Ontario is in the midst of a housing crisis. Rising costs, limited supply, and shrinking affordable options are leaving too many people without a safe and stable place to call home. For those living in poverty, the challenges are even greater — and the need for both affordable housing and supportive services has never been more urgent.
That’s why United Way Centraide North East Ontario, together with United Ways across Ontario, recently made a joint submission to the federal government on the design of the Build Canada Homes program. This initiative has the potential to meaningfully address Canada’s housing challenges by scaling up affordable housing, providing flexible financing, and fostering collaboration across all levels of government.
Key Recommendations from Ontario United Ways
To ensure Build Canada Homes reaches its full potential, our submission emphasizes three critical priorities:
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Strengthen the Community Housing Sector
Shift focus and investment toward non-profit and co-operative housing providers, who are mission-driven and committed to long-term affordability. -
Scale Up Investments
Treat affordable housing as essential national infrastructure. Sustainable and predictable funding is needed so community housing providers can operate at the scale required to meet demand. -
Improve Coordination Across Governments
Align funding streams and policies across federal, provincial, and municipal governments to reduce barriers, streamline processes, and ensure accountability.
Why This Matters for Our Communities
Stable housing is the foundation for a stable life. By investing in community housing, protecting existing affordable units, and prioritizing surplus public lands for development, Build Canada Homes can help create the deeply affordable housing people in our region — and across Ontario — urgently need.
Ontario United Ways are already working on innovative projects that can be scaled up, from transitional housing programs in rural areas to partnerships that bring together municipalities, health providers, and community organizations. With the right support, these efforts can grow to meet the scale of the challenge.
Looking Ahead
United Way Centraide North East Ontario is proud to stand with our provincial and national partners in calling for bold leadership and collaboration to fix the housing crisis for the long term. The opportunity is here — and with shared commitment, we can make it happen.
Read the full submission here: Ontario United Ways Joint Submission to Build Canada Homes