2002:02PU AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Whereas: in 1988 the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to declare a “National State of Emergency” as it relates to housing those persons most in need; and in 1992 urged the Government of Canada to maintain a strong national housing policy; and
Whereas: programs promoting non-profit and co-operative housing developed in the 1970’s by the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation were discontinued in the 1990s and the responsibility transferred to the provinces; and
Whereas: social housing is the solution for the lowest income households supplying accommodation which does not exceed 25% of household income; and
Whereas: four out of ten lone parent families (85% female led) are in social housing need, of which 51% have children under eighteen; and
Whereas: without affordable and appropriate housing it is impossible for families to focus on other issues such as employment, health and education, and
Whereas: social services programs do not address the needs of youths sixteen to eighteen years of age living on their own without help from parents. Unable to access rental assistance they are excluded from the education system because they have no address. They therefore continue the cycle of poverty; and
Whereas: the majority of homeless youth are past recipients of foster/institutional care, unprepared by social agencies to manage their own budget; therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as its policy that sufficient safe affordable social housing be provided to meet the needs of Canadians; and be it further
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. establish and implement a strong social housing policy that will ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing;
b. keep the needs of the homeless in mind in the development of social services and housing policies.