By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Housing is the issue governments have been preoccupied with over the past few years but rarely does anyone make the distinction between housing that is affordable and affordable housing. This week I’m going to focus on the role of the Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC), which has been making a positive difference in our communities and in the lives of individuals and families for 50 years.
HNHC is one of nine Local Housing Corporations in the province and is the largest provider of community housing in Haldimand-Norfolk. Currently, 97 per cent of the homes within the corporation are Rent-Geared-to-Income, which is no more than 30 per cent of a household’s income. The remaining three per cent are Market Rent apartments for seniors. In total, the HNHC looks after 544 homes spanning 2,900 square kilometers in Delhi, Simcoe, Port Dover, Port Rowan, Waterford, Hagersville, Caledonia and Dunnville. The total portfolio value is $106.5 million.
I love data and charts and lucky for me the folks over at HNHC love them too. At their most recent Annual General Meeting this past week, attendees were presented with the annual report, which contained some interesting data laid out in easy-to-understand graphics.
Seniors occupy 52 per cent of the units and 58 per cent of those senior residents are over the age of 70. As I have said to Matt Bowen, CEO of the HNHC, it’s time the Ontario government makes good on its commitment to get shovels in the ground to build long-term care homes because at some point many of these seniors will no longer be able to age in place.
Family households make up 22 per cent of those served, of which 72 per cent of these households are led by a single parent. Single adult households make up 14 per cent of residents served.
While the mandate of the corporation is to provide independent housing, many residents require additional supports to maintain successful tenancies; however, access to these services is limited in the area making it tough for the HNHC to navigate at times.
The HNHC has made remarkable progress over 50 years by building partnerships with local organizations who share a commitment to addressing critical community needs. This year has been a year of meaningful growth as development planning on new housing in both Delhi and Dunnville are underway.
Like many housing authorities, HNHC faces a range of complex challenges such as aging infrastructure, limited funding and resources, a significant growing demand for affordable housing, social issues and supports for those vulnerable tenants. On top of this there are rural-specific challenges like isolation and lack of nearby supports, as well as issues related to access to transit and healthcare services.
Despite these challenges, there is a handful of hardworking people at HNHC, under the leadership of Bowen, that quietly goes about their work to build communities and transform lives. I’d be remiss if I did not mention that there’s also a volunteer board of directors who support Bowen and staff as well. Together, they are tackling challenges in a unique and creative way and when Bowen sits down to meet, he is always positive and confident – it is refreshing!
For five decades, HNHC has been more than a housing provider – it’s been a source of stability, and a foundation of hope even through changing times, growing communities and increasing needs. As we look to the future, the challenges are real but with the legacy of 50 years, and the passion of the community, I am certain HNHC is capable of another successful and exciting 50 years.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk