People living on the streets because they don’t have a home is not something that should happen in Canada. Especially in Manitoba, sleeping under a bridge in -30 degree temperatures is not an option. Evacuation centers are filling up. And every year, government officials seem surprised to see encampments popping up in different parts of the city. There are attempts to introduce some types of emergency housing, but these are only temporary measures.
So how can we solve the homeless problem? Finland’s housing-first model may provide some guidance.
At a recent livestream event hosted by the Alliance to End Homelessness, representatives from the Y Foundation, Finland’s largest non-governmental organization, shared progress towards ending homelessness. Finland’s Housing First program, launched in 2008, provides housing to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. This program includes assistance to those in need. Housing first means we need housing before we can end homelessness. Once people are housed, support services can be added to keep them housed. Support is tailored to what you need, whether it’s mental health or substance abuse counseling or learning how to cook.
file photo “Canada needs to build millions of affordable homes,” said federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser (pictured in 2023).
This is considered permanent housing. The tenant signs a rental agreement, and since they receive social security, part of the money goes to paying rent and groceries. Housing advisors do everything they can to help tenants stay in their homes.
The Housing First program cost $390 million to start, and the costs are still ongoing. Potential landlords have initial costs, which are provided with government funding. Politicians need the political will and money to build housing, and governments and local authorities must work together.
Costs are high, but if the program didn’t exist, they could be even higher because of emergency and related services, Finnish housing officials said. They argue that helping people live normal lives actually saves money.
Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser, who attended the event, agreed that upfront investment will save money in the long run, saying: “Investment in off-market housing hasn’t been made for over 30 years.” “Lack of investment in affordable housing is causing a housing crisis. Canada needs to build millions of affordable homes and industry needs to be provided support to help it do so.” there is.”
In 2019, the federal government committed to delivering safer, more affordable and inclusive housing through the National Housing Strategy.
“To achieve this goal, governments must encourage the housing market and allow more housing to be built. Single-family homes are not the answer. Government-funded affordable housing is We need to focus on higher density projects,” Fraser said.
In March 2023, the federal government launched a $4 billion (9-year) Housing Accelerator Fund to change ordinances and regulations that will lead to increased housing construction. The City of Winnipeg received her $122 million from the fund to fast-track housing construction. The state government must also invest in public housing and address the housing affordability crisis resulting from years of high rent increases. It is necessary to strengthen rent regulations and implement rent measures based on income (rent is 30% of income). To that end, the state must make public housing a priority in the 2024 budget.
Donna Minkus
Charles Wood Community Correspondent
Donna Minkus is Charleswood’s community correspondent.
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