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National Housing Day on Nov. 22nd, reminds Canadians to recognize and reflect on the issue of affordable housing. Between 150,000 and 300,000 people are homeless in Canada, and millions more are living in inadequate or unaffordable housing. And surprisingly, Canada is the only major industrialized country without a national housing program.
Aboriginal peoples, racialized communities, people with disabilities, women, seniors and other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity causing increased stress, limited sense of belonging and overall feelings of insecurity. It can also negatively impact individuals' education and career paths, and further perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
On this day, we are challenged to acknowledge that there is a real and urgent need for a solution - for a national housing policy as well as private and public partnerships that lead to capital investment and contribute to a stronger and more stable society.
According to research, safe and affordable housing can improve peoples' physical and mental health. For example, a child living in decent housing is ten times less likely to contract meningitis, asthma or respiratory complications, which effectively reduces dependency on social services.
A separate study commissioned by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, an active supporter of National Housing Day, shows that 40 per cent of families saw an improvement in their children's school grades after moving into a Habitat home. More than half of Habitat families experienced an improvement in their children's behavior, while nearly two-thirds reported an enhancement in their overall well-being.
Habitat for Humanity does what it can, but cannot do it alone. It is time for our national housing crisis to receive the attention it deserves, and you can help at http://www.habitat.ca/affordable-housing-platform-c2164.php |
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