With a minority federal government, it is likely we will be facing an election in the coming months. Daily Bread has joined a coalition of organizations across Canada in the #VoteHousing campaign, a national, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy campaign working to ensure that affordable housing and ending homelessness are key election issues.
The shortage of affordable housing in Canada is a key driver of poverty and food insecurity. The high cost of living in Toronto means many people must choose between paying rent or putting food on the table.
Housing is considered affordable when the household spends no more than 30% of their income on housing. Among food bank clients, 83% were paying more than half their income on housing, putting them at high risk of homelessness. Among food bank clients surveyed during the first wave of COVID-19, 38% were concerned about facing eviction in the coming months.
High rent costs and low vacancy rates leave people with limited choices as to where they can live. One in eight food bank clients live in unsuitable or overcrowded housing, half had to deal with pest problems and one third lacked proper food storage, appliances or cooking space.
To tackle food insecurity, we need to invest in affordable housing. Here are some steps you can take to make affordable housing a reality for all:
Join us in helping make affordable housing a top issue this election! To learn more or to get involved visit: https://www.votehousing.ca/
