Housing and Homelessness

The Canadian AIDS Society is currently looking into issues related to HIV and housing and is developing a position statement.

Background

For people living with HIV/AIDS, housing is an integral component to managing health. It reduces vulnerability to infection and improves access to social programs, support, and treatment. Lack of adequate housing complicates adherence to HIV treatment regimes and increases susceptibility to other illnesses. Reducing homelessness is also crucial to reduce new infections of HIV. Access to safe, affordable housing requires a predictable, sustainable, cross-jurisdictional response. The federal government announced a Homelessness Partnering Strategy in December 2006, which will provide $269.6M between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2009. There is currently no long-term strategy at the national level to address homelessness.

Questions to Ask Local Candidates

1. How would your party reduce the barriers to accessing affordable housing?
2. Canada needs a long-term strategy on homelessness. Short-term strategies do not allow for the predictability that is needed to create lasting solutions to homelessness. Would your party commit to predictable, long-term funding to support a national strategy on homelessness?