GUELPH – Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph (HHWDG) hosted the Affordable Housing Symposium Part 2 at Community Living Guelph Wellington on Royal Road on Nov. 21.
The symposium was the second in a series developed to provide the opportunity for community members from across Guelph and Wellington County to work together to address the local affordable housing crisis.
Over 45 attendees took part in the symposium representing 19 various organizations, including MP Lloyd Longfield.
Facilitated by Dr. Rebecca Sutherns of Sage Solutions, the goal of the Symposium was to bring new models of cooperation forward that will offer solutions to the housing spectrum – from homelessness to affordable rent and ownership.
“It takes community to build a village,” says Steve Howard, CEO. “Working together in a new way, we can find more opportunities to build affordable housing, and find new ways to access funding, share costs, and improve efficiency. Because everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live.”
According to a Habitat WDG press release, the organization is looking forward to the remediation of the former IMICO site which will see more affordable housing options coming to the area.
HHWDG is leading the formation of a coalition of affordable housing interests regarding this site.
National Housing Day
The symposium was held in conjunction with National Housing Day in Canada which took place on November 22.
National Housing Day acknowledges the work done by hundreds of organizations and thousands of people ensuring everyone across Canada has the dignity of a home.
According to the HHWDG it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.
“On this day, and every day, Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph urges the community to help it raise awareness of the effects that Canada’s affordable housing crisis is having on our communities,” read a recent press release from the organization.
More information about the symposium can be found at: www.habitatwdg.ca/symposium.
