Along with other Ontario communities Stratford has found itself with a housing problem. People working and contributing to the wellbeing of Stratford unable to afford to live in this city. Young people foreseeing their dream of owning their own home shattered. Meanwhile vulnerable people, unable to rent a place, resorting to summer encampment on the Grand Trunksite. Stratford we have a problem!
It’s time that we accept that housing is health care. Housing forms the base layer in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Shelter, Sleep, Food, Water). Ryan Erb of the United Way Huron Perth gets it. While recently being interviewed by StratfordToday Ryan reminds us that, “Homelessness isn’t just about sleeping on the streets. People may also be in a temporary shelter, incarcerated without a place to go to after, or couch surfing. Homelessness affects almost every aspect of life including family well-being, employment and physical and mental health.” United Way is showing leadership by initiating a new “Community Renewal Company”, an entrepreneurial not for profit entity to build new affordable housing in Perth Huron over the next few years. Other
local groups, such as the Local Community Food Centre in conjunction with the new Stratford Affordable Housing Alliance, are also collaborating on seeking attainable housing solutions. All of this points to the need for an imaginative and courage filled approach to a serious housing and health reality in Stratford and area. We all need housing.