Advocate

Amazing things happen to people when you address them

1.5 Million Canadians need affordable housing

What comes with a home besides an address? Stability. Security. Confidence. And the power to profoundly improve lives.

Unfortunately, over 1.5 million Canadians today are far from having the affordable, adequate, suitable housing that makes all that possible. That's why our affiliate, along with those across the country, are going beyond our role as a homebuilder, to build something just as imperative: a national movement for affordable housing. It's time for Canada to address this issue, so that every Canadian has a safe, decent place to call home - and everything that comes with it.

Canada needs to open the door for 750,000 families

Debilitating rents. Poor living conditions. The threat of homelessness. Over three quarters of a million Canadian families come home to these anxieties every day.

All this in a Canada that once prided itself as a world leader in affordable housing. A Canada that believed it had an obligation to house every Canadian in a safe, decent home - a strong base from which to find and keep a job, join a neighbourhood, raise a family, and give back to their country.

For all those reasons and so many more, we need to be that Canada again.
By insisting that housing be a right for all.
By opening doors to the hundreds of thousands looking for home.
And by making sure that no one is left out.

The right home doesn't just change one thing. It changes everything.

A Home builds people.
Children living in suitable housing do better in school, building learning and social skills.
People who spend less on rent can spend more on other necessities like childcare, utilities and food, building the well-being of their families.
Safer, well-maintained houses and apartments improve living conditions, improving the health and outlook of people of all ages, including those with physical and mental disabilities.
And a stable home builds connection, pride, and greater opportunities for work.
When people who feel marginalized begin to feel included and valued, Canada becomes everything it stands for as a nation - a place where everyone can strive for a better life, and a home that makes that life possible.

It's time to address every Canadian. Because every Canadian counts.

Homeownership is only one part of the answer. That's why Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, Habitat for Humanity Canada and affiliates across this country are calling on you and all Canadians to join us in stepping forward and bringing the issue of affordable housing to the forefront. To urge discussion, action and change right now, right across the country so that every Canadian can know the life-changing power of being at home, at last.

Work with us.

Watch this space for events and links that will encourage this community's involvement in producing a Canada where affordable housing for everyone is at the forefront.

Learn even more at habitat.ca.