National Housing Strategy

Across Peel, Toronto and York Region, almost half of all renters are spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. A combination of high housing prices, surging rental costs and record-low vacancies has created a crisis for those who are looking for housing.

The numbers tell the story: rent supplements are essential in the fight against homelessness.

That’s why United Way, with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, have led the way in assembling partners across all sectors and consulting groups across the country to create the National Housing Collaborative.

By looking to people with lived experience to help shape public policy, we were able to effectively drive the federal government towards its first-ever National Housing Strategy.

The government is now delivering a comprehensive, multi-year National Housing Strategy. It will improve affordable housing, expand stock and introduce a new housing benefit.

The strategy responds to the Collaborative’s recommendations, including a National Housing Benefit. A Portable Housing Benefit will provide immediate and direct support to residents for their housing costs.

It’s a wonderful example of how local solutions can gain national momentum.

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$40B
was pledged by the Federal Government over 11 years to deliver on affordable housing—thanks, in part, to United Way efforts and your ongoing support.

34
individuals in York Region who are experiencing chronic and episodic homelessness have been helped by Housing to Heath (an initiative supported by United Way agencies and partners) since October 2016. Of the 34, 4 individuals have successfully exited the program. Learn more.