Housing
In 2001, members of the Network identified adequate and affordable housing as a key determinant of healthy development for children and youth, and explored how they could make an effective contribution. It is clear that housing is an issue for low-income families across Eastern Ontario. Whether it is a lack of social housing, affordability issues or substandard conditions, housing affects children's mental, physical and social well-being. It is imperative that decent, stable, affordable housing be available to all children, youth and their families.
As its contribution, the Network has produced an overview of research which supports the link between housing conditions and child health status. We hope this data will help make adequate and affordable housing a priority across our municipalities, counties and the province, providing evidence and forward thinking.
Complementing the literature review and extensive bibliography are posters, ideas for action and a slide presentation to assist you in a range of education and awareness activities. Together, they are an important tool to help you inform and engage a wide range of community representatives and politicians not only about the importance of housing, but about ‘housing as a child health issue'. Housing must be a priority; our children's health depends on it. We cannot afford otherwise.
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