Housing affordability is a top concern in Ottawa and across the country 

Habitat for Humanity Canada has released a national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes towards the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to homeownership.  

The Affordable Housing in Canada Survey finds affordable housing is a top concern for Canadians – the third most important issue facing the country today behind inflation and healthcare. In Ontario, 87% of people believe that owning a home can create more stability in your life and three-quarters of those surveyed in the province agree that more affordable housing could solve the social issues we’re currently facing as a country.   

Even before COVID-19, the affordable housing crisis was growing across the country. In Ottawa, there is a 5+ year waiting list for community and Social Housing and nearly half of Ottawa families are paying over 30% of their income towards housing-related bills. As those numbers continue to rise, local families need long-term and sustainable housing options in order to build a better future for themselves and their children. 

For nearly 30 years, Habitat Greater Ottawa along with Habitat partner families, donors, community partners and volunteers have helped build affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for local families. In 2017, Habitat Greater Ottawa transitioned from single-family home builds to a developer of communities, creating more opportunities for families to access homeownership affordably. Since 1993, we’ve served 93 families including over 200 children and this past fall we broke ground on a 15-unit development, Kemptville Korners, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands.  

Click here to find out more abou the Kemptville Korners Build Site.

By supporting Habitat Greater Ottawa you’re helping local families like Cynthia and her son Asher, now and for generations to come. 

“I am relieved that I now have the financial stability to save for my son’s education and his extra-curricular activities like basketball, piano and summer camps. Asher now has his own space to focus on his studies and he’s so happy and proud of his new home! I am so thankful we are in a community where it’s safe for him to go out and play with other children. I now have the time to think about what I want in life, and I’m looking to pursue an MBA degree to further my career.” 

• Cynthia, Habitat homeowner. Click here to read Cynthia’s full story.

We need your help to continue to grow the number of homes we build for local families. On National Housing Day, show your support by: 

• Click here to donate to Habitat Greater Ottawa this holiday season 
• Getting your company or organization involved in a Habitat Build Day. Click here to find out more about Habitat Build Days. 
• Writing to your Ottawa City Councillor and Member of Parliament advocating for more affordable housing options and access in the city 
• Volunteering on the build site, ReStore, or at events. Click here to find out more about volunteering with us.
• Spreading the word about Habitat Greater Ottawa 

Please see the infographic below for more Affordable Housing in Canada Survey findings. For more information, email Sandra at  soey@habitatgo.ca.