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Is the Right to Housing Being Realized in Canada? Learning from the Experiences of Tenants in Affordable Housing Units in a Large Canadian City

Author

Listed:
  • Kaylee Ramage

    (Community Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada)

  • Meaghan Bell

    (Calgary Housing Company, Calgary, AB T2G 2M1, Canada)

  • Lisa Zaretsky

    (Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada)

  • Laura Lee

    (Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Katrina Milaney

    (Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada)

Abstract

Background: Housing is a critical determinant of health and a basic human right. Historically, Canada’s housing policies have not been grounded in a human rights-based approach. In the 1990s, a policy shift prioritized efficiency in government spending and deficit reductions over the provision of many social programs including affordable housing. With various levels of government now acknowledging and recognizing the need for more affordable housing, it is important to understand tenant experiences, perspectives, and needs to ensure policies and practices are supporting individuals appropriately. Methods: In total, 161 individuals participated in this study by completing online or in-person questionnaires. Results: Exploratory analysis of results revealed that although there were some positive benefits to affordable housing, many tenants continued to struggle financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally without adequate supports in place. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for affordable housing to be part of a system of care that provides supports along a continuum. The results further reiterate that placing a person or family in affordable housing does not guarantee that their lives have improved. Without robust affordable housing models that prioritize the empowerment of individuals and families, housing policies may fail to fulfil the right to safe and affordable housing for Canadians, especially when considering historically marginalized populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaylee Ramage & Meaghan Bell & Lisa Zaretsky & Laura Lee & Katrina Milaney, 2021. "Is the Right to Housing Being Realized in Canada? Learning from the Experiences of Tenants in Affordable Housing Units in a Large Canadian City," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:11:y:2021:i:2:p:53-:d:567494
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Krieger, J. & Higgins, D.L., 2002. "Housing and health: Time again for public health action," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 758-768.
    2. Hwang, S.W. & Chambers, C. & Chiu, S. & Katic, M. & Kiss, A. & Redelmeier, D.A. & Levinson, W., 2013. "A comprehensive assessment of health care utilization among homeless adults under a system of universal health insurance," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 294-301.
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