Why We Need More Affordable Housing

  • Although the government has supported the creation of 1500 new affordable housing units since 2000, there are still 10,000 people on the regional waiting list; the wait can take up to four years

  • According to CMHC standards, housing costs should not exceed 30% of a person's gross income. Many single mothers pay far more than this - in some cases up to 80%. It is hard to accept that over 50% of them live below the poverty line!
  • Over 47,000 Waterloo Region residents are living in poverty.
  • One in five tenant households in Ontario is paying 50% or more of their total household income on rent.

  • The Region of Waterloo has been a leader in funding affordable housing projects. However, in spite of their incentives, the regional waiting list for subsidized housing still has 4000 names - meaning that approximately 10,000 individuals are waiting for decent places to live. This can result in a four (or more) year wait; for this reason, many people don't even register their names.
  • A single person must earn around $15 an hour (approximately twice the minimum wage) to afford a one bedroom apartment at $615 (including utilities). Many young people have difficulty finding full-time employment at minimum wage and have very inadequate accommodation. 
 
  • Tenants are 2.5 times more likely than homeowners to be paying 30% or more of their incomes on housing.

  • Basic pensions have not increased at the same rate as rent and utilities. Many seniors, especially those on their own, spend more than 50% of their income on housing. They depend upon food banks to survive.

  • Studies show that a safe and decent home is the foundation for a child's development and a prerequisite for their success in school.

  • There is a proven link between health and housing. People with stable, clean and secure housing are healthier, more productive, do better in school and are less likely to end up in institutions.

  • Non-profit housing helps cities keep pace with their growing populations and gives new life to vacant areas, boarded-up buildings and abandoned industrial sites.

  • Businesses can't attract employees without affordable homes for them to live in. Affordable housing keeps wages competitive and employees on the job.

  • Statistics on vacancy rates are misleading because of the new rental buildings constructed in our region during the past few years. Their rents start at $900 and often approach $1600 plus utilities. The percentage of decent apartments with affordable rents is very low.

  • Housing “starts” in our region have been very high over the past three years. Low interest rates and steady employment have made home ownership very attractive to those with good incomes. However, the cost of rental units has increased while the minimum wage has risen only slightly over a considerable length of time.

 
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