A Roof Over Their Heads: Challenges of Housing Affordability in Victoria
Date
2019-04-27
Authors
Stewart, Lexy
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Abstract
Housing is a basic human right and a key social determinant of health. Housing also informs people’s sense of place, and contributes to both physical and mental health outcomes. The growing issue of housing unaffordability is becoming a challenge worldwide and has varied impacts for different segments of the population. The financialization of housing markets has undermined housing as a basic human right and led to increased homelessness and numerous adverse outcomes for vulnerable populations. The most vulnerable population segments affected by rising housing costs are seniors, particularly lower-income, divorced females. This paper explores the lived experiences of seniors living in James Bay, Victoria, British Columbia to better understand how they cope and adapt to increased rent prices and other challenges in a dynamic housing environment.