United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research & Planning Council released a new Future of Housing report looking at the growing housing challenges faced across Perth-Huron and the impact it has on the well-being of local communities.

“We are facing a crisis across our region,” said Director of Research Joelle Lamport-Lewis. “This isn’t just an affordability problem — although it is certainly challenging for many to find housing they can afford — it’s also become a workforce problem. Many local employers are struggling to fill open positions and a lack of housing magnifies the issue. It’s easy to see why the crisis around housing and how to solve it are important not only for the personal well-being of local people, but also for the economic well-being of the region.”

Over the last 12 months, the average price for a detached home in Perth-Huron increased over 35 per cent to $549,000 and rent for a two-bedroom unit has increased by 18 per cent to over $1,200 a month. While recognizing the challenges, the Future of Housing also proposes actions that would help build a healthier local housing outlook including an education campaign, workforce attraction and retention, collaboration, consolidation and clarity of direction and potential big system change. To view the Future of Housing report, GO HERE.

“We hope this report encourages more conversations around taking action to solve the housing crisis we’re facing,” added Lamport-Lewis. “There is a growing awareness and willingness locally and the Future of Housing report aims to add to that awareness and be part of the solution, helping ensure all residents in our communities have access to housing.”