Dec. 2, 2007 - Halton Housing Strategy
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Why is a housing strategy important for residents of Halton
Region?
At the Region of Halton, we believe that people in
Halton should be able to remain in their own community regardless of age, income
or situation. However, a recent report by the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities found that in Halton, over the last 10 years, more people with
low incomes are spending more than 30% of their income on shelter, making it
difficult to find money for food, clothing, medicine and other basic
necessities. The lack of affordable housing and supply of low-rent units is
making it too expensive for low-income people to live in Halton, and is raising
the risk of homelessness.
Halton is known to be an affluent community. Is there really a need for
affordable housing?
Halton remains a great place to live and work. However, there
is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done to improve the
quality of life for some people whose household income is insufficient for food
and shelter costs. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’
Quality of Life Report Series:
- Halton’s poverty rate was 7.1 % in 2001, up from 6.8% in 1991
- In 2001, 38.8% of renters paid more than 30% of household income on
shelter (15.6% of those paid more than 50%)
According to a survey conducted in 2005 by Ipsos-Reid:
- 79% of Halton residents agree that housing costs are high in the Region
- 23% of Halton residents faced problems or know someone who faced problems
finding the type of housing they required in Halton.
- Almost one of every three Halton residents are concerned there will not be
enough affordable housing in Halton within the next 10 years
Back
to questions
What is Halton doing to address the issue of affordable housing?
We are currently researching and implementing several
priority initiatives related to the Comprehensive Housing Strategy (CHS), and
here are a few of the results for 2007:
- Launch of pilot ‘Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing.’ high
school contest to raise public awareness and acceptance of the need for all
types of housing in Halton
- Drafting a sustainable plan to create 800 new units of affordable housing
by 2015
- Participation in the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program
- Created a working group to address issues of accessible housing
- Working with the federal government to allocate funds locally from the new
Homelessness Partnering Initiative
Why is the Region of Halton responsible for affordable housing?
In 2001, the function of funding and oversight for social
housing was transferred from the Provincial Government to Halton Region.
However, the Region has always played a role in affordable housing, operating a
non-profit housing company since 1988 and adopting planning policy to encourage
a mix of homes for all incomes and household types. Halton's
Comprehensive Housing Strategy pdf 3.3 mb addresses the full range of
housing needs for residents.
Is there help for those who need affordable housing now?
If you need a place to rent or supportive housing,
contact:
Halton Region, 905-825-6000, Toll free: 1-866-442-5866, TTY:
905-827-9833
Assisted Housing - Halton Community Housing Corporation (HCHC)
Halton Region provides housing through the Halton Community Housing
Corporation (HCHC) . HCHC provides housing to families, seniors, couples,
singles and people with special needs in a variety of housing forms including
townhouses, apartments, as well as single and semi-detached dwellings. Most of
the housing is available on a rent-geared-to-income basis, however some
properties offer market rent units. We currently own and operate 1,816 units
of social housing in 26 communities across Oakville, Burlington, Acton,
Georgetown and Milton.
Central Wait List - Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH)
There are 5,323 units of government-assisted, non-profit and
co-op housing in the Region. The Region operates a central wait list, Halton Access to Community
Housing (HATCH) for access to most of these units. However, the wait can
be two to five years or longer.
Rent Supplement Program
Halton Region administers a rent supplement program that
provides subsidies in 365 units in privately owned buildings. Most tenants for
these units are selected from the HATCH wait list. Subsidies are given to
tenants who are currently paying more than 30% of their gross income on rent.
The tenant is expected to pay 30% of their income on rent and utilities, while
the subsidy will pay for the rest.
Housing Help Centre
Halton Region also operates a Housing Help Centre , which
is a free service providing on-site staff assistance, online access to vacancy
listings and several resources to assist both housing seekers and landlords in
the private sector. While these units are not rent-geared-to income, this
service provides information on other potential opportunities for affordable
housing seekers.
Is there help for those who need emergency shelter?
If you are homeless and need emergency shelter
contact:
Halton Region, 905-825-6000, Toll free: 1-866-442-5866, TTY:
905-827-9833
Halton Region refers homeless individuals to the Salvation Army Halton
Lighthouse Shelter. Operated by the Oakville Salvation Army, the shelter can
accommodate up to 25 single men, women and youth. Lighthouse services include
resume preparation, job search techniques and counselling.
Victims of domestic violence are referred to Halton Women’s Place in
Burlington (30 beds) or Milton (20 beds).
Families are housed in eight transitional housing units across the Region or
in motels.
As a taxpayer, how much is this going to cost me?
Housing solutions can be created through policy changes or
financial incentives. Halton Region’s position is that the Federal and
Provincial governments must lead the way in supporting affordable housing. Any
cost implications to the Region would be considered by Regional Council as part
of the regular budget process.
Where to the dollars come from to develop the plan?
Halton Region is responsible for all costs associated with the
development and implementation of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy, however,
when federal or provincial governments create new programs that provide
solutions to housing issues locally (like the new Homelessness Partnering
Initiative) we may choose to participate in these programs and receive funds to
assist in our efforts
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