The author of an annual report on the housing crisis is calling for the expansion of portable rent supplements and the accelerated construction of geared-to-income units.
Researcher Paul Armstrong, speaking at Tuesday’s release of the United Way’s Housing Is Fundamental report, issued an urgent call for justice and rebalancing during a time when “the effects of the globalization of inequality and the proliferation of economic hardship” are prevalent.
Key findings of the report include a 6.7 percent rent increase over last year for a two-bedroom unit in Peterborough, bringing the current rate to $1,506 per month. In addition, the welfare rate for a single person is $733 per month, but the average bachelor apartment rents for $956 monthly.
Armstrong says the social impacts of the housing crisis can’t be understated.
Dr. Naomi Nichols, the director of research for Trent University’s Social Change Lab, also spoke, saying there’s “a deep need” for non-profit and public investments in affordable rental housing.
United Way CEO Jim Russell later spoke to the need to invest in social housing
The full Housing Is Fundaemental report can be read online at www.uwpeterborough.ca/reports.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
