in before the housing search begins

Why This Step Matters

People don’t stay stuck because they don’t want change — they stay stuck because the steps are complicated, fragile, and easy to derail. Financial access is one of the biggest barriers between homelessness and housing.

At the Mission, we walk with people through the process until income is stable — because stability isn’t just a roof. It starts with the ability to move forward.

How You Can Help

Our team sits side-by-side with guests, helping them with the application process at the computer, navigating the system of various applications, supporting out-of-province applications, and acting as a mailing address for those who don’t have one.

Your donations directly cover the fees for applications as well as our case work. By donating, you support our continuum of care work to help a person exit homelessness. Your support matters!