The need for more affordable housing in Durham Region is evidenced by:
- Fewer than 19 units in 1,000 are available for rent each month.
- In Durham Region, 45 per cent of tenants pay more than 30 per cent of their income on rent.
- More than 4,000 households are on the Durham Access to Social Housing waiting list for affordable rental housing.
- There has been a net loss of 2,050 rental units in Durham since 1995.
- More than 1,400 people (including children) used emergency hostels in 2010.
- The number of children living in poverty in Durham Region is increasing.
Funding has been provided for the development of 160 units of newrental housing in Durham Region through the Canada-Ontario AffordableHousing Program.
Through the 2009 budget process, the federal and provincialgovernments announced that an additional $540 million will be madeavailable between 2009 and 2011 for new rental housing construction,including units for seniors and persons with disabilities. This fundingwill target new construction projects that can begin within 90 daysafter funding is committed by the province.