Housing and Homelessness

Canada recognizes housing as a fundamental human right and a social determinant of health. Housing is foundational for human life, located at the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Despite this, many Manitobans are precariously housed or are unsheltered.

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While housing is a provincial responsibility, all levels of government as well as organizations in the non-profit and private sectors are involved. The aim of SPECTRUM’s Housing Theme is to unite folks from multiple sectors to devise policy solutions that address the housing challenges of the day. Examples of housing challenges include unaffordability due to rising costs; lack of available housing due to a shortage of housing units and long waitlists; and a high need for housing with supports and culturally specific housing. The policy solutions will be based on evidence that is generated from projects collaboratively developed by the partners who represent diverse perspectives.

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We are still in the idea-generating phase. However, the first project will likely utilize housing-related data already in the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository, such as the public housing records, rent assist/rent benefit, and the homelessness code in the hospital data. Concurrently, the team will explore the potential of bringing in other data sources for subsequent projects.