TO Prosperity: Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy

13
HOUSING STABILITY
Stable housing enables people to build a
future. Once established in a community,
people can pursue what is important
for them, whether it is education,
employment, or services. Children can
stay in the same school, learn the ins and
outs of their local park, and grow up with
friends who will support them for many
years to come.
While Toronto is one of North America’s
fastest growing cities, with a booming
private housing sector, there is a severe
shortage of affordable housing.
Individuals and families with low income
cannot afford safe, secure, and adequate
housing without sacrificing basic needs
such as food, clothing, and transportation.
Aging rental units are often in a poor
state of repair, which negatively impacts
people’s health and quality of life.
As market rents continue to rise,
moving out of social housing becomes
an unachievable dream. Fewer people
moving out creates longer waiting lists.
Shelter use stays high as people cannot
move into social housing and there is a
limited supply of transitional housing.
Toronto needs a lot more quality
affordable housing.
Do we want to fund the high cost of
homelessness (emergency shelters, hospitals,
jails) or the lower cost of stable housing?