Focus Area 1: Supporting Safe and Affordable Housing
40% of Survey Responses
The Key Takeaway:
A drastic surge in the cost of living is pushing more people in vulnerable situations into homelessness.
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Addressed:
1.ii, 2.iii, 36, 38, 39, 46.iii UNDRIP, 55.iv
United Nations SDGs Addressed:
1.1, 1.2, 10.2, 11.1, 16.1, 16.2
What are community organizations saying?
- Lack of affordable housing is a contributing factor to homelessness.
- Affordable housing and adequate shelter spaces are needed.
- Low-income housing options for seniors are a challenge.
- Lack of available housing for families fleeing domestic violence.
- Lack of available homes for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
- Limited housing availability for individuals with autism.
Right now we have no space in our affordable housing units. We're full, so anyone who is coming for housing ends up on a wait list. We aren't in a position to expand, but we try to help as many people at their point of need as we can."
Community Stories
Supporting Safe and Affordable Housing
Why is this happening?
Housing is an essential basic need and a key determinant of health, wellbeing, stability, and security. The rising cost of living has made housing barely affordable for some individuals, while putting others at risk of losing their homes. Approximately 70% of Saskatchewan’s population are homeowners and the remaining 30% are renters. As shown in Figure 1, the inflation rates of owned homes in Saskatchewan consistently exceed those in the rest of Canada, averaging 7% in the first six months of 2023. Inflation rates for rental homes in Saskatchewan are lower compared to the rest of Canada, but they have seen a significant increase from just over 1% in February to over 5% in May of the current year.
As shown in Table 1, many South Saskatchewan centres have experienced noticeable rent increases, especially between 2018 and 2022. Rent in Moose Jaw rose by 16.3% in 2022, followed by Regina at 7%, and Estevan at 2.3%. Despite higher rent prices, vacancies for rental units have declined in most South Saskatchewan centres. More building units are being added, as shown in the Units (Supply) section (most right) in Table 1, but there is typically a delay when putting these units on the rental market; this is creating further pressures on prices due to a tighter supply.
Figure 1: Inflation for Rental & Owned Homes, Saskatchewan vs. Canada, January – June, 2023
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0004-01: Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted
Inflation for Rental & Owned Homes, Saskatchewan vs. Canada
January – June, 2023
No Data Found
Table 1: Rental market report, South Saskatchewan, 2014, 2018, 2022
Source: Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Rental Market Reports for 2014, 2018, 2022.
Rental Market Report, South Saskatchewan
2014, 2018, 2022
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The Data is Not Available
Rental Market Report, South Saskatchewan
2014
| Rental Market Indicator | Vacancy Rate | Avg. Rent | Supply of Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Estevan |
12.5% |
$1,158 |
542 |
|
Moose Jaw |
3.3% |
$795 |
1,180 |
|
Regina |
3% |
$988 |
11,647 |
|
Swift Current |
5.8% |
$741 |
834 |
|
Weyburn |
4.9% |
$829 |
610 |
|
Sask. |
4.1% |
$970 |
33,568 |
2018
| Rental Market Indicator | Vacancy Rate | Avg. Rent | Supply of Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Estevan |
21.8% |
$889 |
639 |
|
Moose Jaw |
6.6% |
$825 |
1,232 |
|
Regina |
7.7% |
$1,041 |
13,316 |
|
Swift Current |
8.5% |
$820 |
873 |
|
Weyburn |
15.4% |
$752 |
647 |
|
Sask. |
8.7% |
$993 |
36,700 |
2022
| Rental Market Indicator | Vacancy Rate | Avg. Rent | Supply of Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Estevan |
15.8% |
$910 |
606 |
|
Moose Jaw |
4.5% |
$960 |
1,305 |
|
Regina |
3% |
$1,114 |
14,846 |
|
Swift Current |
9.2% |
$838 |
1,003 |
|
Weyburn |
8.6% |
$751 |
687 |
|
Sask. |
4.1% |
$1,094 |
40,304 |
Researchers cite that the leading cause for a tight housing market is the compounding effects of inflation and the Bank of Canada’s attempts to tame inflation through interest rate increases. Since March 2, 2022, the Bank of Canada has increased interest rates 10 times. When interest rates increase, they place a significant burden on current homeowners, especially on those with lower incomes, and some people are pushed out of home ownership. Additionally, many individuals who want to purchase their first home remain unable to do so. With these pressures in place, the demand for rental homes rises, and spikes in rental prices occur. This causes more challenges with housing affordability and further increases to interest rates will continue to negatively impact homeowners and renters.
A key measure of housing affordability is the percentage of a household’s income spent on shelter costs. In 1986, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the provinces agreed that if households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, it’s a sign they might need social housing support.
Figure 2 shows that in South Saskatchewan, housing has become less affordable. On average, 7% more households now spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
Figure 2: Households Spending More Than 30% of Income on Shelter Costs, South Saskatchewan, 2016 and 2021
Source: Statistics Canada. Census of Population, 2016 and 2021.
Households Spending More Than 30% of Income on Shelter Costs
South Saskatchewan, 2016 and 2021
No Data Found
Types of Housing:
Emergency Shelter
Designed to offer short-term crisis support.
Transitional Housing
Temporary solution that aims to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing.
Community Housing
For people living on low incomes who can’t afford market-rate apartments.
Affordable Rental
A household that spends less than 30 percent of pre-tax income on shelter
Affordable Home Ownership
A household that spends less than 30 percent of pre-tax income on home ownership.
Market Rental
This is where landlords choose what they want to charge.
Market Home
Owners are responsible for paying for and maintaining their properties.
Source: United Way Halifax, modified from CMHC’s ‘The Housing Continuum’
Impact on Homelessness:
We don't have a big homelessness plan in Estevan, and there are no places for homeless people to stay in the entire south east corner of Saskatchewan. Not having shelter or transitional housing makes it difficult to serve some people who need support."
As Saskatchewan continues to experience the effects of rent inflation and other rising costs of living, significantly more people are at a higher risk of becoming homeless. For example, U.S. economists conclude that every $100 increase in median rent is associated with a 9% increase in the estimated homelessness rate.¹ In Regina alone, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased from 286 in 2018 to 488 in 2021, which is a 71% increase during a three-year period (approximately 80% of these individuals are Indigenous).² With inflation pushing more people towards housing instability, there is greater demand for emergency shelters. However, due to the impacts of COVID-19, bed availability in these shelters has declined (as per information in Table 2), which means that more people are ending up on the streets.
While shelters are a viable option, it may become more expensive in the long-term.³ Given the complexity of this issue, there is not one solution for every community. Researchers are concluding that there may be multiple approaches to addressing homelessness and housing affordability issues with collective action being an important starting point.⁴
Table 2: Emergency Shelter Capacity in South Saskatchewan
Note: Estevan’s shelter “The Estevan Warm Welcome Shelter” closed in 2017.
Source: Statistics Canada. Census of Population, 2016 and 2021.
Emergency Shelter Capacity
in South Saskatchewan
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The Data is Not Available
Emergency Shelter Capacity
in South Saskatchewan
2019
| Capacity | Number of Shelters | Number of Beds |
|---|---|---|
|
Moose Jaw |
1 |
10 |
|
Regina |
5 |
159 |
|
Swift Current |
1 |
6 |
|
Saskatchewan |
17 |
483 |
2020
| Capacity | Number of Shelters | Number of Beds |
|---|---|---|
|
Moose Jaw |
1 |
10 |
|
Regina |
5 |
103 |
|
Swift Current |
1 |
6 |
|
Saskatchewan |
15 |
407 |
2021
| Capacity | Number of Shelters | Number of Beds |
|---|---|---|
|
Moose Jaw |
1 |
10 |
|
Regina |
6 |
83 |
|
Swift Current |
1 |
6 |
|
Saskatchewan |
16 |
329 |
Highlighted actions being taken across South Saskatchewan:
- Under the Saskatchewan Housing Strategy, provincial government has committed $585 million between 2019 and 2028 “to protect, renew, and expand community housing, and support Saskatchewan’s proprieties related to housing repair, construction, and affordability” (pg. 3, the Saskatchewan Housing Action Plan 2022-23). Some activities to be undertaken are:
- 850 units in community housing will receive investments to provide capital improvements;
- approximately 100 Indigenous housing units coming off subsidy will continue to be offered in good condition;
- 350 households will receive support through the Shelter Enhancement Program for victims fleeing domestic violence and the Repairs Program to help homeowners with low incomes maintain safe, accessible, and adequate housing;
- approximately 400 new units will be developed across the province through the Rental Development Program, investments in homeownership (i.e., Habitat for Humanity), and the development of housing for people with disabilities; and,
- approximately 3,781 households with low incomes in housing need will be supported through the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit.
- In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan commits to spend $40.2 million over two years to create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces and 30 new emergency shelter spaces for people with “complex needs.”
- Regina’s first Rapid Housing Initiative project officially opened in September 2023. The misatimosimôwin mîhkowâp (Horse Dance Lodge) is a 29-unit permanent supportive housing facility for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Regina developed in collaboration by the Silver Sage Housing Corporation, the City of Regina, Regina Treaty Status Indian Services, and the provincial and federal governments.
In 2022, 1.7% of total granted funds distributed through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation supported the safe and affordable housing focus area.
A Story of Hope:
Moose Jaw Transition House’s Emergency Outreach
Tammy McCleary, Moose Jaw Transition House Emergency Outreach Worker
The Moose Jaw Transition House was one of 34 recipients of the Emergency Response Fund for Community Needs. In an average year, the organization supports more than 100 women and children through its shelter. Unfortunately, during times of crisis, domestic violence escalates. Factors such as stress, isolation, and job loss are known to perpetrate violence in the home.
Jenn Angus, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Transition House, says the funds received increased the organization’s capacity for dealing with these issues.
Expecting domestic violence rates to go up, the funds enabled the hiring of their Emergency Outreach Worker, Tammy McCleary, for one year. Tammy’s role was to manage an increase in shelter use. However, despite higher rates of domestic violence, the volume of women calling the shelter decreased.
“This was cause for concern as it was suspected that those who needed to use their services were not comfortable accessing the shelter during the pandemic,” says Angus. “As a result, Tammy’s role was shifted to provide direct outreach to women and families and reach them where they were. Tammy helped secure immediate safety, housing, crisis support, and food security to those who needed it.”
Tammy reached approximately 250 women with her work, including more than 40 expecting mothers, 90 seniors, and 70 newcomers.
“The funds were pivotal,” says Angus. “People were reached where they were at and given access to and knowledge of our services. With this assistance, community members were more aware and knowledgeable about how to be safe.”
“These are the things that we felt we wouldn’t have been able to do without the Emergency Response funding,” she adds. “They wouldn’t have known that they could reach out. This program was essential to reach all of these families and women in need who may have been neglected or not realized they could use the service at all. They now have a stronger, healthier social support network and can identify the social ties that provide support when needed.”
“The work that SSCF does to support Saskatchewan and our communities is outstanding,” says Angus. “How quickly they rallied to make these funds available was incredible. It shows how much SSCF does for Saskatchewan communities and how much they care about communities in this province. You don’t see that every day. I want to thank the donors and the SSCF for supporting over 250 individuals in our community through this pandemic.”
Tammy McCleary, Moose Jaw Transition House Emergency Outreach Worker
The Moose Jaw Transition House was one of 34 recipients of the Emergency Response Fund for Community Needs. In an average year, the organization supports more than 100 women and children through its shelter. Unfortunately, during times of crisis, domestic violence escalates. Factors such as stress, isolation, and job loss are known to perpetrate violence in the home.
Jenn Angus, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Transition House, says the funds received increased the organization’s capacity for dealing with these issues.
Expecting domestic violence rates to go up, the funds enabled the hiring of their Emergency Outreach Worker, Tammy McCleary, for one year. Tammy’s role was to manage an increase in shelter use. However, despite higher rates of domestic violence, the volume of women calling the shelter decreased.
women and families and reach them where they were. Tammy helped secure immediate safety, housing, crisis support, and food security to those who needed it.”
Tammy reached approximately 250 women with her work, including more than 40 expecting mothers, 90 seniors, and 70 newcomers.
“The funds were pivotal,” says Angus. “People were reached where they were at and given access to and knowledge of our services. With this assistance, community members were more aware and knowledgeable about how to be safe.”
“These are the things that we felt we wouldn’t have been able to do without the Emergency Response funding,” she adds. “They wouldn’t have known that they could reach out. This program was essential to reach all of these families and women in need who may have been neglected or not realized they could use the service at all. They now have a stronger, healthier social support network and can identify the social ties that provide support when needed.”
“The work that SSCF does to support Saskatchewan and our communities is outstanding,” says Angus. “How quickly they rallied to make these funds available was incredible. It shows how much SSCF does for Saskatchewan communities and how much they care about communities in this province. You don’t see that every day. I want to thank the donors and the SSCF for supporting over 250 individuals in our community through this pandemic.”
Vital Reflections:
The following Vital Reflections are questions you can ask yourself to ponder ways to get involved and help with safe and affordable housing in your community. These are intended to be a starting point to get you thinking of how you can help within your own individual capacity:
- Can I volunteer my time? Reflect on how much time you can commit regularly to volunteer with organizations working towards reducing homelessness.
- Consider how you can use your voice or social media presence to educate and raise awareness to others about housing and homelessness issues in your community.
- Can I donate? Assess your financial situation and determine if you can make regular or one-time donations to organizations dedicated to homelessness solutions.
- How can I engage policymakers? Consider ways to engage with local government officials and advocate for policies that address the causes of homelessness.
Help make a difference. Support your community today.
References
1 Washington Post. July 3, 2022. “Inflation is making homelessness worse.”
2 Homeless Hub (www.homelesshub.ca)
3 Cost Analysis of Homelessness: https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/cost-analysis-homelessness
4 “We gave people $7,500 to people experiencing homelessness – here’s what happened next”, https://theconversation.com/we-gave-7-500-to-people-experiencing-homelessness-heres-what-happened-next-212960
