When the company Bonita was working for in 2007 had to downsize, the then 60-year-old office worker was given a lay-off notice. Thankfully, she had a few cushions to help tide her over: severance pay; employment assistance; and her RRSPs. She had also recently started to receive a monthly rent subsidy through Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER). The provincial government program helps make rents affordable for B.C. seniors with low to moderate incomes. SAFER provides monthly cash payments for eligible seniors age 60 or over who pay rent for their homes.

Because SAFER subsidies are calculated to give the most assistance to people with the least income, Bonita saw her subsidy increase when her other sources of income decreased. “For three years I had CPP, plus some money from dog and house sitting and acting as an extra in the movies while I looked for part-time work,” she said. “The SAFER subsidy made my rent more affordable and meant I didn’t have to move from my apartment.”

Bonita is now employed at Walmart where she began as a greeter and is currently a cashier.