1.1 What civic issue interests you? What issue needs to be tackled to make your communities or the world better?

Question

Affordable housing.
1.2 Who are the people and/or organizations involved in this issue? What views do they have on it?
Affordable housing affects a wide range of individuals and groups. Some of those groups in my community that are most affected by the lack of affordable housing include young adults and students, low-income families, and the elderly.
The federal and provincial government as well as not-for-profit organizations in our community are invested in this issue. Some programs include the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, and the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit. These programs work together to produce outcomes that meet the housing needs of vulnerable Ontario families and individuals in our community.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe that affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. Their efforts help remove barriers those most impacted.

1.3 What other perspectives might there be on this issue that are not commonly considered?
Urban planners and economists may argue that housing affordability is mainly the result of a supply and demand issue. The high demand for housing drives up the prices and therefore reduces the accessibility of affordable housing for vulnerable groups. Some housing advocates also say that the government needs to invest much more in their policies and be more creative in constructing units such as fourplexes, buildings, and split units.

1.4 Which level(s) of government would be responsible for addressing this issue?
The provincial and federal government are both responsible for addressing the issue. The government sets social housing related targets and establishes plans on how to progress forward and achieve their desirable outcomes. Some targets would include building more affordable units, providing additional funding to households, and implementing policies such as rent control.

Summarize all this information into one small grade 9 paragraph

Answer 1

Affordable housing is a pressing civic issue that affects a wide range of individuals and groups in our community, including young adults, low-income families, and the elderly. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and government programs like the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative are working to address this issue. However, urban planners and economists also believe that housing affordability is linked to supply and demand. It is crucial for both provincial and federal government levels to collaborate and take action in order to make housing more accessible and affordable for those in need.