There is no single solution to the affordable housing crisis. But there are 7 high-impact ways governments and the nonprofit sector can work together to advance housing stability for all in Ontario.

Addressing the affordable housing crisis means pushing from all sides and leveraging all of the tools we have at hand — including land and assets, investments, incentives, preservation measures, supports and protections, collaboration and partnerships.

In collaboration with nonprofit sector partners, United Ways across Ontario have facilitated a province-wide sector engagement to identify the concrete steps needed to actualize the full potential of the sector to partner with government, and the private sector, to grow housing stability in the province. Almost 400 non-profit leaders across Ontario participated in this initiative, bringing their experience and expertise on nonprofit, emergency, shelter, and transitional housing; tenant legal support services; immigration and settlement services; financial and wrap around supports; mental health and addictions; and food security.

Bringing Affordable Housing Home: An Action Plan for Housing Stability in Ontario

Recommendation 1: Land and Assets 

Federal, provincial, and municipal governments make surplus lands and assets available to non-profit and co-operative housing providers to grow deeply affordable and supportive housing options across Ontario. 
 

Recommendation 2: Investments 

Federal, provincial, and municipal governments increase investment in and improve greater access to financing for the development of affordable and deeply affordable homes across Ontario. 
 

Recommendation 3: Incentives 

The provincial government, in partnership with municipal governments, provides development incentives that prioritize non-profit housing organizations and establishes flexible programs that maximize the community housing sector’s capacity to compete in the housing market effectively. 

Recommendation 4: Preservation 

The provincial government, in partnership with federal and municipal governments, provides consistent and predictable long-term funding to preserve existing deeply affordable housing and supportive housing options offered by the community housing sector. 

Recommendation 5: Supports and Protections 

All levels of government provide housing stabilization and eviction prevention supports and strengthen tenant protections to help renters access and maintain affordable and secure homes. 

Recommendation 6: Indigenous Housing 

The federal and provincial governments address and prioritize persistent housing and homelessness challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples through a dedicated strategy, programs and supports developed and implemented in partnership with Indigenous leaders, diverse Indigenous communities, housing providers, and all levels of government. 

Recommendation 7: Collaboration and Partnerships 

The federal and provincial governments coordinate housing strategies, plans and programs with municipal governments while promoting cross-sector collaboration and resource sharing. 

You can view the PDF document through this link

You can learn more at the United Way of Greater Toronto’s page here