dispatches

Hear directly from Field Agents and Mission Leaders about the impacts of housing affordability on key workers across the GTHA. Get armed with data and insights on the issues, and read about promising solutions that make us confident we can solve this together. Check back regularly for updates and contact us if you’d like to share your story.

The Workforce Housing Affordability Playbook

The Workforce Housing Affordability Playbook for Action is designed as a practical resource to advance workforce housing in the GTHA, helping partners identify opportunities and test feasibility. Building on data and the voices of over 350 cross-sector leaders, the Playbook provides a practical framework to align partners, reduce risk, and structure housing projects, making it possible to deliver affordable workforce housing under real market conditions.

READ REPORT

Download recent reports on the housing crisis in Canada and the GTHA.

CivicAction Report

The What: Partnerships That Deliver Affordability

CivicAction Report

THE MATH: CRACKING THE CODE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR WORKERS

CivicAction Report

The Why: The Human Story of Workforce Housing

The Human Story of Workforce Housing

Behind the statistics are real people making impossible choices between career, family, financial stability, and quality of life. Read this Call-to-Action paper on how workforce housing is not simply a social imperative but an economic necessity for the continued prosperity of the GTHA.

READ REPORT
Leader Spotlight

Michael Braithwaite, CEO, Blue Door

As the CEO of Blue Door, Michael Braithwaite is dedicated to developing innovative and collaborative housing, employment, and health programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.
Field Intel

When $90,000 can’t get you a 3-bedroom apartment, we have a problem.

As housing costs have continued to skyrocket across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, we are rapidly approaching a point where upward of 70% of households can no longer afford market rents, let alone save for a downpayment to own and carry the mortgage.
Mission Success

Operation: Key Worker, straight from British Intelligence

In London, England a Key Worker program is helping public service workers buy their first home, finance growing household needs for existing homeowners, facilitate shared ownership, and provide housing for rent at affordable prices.
Field Agent Report

“Sarah”, Social Worker

Housing affordability in Toronto has had a profound impact on my life, shaping not only my financial reality but also my sense of stability, belonging, and future outlook. As a manager of a social work program at a large community service agency in Toronto, I
Field Agent Report

M.C., Program Manager, Nonprofit Sector

“Housing affordability impacts my ability to give my child a safe home in the GTHA, and for me to continue to work in the non-profit sector.
Field Agent Report

“Emma”, Unemployed

At 32 years old, I am currently unemployed and actively searching for permanent work. I live with my parents in Mississauga because I can’t afford rent anywhere in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). 
Field Agent Report

Camiley (Front line worker)

This question is particularly relevant to me at this moment, as my family and I have recently purchased a home in the city. The issue of housing affordability has significantly impacted my life, particularly in terms of my sense of community, both personally and professionally. Due to the rising cost of rent, we had to move out of our previous home. After much consideration, we determined that purchasing a home was our best option.
Field Intel

RentalRescue: Innovating Housing Solutions to Safeguard Communities and Preserve Affordable Living

The housing affordability crisis is a complex challenge with no one-size-fits-all solution. Tackling it demands bold, multi-faceted strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. While it can often feel like progress is out of reach, there are organizations making a real difference—even right here in the GTHA.
Leader Spotlight

Shequita Thompson

As Senior Director of Equity at Eva's, Shequita Thompson-Reid is unwavering in her commitment to advocating for youth facing housing instability. With a background in sociology and gender studies, her passion for social justice and equity is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a Black, first-generation immigrant woman navigating systemic barriers.
Mission Success

Mission: Affordable Forum