Comment 20370

By Tom (registered) | Posted March 26, 2008 at 20:33:08

It's not a dumb question at all Beancounter, in fact there's a movement- led by the Hamilton Affordable Housing Flagship - that is hoping to expand rent subsidies (and housing allowances) within the private rental market. The reality is that there's a 4000 family waiting list for rent-geared-to-income units for social housing units. People are in desperate need of affordable, safe, accessible housing. Currently there is a fairly healthy vacancy rate that allows for some tenant choice, but cost is usually a significant barrier for many low income tenants. Economic evictions are rampant in Hamilton right now.

Rent subsidies are also a good deal for private market landlords who may have significant vacancy rates in their buildings. Having said that, it would be incumbent upon the City to ensure that the landlords who receive rent subsidies have complied with any outstanding work orders and are "up to code" as Mike Holmes would say.

You're right, some social housing has been ghettoized and certainly would fit your classification. It has resulted in gang activity and other social problems. But the system is also to blame for allowing so many residents to exist on less than subsistence levels of income. There's certainly not enough social supports or an adquate police presence in some of those neighbourhoods. Although, again things are improving. There's some really good things happening in a few of those 'hard luck' neighbourhoods in Hamilton.

Other complexes though are a good mix of rent-geared-to-income units and tenants who pay market rents - experiences there are pleasant.

Permalink | Context

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds