Access to affordable housing is a key determinant of health, and Canada continues to face a housing crisis. As of 2021, over 2.6 million households across the country are in “core housing need”; at least 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness annually, and as many as 1.6 million Canadians have experienced homelessness in their lifetime.

Lack of affordable housing has a major impact on the health of Canadians and major downstream costs. Homelessness is estimated to cost the Canadian economy over $7 billion dollars, annually. This includes community support, emergency shelters, and the increased costs of healthcare and emergency services. Sustainable investments in housing and social support can support the end to chronic homelessness and ensure that all Canadians have access to equitable, stable, and affordable housing.

Building on achievements to date with the National Housing Strategy and the recently announced Canada Housing Plan, CACHC calls on the federal government to take meaningful action and increase investment to improve access to affordable housing to end homelessness across Canada.

• 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