Housing remains one of the most basic human needs. Housing needs and the demand for housing are not static but change and evolve as social, demographic and economic conditions change.
There are considerable social and health costs associated with the lack of affordable and appropriate housing. This interferes with a child’s ability to attend school and learn, as well as the ability for parents to maintain stable employment. The lack of affordable housing also contributes to an inability to provide adequate nutrition and is a significant factor in contributing to domestic violence including child neglect and abuse. An increase in affordable housing also serves as an economic catalyst that leads to increased jobs and incomes for residents thus increasing the overall wealth of a community.
The need for new affordable housing supply in Hamilton has been growing for several years. In response, in April 2002 City Council adopted HAHPI – The Hamilton Affordable Housing Partnership Initiative – as the City’s proactive strategy and response to affordable housing supply needs in our community. The cornerstone of HAHPI is the Housing Partnership Fund that levers additional rental housing supply through new development, rehabilitation and non-residential building conversions.