A safe, stable place to live is one of the foundations of wellbeing. But finding affordable housing in Carman can be challenging for people at different ages and stages of life.
Housing gives us more than a roof over our heads. It provides stability, connects us to our community and affects everything from our physical and mental health to our ability to work, learn and participate in everyday life.
For people living on lower or fixed incomes, finding housing that is both suitable and affordable can be especially difficult.
As Manitoba’s municipal election approaches on October 28, housing is one issue worth thinking and talking about in our community.
WHAT DOES AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTUALLY MEAN?
A commonly used measure considers housing affordable when a household spends less than 30 per cent of its before-tax income on shelter costs. Once housing consumes a significant portion of a household’s income, there is less money available for everything else: groceries, transportation, medication, clothing, recreation and unexpected expenses.
For someone already living on a tight budget, even a relatively small increase in rent or other housing costs can mean making difficult choices elsewhere.
And housing challenges affect people at many stages of life.
Young adults may struggle to find an affordable first apartment. Families need housing that fits both their budget and their needs. People entering the community for employment need somewhere to live. Older adults may want to downsize while remaining close to family, friends and familiar services.
When those options aren’t available, the effects reach beyond individual households.
WHY AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN CARMAN MATTERS
Affordable housing is not only a poverty issue. It is also a community development issue. When people can find appropriate housing locally, they can put down roots. They can work in local businesses, enrol their children in local schools, volunteer, shop locally and participate in community life.
Housing options can also help older residents remain in the community they have spent years helping to build.
A healthy housing mix means recognizing that people’s needs are different. A community may need rental housing, starter homes, family-sized units, accessible housing, seniors’ options and supportive housing.
Creating those options is complex. Municipalities don’t build or fund every type of housing themselves, nor can local government solve housing affordability alone.
But municipalities can be important partners.
Planning and zoning decisions, land use, development processes, infrastructure and partnerships can all influence what kinds of housing are possible within a community.
Local governments can also bring people together – developers, non-profit organizations, other levels of government, service providers and residents – to better understand local needs and explore potential solutions.
LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
Affordable Housing is one of Carman Wellness Connections’ six Working Groups because housing does not exist in isolation. Improving affordable housing in Carman is closely connected to food security, transportation, employment, mental and physical health, recreation, education and social connection.
When housing costs take up too much of a household’s income, families may have less available for nutritious food, transportation or activities for their children. When appropriate housing isn’t available locally, people may have to move away from their support networks, employment or services.
Addressing housing challenges therefore requires more than one solution, and more than one organization at the table. It requires collaboration and a willingness to think about what our community will need not only today, but years from now.
A QUESTION TO CONSIDER
As we approach the October 28 municipal election, CWC is encouraging residents to think about the issues that contribute to a healthy, flourishing community.
When it comes to housing, we invite you to consider this question:
Safe, stable housing is the foundation of a healthy community. How can our municipality work alongside community partners to help ensure people at different ages, incomes and stages of life can find a place they can afford to call home?
There may not be one simple answer. That’s exactly why the conversation matters.
As you learn more about the candidates running in this year’s municipal election, consider asking how they see the municipality’s role in addressing housing needs, and how they would work with others to help create a community where more people have a place to call home.