United Way Perth-Huron's Social Research and Planning Council has launched a cost of housing survey.
The survey aims to learn how individuals and families across the region are being affected by the ongoing housing crisis. Kristin Crane, Director of Social Research and Planning, says the cost of living continues to affect many things including housing.
"What we have really seen is that the cost of living has hugely increased. Food of course, we know, but housing has played a really large factor in that, it has increased the cost of living. It's reflected in the new living wage that came out in November 2023. So we're seeing that the cost of living has gone up, however, our median salaries have not significantly changed," Crane explained.
Crane says housing really does a number on that cost of living in combination with stagnant wages.
"So we're seeing that wages are not keeping pace with the cost if living. That's in large part driven by the high cost of housing, whether that's rents or mortgages with the interest rates. So there's a fairly large number of people who are renters, it's 31 percent in Perth County, who are living in unaffordable housing. So that's anything that's over 30 percent or more that's spent on your shelter costs, and that includes utilities," said Crane.
Ultimately, Crane says if wages don't increase, this issue will persist, especially for those households with one income.
"It's really impacting those one person households, and there's a large number of those in our region, too. So it's very very challenging, I don't wanna say impossible because some people are able to, but in a one income household to be able to afford shelter is very challenging. Even for those two income households," added Crane.
“The news is full of housing statistics. What we hear less often are stories about the people behind the numbers. The Cost of Housing survey offers a safe space for people to share their experience. The SRPC and United Way are in the business of helping us all understand and build our communities. We want to cultivate compassion and caring and learn how we can better help those facing the challenges of homelessness, precarious housing and unaffordable housing," Crane concluded.
“This information is critical from the perspective of community building,” added Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director. “It also helps UWPH as we continue addressing housing and homelessness regionally, whether that’s helping with rent arrears through the Urgent Needs Fund, connecting vulnerable people with services at our Connection Centres or developing and sustaining housing through United Housing. We encourage people to take the survey.”
The digital only survey is anonymous and takes roughly 7 minutes to finish. You can access it at perthhuron.unitedway.ca. It is available until the end of the month.
