AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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Intro: 
In a City for All, everyone has an affordable place to call home.
Why It Matters: 

·       Overall shelter use increased by 16% from 2014-2017.  This is primarily influenced by the increase in family and newcomer shelter use. 

·       Up to 21% of single shelter users in Ottawa are single women.

·       There is not enough affordable housing in Ottawa to meet demand, with over 10,000 people on the Centralized Waiting List for social housing in 2017.

·       National trends indicate that housing costs significantly increase near rapid transit systems.

·       High rent costs place many individuals at risk of homelessness or living in sub-standard conditions.

We Believe That: 

·      In a City for All, everyone has an affordable place to call home.

But the Reality Is Troubling: 

·       Overall shelter use increased by 16% from 2014-2017.  This is primarily influenced by the increase in family and newcomer shelter use. 

·       Up to 21% of single shelter users in Ottawa are single women.

·       There is not enough affordable housing in Ottawa to meet demand, with over 10,000 people on the Centralized Waiting List for social housing in 2017.

·       National trends indicate that housing costs significantly increase near rapid transit systems.

·       High rent costs place many individuals at risk of homelessness or living in sub-standard conditions.

Questions to Ask: 

·       Will you ensure that the City’s plan to reduce homelessness has specific actions, targets and money attached?

·       Will you commit at least $12 million/year of City funding, over and above federal and provincial grants, to build new affordable housing?

·       Will you ensure that 25% of new development is dedicated to affordable housing with a special emphasis on deeply affordable housing within 1km of rapid transit stations?