Earlier this month YWCA leaders from across the country gathered in Ottawa for YWCA Canada’s Day on the Hill – a day to speak with Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and Senators about our advocacy priorities. This year, we called on the federal government to address the gendered housing crisis.
When YWCA leaders took the hill in 2019, they called for a gendered lens on the National Housing Strategy that includes a minimum of 25 per cent of funds being dedicated to projects and services for women, girls, gender diverse people and their families. While we have seen the 25 per cent allotment of funds, we have not seen that money being spent on purpose-built projects for women and gender diverse people. Just because a space is built and said to be open to women, does not mean it is an adequate or safe space for women.
Oftentimes, shelters do not accept children in their spaces. For some, co-ed shelter spaces do not feel safe. Others worry that bringing their children to shelter spaces could put their custody at risk. In turn, many women and gender diverse people are experiencing hidden forms of homelessness, staying with friends or family, couch surfing, or accessing other forms of insecure housing. And those that do seek access to domestic violence shelters risk being turned away due to lack of space.
We know that nearly 1000 women and children are turned away from domestic violence shelters across the country every night because our shelter system is at capacity.
YWCAs are ready and willing to create more housing and shelter spaces to better serve our communities, but we simply do not have the funding to do it. This is why this year, we called on the government to recommit to gender equity by creating a system of funding dedicated to meeting the needs of women and gender diverse people and their families – to ensure funds are flowing directly to communities that need it.
Interim CEO of YWCA Canada, Raine Liliefeldt said it clearly, “women and gender diverse people have the right to live free from violence, in a safe and affordable place to call home. At the halfway point of the National Housing Strategy, it is time for the government to recommit to gender equity by creating a system of funding dedicated to meeting their housing needs.”
We know that the housing crisis is a policy issue. Governments have the ability to enact, change, strengthen and create public policy that can transform lives. The housing crisis is a nonpartisan issue and as such, all parties must commit to addressing the crisis. Our conversations across party lines were enlightening. It seemed as though nearly everyone could recognize the crisis and agreed more purpose-built housing for women is necessary.
What I felt after convening in Ottawa and meeting with diverse colleagues from across the country was empowered, motivated and proud. I was reminded how fortunate I am to be a part of a powerful and values-driven movement, full of folks from coast to coast who are passionate about ensuring gender equity, racial equity and poverty reduction are at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
There is no denying that there is strength in numbers, and I know that collective action works. Together, we can achieve a more just world for women, girls and gender diverse people. I am grateful to be a part of a movement that is driving this force.
Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to take action. Have a conversation with your friends and family about the gendered housing crisis, sign a petition demanding action be taken or write to your local MP, MPP or city council about creating a more equitable city, province, country and world wherein housing truly is recognized as a human right.
Sami Pritchard, YWCA Toronto Manager of Advocacy