HouseInScarborough

Housing is a Right.
Not a Luxury.

In Scarborough, thousands face a housing crisis fueled by soaring rents and stagnant wages. This campaign is about bringing awareness and driving change for our community.

0

of low-income families spend over half their income on rent

0

Households on subsidized housing waitlists in Toronto

0

Rent increase percentage in recent years

The Crisis in Our Neighbourhood

The housing problem stems from three interconnected issues that create a perfect storm for low-income residents.

The Rent is Too High

A massive gap exists between average incomes and rental costs. Nearly half of tenants spend an unaffordable portion of their income (over 30%) on housing.

Not Enough Affordable Homes

There's a critical shortage of affordable units. Waitlists for subsidized housing are years long, and new developments rarely include low-cost options.

Unstable & Precarious Jobs

Many residents, especially newcomers, rely on part-time or gig work. This unstable income makes it nearly impossible to meet landlords' strict requirements.

A Crisis Decades in the Making

Understanding the housing crisis requires looking back at the policy decisions and economic shifts that brought us here.

Mid-1990s: Federal and provincial governments cut funding for social housing programs, halting new construction.
Early 2000s: Gentrification begins to accelerate in Toronto, pushing low-income residents out of central areas and into suburbs like Scarborough.
2010s: The "gig economy" grows, leading to more precarious work. The financialization of housing turns homes into assets for investors, driving up prices.
2020-Present: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights and worsens existing inequalities. Rents skyrocket, and the housing crisis reaches a breaking point for many families.

The Conversation

A new podcast where I connect with community leaders for virtual interviews to discuss the history, challenges, and solutions to Scarborough's housing crisis.

Coming Soon: Voices from the Frontline

Gain deeper insights from officials at the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre and the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Podcast schedule is currently being finalized. Subscribe for updates!

Insights & Stories

A new blog where I'll share research insights, personal reflections from my volunteer work, and stories from the community.

Blog Post Title Coming Soon

A brief description of what this insightful blog post will be about...

Read More →

Blog Post Title Coming Soon

A brief description of what this insightful blog post will be about...

Read More →

Blog Post Title Coming Soon

A brief description of what this insightful blog post will be about...

Read More →

Take Action

Change requires collective action. Here are ways you can make a difference in our community right now.

The Housing Help Centre

Until my own donation system is live, please consider supporting The Housing Help Centre. They provide direct, essential services to those facing housing insecurity in our city.

Donate via shhc.ca

Contact Your Representatives

Let your City Councillor and MPP know that housing affordability is a priority. A phone call or email can make a significant impact on policy decisions.

Find Your Councillor