Housing affordability crisis a focus as national conference comes to Halifax

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The housing affordability crisis will be in focus this week in Halifax, as housing leaders from across Canada gather for the Habitat for Humanity national conference and annual general meeting.

The event begins on Wednesday and will bring together representatives from across the country to exchange ideas on how to address the housing crisis being felt nationwide.

Habitat for Humanity operates the country’s only national affordable homeownership program. It partners with thousands of low-to-moderate income families to secure homeownership through affordable financing, supported by donors and volunteers.

Housing stories:

• N.S. fixed-term lease loophole to remain in place despite some abuse: Official
• More affordable units coming to Cumberland County
• New rules clarify conditions for ending a tenancy in Nova Scotia

The charity says its 40 years of experience means it can offer tangible policy solutions.

The conference opens Thursday morning at the Westin Nova Scotian. Speakers include leaders from Habitat for Humanity, Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore and Nova Scotia Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage.

Affordable housing needed

All tiers of government have been focused on not only increasing the number of units coming online, but also attempting to bring more affordable homes to people.

In several occasions in the last several months, the province has invested in specific aids to people who are lower income or need help finding affordable housing. However, it’s clear from the sheer number of dollars invested and people still falling into homelessness that more is needed.

As an example, the Town of Amherst said it needs 100 units every year to keep pace with housing demand.

Recently, the province invested in several organizations aiming to help people get out of poor housing situations or aid youth.

The partnership, announced in early April, will include the Affordable Housing Association and Phoenix Youth Programs, and will open spaces for youth and young families.

Two fully refurbished apartment buildings will be used to provide supportive housing for 22 young people aged 16 to 24 or for young families. There are 12 units, all with two bedrooms and a shared living space