‘Working homeless’: Penticton, B.C. single mother calling for more affordable housing

A single, working, mom of two from Penticton, B.C. says she is at her wit's end with the cost of living.

With the cost of living skyrocketing, some families just can’t get ahead despite working over 40 hours a week.

Kandace Sztepanacz, a single mother of two, says even with a full-time job she is barely making ends meet and fears she and her kids will become homeless.

“All the time, every month, I’m worried that I’m not going to make rent,” said Sztepanacz. “I work hard, I have a great job. So, you know, I shouldn’t be in that position. I am scared my kids and I are going to end up living in our car.”

Sztepanacz has applied for the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) through BC Housing but was denied which she says was because of some overtime hours on her paycheque that BC Housing took as her regular income.

“They need to reevaluate what this low-income gap is. Because as a single parent, you know, I pull in under that 40,000, take home. I’m not making that much,” said Sztepanacz.

According to BC Housing, RAP provides eligible low-income working families with assistance with their monthly rent payments in the private market. To establish income and eligibility for RAP, the organization reviews the previous year’s income tax return.

“Income must be below $40,000 annually or $3,333.33 monthly. Some of the annual income must come from employment and families must have at least one dependent,” read the BC Housing statement.

“In 2018 the BC Government expanded eligibility for the RAP by raising the qualifying income ceiling from $35,000 to $40,000. BC Housing recognizes that living costs are increasing and many low-income working families rely on RAP and, for this reason, the program will be reviewed within the next year.”