Affordable Housing Digby County Canada
Introduction:
The assessment was a collaborative effort among local housing coalitions, community partners, and municipal units with the purpose of Increasing knowledge of affordable and supportive housing needs and issues, Engaging the community to better understand the local housing situation, and Generating reports with current data on housing needs relevant to our communities that can be used for planning, service delivery, and funding proposals, Documenting the housing needs of all citizens including vulnerable populations (women leaving domestic violence, youth, seniors, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness). This report presents findings from the assessment which examines issues related to building safe and affordable housing in our communities.
Why Focus on Building Affordable Housing:
Housing is a key element to the social and economic sustainability of all communities. A diverse housing supply can cater to different types of residents and offers a range of accessible, affordable and appropriate housing options across the lifespan. The Housing Now and Into the Future needs assessment has identified a number of the challenges our communities encounter with respect to housing, including: unaffordable housing costs; aging housing stock; and changing housing needs. The report on Precarious Housing and Homelessness across our Rural Communities indicated that 40% of survey respondents experienced housing insecurity and that this, and core housing need, continues to be an issue placing many residents at risk for homelessness. This data indicates that housing costs are more than many can afford.
Age of Movers:
Survey respondents of all age groups indicated an intention to move. Adults aged 26-49 represented the largest portion of those surveyed who were considering a move.
Building and Maintaining Affordable Housing:
Affordable housing is not affordable because it’s built with cheap or shabby materials; rather, it is affordable because innovative developers with or without government funding have kept the constructions and/or operating costs low. Affordable just means that housing should cost no more than 30% of a household’s income. It must comply with the same building restrictions and design standards as market-rate housing; as such, it will be designed to fit in with the character of the neighbourhood. When it is funded with public money, additional restrictions and higher standards are sometimes required.
Emergency Housing:
There are no homeless shelters available in Digby County. Like many rural communities, homelessness goes relatively unseen as those in need rely on informal networks to couch surf, double up, sleep rough in unsafe dwellings, seasonal cottages or trailers during all seasons.
Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team (SHYFT):
SHYFT is located in the Town of Yarmouth and can provide temporary housing for up to seven youth (ages 16 – 24). In addition to residential services, SHYFT offers programs, workshops and outreach across Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne Counties. Youth can also access washroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities. Meals at SHYFT are prepared and shared by youth and staff.
Juniper House:
Juniper House is located in the Town of Yarmouth and provides a safe refuge for women and children experiencing abuse. They maintain a 15-bed shelter, 24 hour crisis line; provide supportive counselling, programs, advocacy, referrals and Outreach Services to women in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne Counties.
Conclusion:
Housing is a key element to the social and economic sustainability of all communities. A diverse housing supply can cater to different types of residents and offers a broad array of choices. Providing accessible, affordable and appropriate housing is essential to community viability. Community residents need safe and affordable housing, and they need it in order to work, to continue to contribute to the economy, and to avoid the risk of becoming homeless.