Access to affordable housing is a key determinant of health, and Canada continues to face a housing crisis. Affordable housing is a prescription for better health and lower healthcare costs. Safe, stable, and affordable housing reduces emergency room visits, prevents hospitalizations, and eases the burden on Canada’s healthcare system. The quality, stability, and affordability of housing have a direct impact on individuals’ physical, mental, and social well-being. It is essential for good health, yet millions of Canadians face housing insecurity, which exacerbates health inequities and leads to a range of negative health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations including seniors, Indigenous communities, newcomers, and low-income families. Addressing the need for affordable housing is critical to improving health outcomes across the country.

The Link Between Housing and Health: Inadequate housing and housing insecurity have serious implications on physical and mental health. Research shows that:

• Homelessness and housing instability are linked to higher rates of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
• People experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity are at higher risk for mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• People experiencing homelessness are more likely to rely on emergency healthcare services and stay in hospitals twice as long compared to the national average.
• Over 30% of Canadians report that their housing costs consume more than 30% of their household income, which increases their vulnerability to financial stress, poor mental health, and worsens overall well-being.

The Need for Affordable Housing: Canada is currently facing a housing crisis marked by a severe shortage of affordable housing. Rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for many Canadians to secure stable and affordable homes. 45% of Canadians report being concerned about their ability to afford housing, with one-third of the population struggling to meet household financial needs in 2024.

This challenge is compounded for Indigenous communities, which face unique and pressing housing issues:

• Over one in six Indigenous people live in overcrowded housing conditions.
• More than 37% of First Nations communities on reserves live in homes that need significant repairs.
• One in 15 Indigenous individuals will face homelessness at some point in their lives.
• Over 170,000 Indigenous people are currently in core housing need, and although they make up only 4% of the total population, Indigenous peoples represent more than 10% of those experiencing homelessness.

The lack of affordable and adequate housing in these communities contributes to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and economic challenges. Addressing this crisis is essential to ensure all Canadians, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations, have access to safe and affordable housing. For low-income Canadians, affordable housing is even more critical, as they are disproportionately affected by rising rental costs and limited housing availability.

The National Housing Strategy (NHS) has made commendable progress in addressing housing issues across Canada, but critical gaps remain, particularly in affordability, housing for Indigenous and rural communities, and support for vulnerable populations, requiring urgent and expanded action. Building on achievements to date with the National Housing Strategy. CACHC calls on the federal government to take meaningful action and increase investment to improve access to affordable housing to end homelessness across Canada.

The Role of Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Housing: CHCs are vital in addressing housing insecurity in Canada, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income families, newcomers, seniors, and Indigenous communities. As trusted community-based organizations, CHCs provide essential services that bridge the gap between housing and health. They also offer housing advocacy, referrals, and support, but also help keep people housed by addressing the health needs that contribute to housing instability. For example:

• Managing chronic illnesses improves individuals’ ability to work and maintain stable housing.
• Providing mental health support helps individuals cope with the stress and trauma that often accompany housing instability.
• CHCs help people navigate complex housing systems, ensuring they access available resources and affordable housing options.
• Some CHCs provide direct housing with wrap-around services such as mental health care, addiction support, and employment assistance, helping individuals stabilize their living situation while improving health outcomes.

Despite 70% of CHCs offering crucial housing support services, only 14% receive federal funding and 14% receive provincial funding to deliver these essential services. This underscores the urgent need for increased investment to strengthen CHCs’ capacity to integrate housing and healthcare services effectively.

CHCs are often involved in community-driven solutions and collaborate with local governments and housing organizations to advocate for more affordable housing options and policies. They are uniquely positioned to address both the health and housing needs of individuals, making them a crucial part of any comprehensive strategy to combat the housing crisis in Canada.

Housing is a fundamental social determinant of health: The link between housing and health is clear: safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for good health. Canadians facing housing insecurity experience increased rates of chronic illness, mental health issues, and homelessness, which exacerbate health inequities. Addressing the housing crisis requires federal action to increase investment in affordable housing and ensure that Indigenous and vulnerable populations have access to safe and adequate housing. By ensuring stable, safe housing for Canadians, we can reduce emergency room visits, prevent hospitalizations, and ease the burden on Canada’s healthcare system. Investing in housing is investing in health.

• Canadian Housing and Renewal Association
• Budget 2024: More Affordable Homes
• Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness: 11 recommendations for the federal government
• About Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
• A Place to Call Home: Canada’s National Housing Strategy
• Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan
• Members Resolution on Housing and Homelessness-Reduction