Photo courtesy of DABC. Captured at our recent press conference

 

Save the Right Fit Program: Protect Accessible Housing for Wheelchair Users

 

CALL TO ACTION

Sign now to protect accessible housing for wheelchair users. Share this petition and demand urgent federal action to save the Right Fit Program.

 

THE CRISIS

The Right Fit Program—a vital lifeline for wheelchair users in Metro Vancouver—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.

 

WHAT IS THE RIGHT FIT PROGRAM

The Right Fit Program (RFP) is a unique, multi-partner initiative operated by Disability Alliance BC (DABC) in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC).

• Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice for nearly 50 years, supporting people with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and full participation in the community.
• IFRC is a disability-led organization that supports people in navigating individualized funding and independent living.

For the last nine years, The Right Fit Program has addressed a critical gap:  the mismatch between wheelchair users who need accessible housing and the limited supply of accessible units. Approximately 30% of British Columbians over the age of 15 live with some form of disability, with nearly 11% experiencing mobility challenges. These individuals depend heavily on tailored services to maintain their independence. The Right Fit Program supports individuals through every stage of the housing process, empowering clients to live with greater freedom and confidence. It is not just a program—it is a community.

WHY THIS MATTERS

For many wheelchair users, lack of accessible housing = homelessness. 

 

The Right Fit Program directly addresses this crisis by:

• Matching wheelchair users with accessible, affordable homes that meet their needs.
• Supporting clients through every step: search, application, move-in, and independent living supports.
• Working directly with housing providers to identify accessible units.
• Maintaining the only known inventory of accessible housing in Metro Vancouver.
• Preventing homelessness and reducing returns to homelessness.

The Right Fit results speak for themselves:

• 371 people housed (including family members)
• 208 successful housing matches
• 83% improved housing accessibility
•  95% client satisfaction

This is the only program of its kind in Canada. 

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW

On March 17, 2026, Disability Alliance BC was informed that federal Reaching Home funding will not be renewed as of April 1, 2026.

There are currently:

• 213 people on the Right Fit waitlist
• Many clients already homeless or at imminent risk
• Others facing evictions, discrimination, or unsafe housing

Without The Right Fit, accessible units will once again be rented to those who don’t need them—while wheelchair users will be left behind, facing daily challenges in a world that often overlooks their unique needs.

 

BROADER IMPACTS

Losing this program will:

• Increase pressure on health care systems (e.g., hospitals, rehab centres).
• Force people into long-term care or institutions unnecessarily.
• Strain BC Housing, the Health authorities, and community services.
• Deprive housing providers from the ability to rent accessible units to the individuals who need them the most.
• Worsen hidden homelessness among people with disabilities.

Wheelchair users are already over represented in hidden homelessness—and often invisible in official counts.

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of DABC. Captured here is client Shantal Bateham, and her dog, outside of their accessible home

 

OUR DEMAND

We are calling on the federal government and Minister of Housing, Gregor Robertson, to:

✔ Reverse the funding decision
✔ Provide emergency funding to keep the program running

 

With continued support, The Right Fit Program can keep delivering innovative solutions that meet the community’s needs.

 

TAKE ACTION

We invite you to stand with us in advocating for the rights and independence of wheelchair users by signing this petition. Your support can help preserve a program that transforms lives and ensures accessibility for those in need across the Lower Mainland.

 

Here is how you can help protect this essential program:

• Sign this petition
• Share it widely
• Contact your elected officials
• Demand accountability and action

Sign now. Share widely. Demand action. Your voice can help save the Right Fit Program!

 

WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS

The Right Fit Program is not just a service—it is a proven, life-changing solution that restores dignity, independence, and stability. If it disappears, so does a critical pathway out of homelessness for wheelchair users.

 

We cannot let that happen.

Sign now. Share widely. Demand action. 

 

Thank you for your support,

The Right Fit Program Team

 

LEARN MORE

Watch the press conference on this matter:
https://youtu.be/Fiiv9D0atzE

 

Read Media coverage and background:

• https://disabilityalliancebc.org/media-coverage-press-conference-to-save-the-right-fit-program/
• https://disabilityalliancebc.org/bsh-blog-post-right-fit-wrong-priority-federal-funding-pulled-from-accessible-housing/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of DABC. Captured here is client Cole Sheehan-Klassen inside their accessible home

 

Petition Starter: The Right Fit is a multi-partner service designed to address the crisis in wheelchair accessible housing by matching affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them in Metro Vancouver in British Columbia. This service is not meaningfully available elsewhere in our region, and there is no equivalent program in Canada