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Region marks National Housing Day... To mark National Housing Day (today) and to put a human face on Halton's housing needs, a panel of community members are sharing their personal stories about housing with the Halton community. The panel is called "Voices for Housing Choices" and the stories are shared in different ways-- in person at public events, through written word or photography. During the week of November 20-25, there will be a "Voices for Housing Choices" display in each municipality at the local town/city hall. Despite Halton's affluence, there is a significant disparity between the housing needs of the community and the availability of affordable housing. Halton Region's Annual Housing Report identifies a shortage of 300-600 units of affordable housing and 400-800 units of assisted housing in Halton in 2004. As a result, low-income residents such as students, young families or fixed income seniors are often forced to leave Halton to find a place to live. Recognizing the importance of housing, Halton Region developed a Comprehensive Housing Strategy that addresses housing from now until 2015. The strategy incorporates a continuum of housing types for all incomes and all stages of life-- from emergency shelters and government assisted housing to private sector affordable housing. If you are interested in acting as an ambassador for Halton's housing issue, please contact Jen Lenard-Benson at 1-866-442-5866, ext. 4432 to get more information about this initiative. ...and local woman shares her story "Being a single parent isn't easy. don't have to share one closet anymore-- When I found myself in that situation, we each have our own. There's a backI struggled to find affordable and adequate yard to play in, and we've made friends housing for me and my two children. with neighbours on our street. I wanted to live close to where I I have been overwhelmed at the genworked-- the North Halton Country erosity of the community, of strangers. Club. We found a place, but unfortunateMore than 600 volunteers helped to give ly after paying rent and utilities-- $1300 a our family a new start. month-- it was hard to put food on the Georgetown is such a great place to table. CRYSTAL live. It's a place where if you have a flat A friend urged me to apply for a house ORVIS tire, someone will stop to help you fix it. through Habitat for Humanity. We did, and two years later we have just moved into our Our family feels grateful to be living here. Halton is a wealthy community and housing brand new home in Georgetown. Now my children have their own rooms. We prices are high. People don't think about the need for affordable housing. They take for granted that everyone has a house to live in. There are single parent families-- like mine-- with a full-time income who still can't afford decent housing. They need your help. 235 GUELPH STREET We need to get the word out about the need 905-873-1999 for affordable housing for families in the community. Spread the word!" 1