Understanding housing needs of the racialized individuals and communities

In 2019, we commissioned research examining the diverse needs of the racialized individuals and communities in order to inform NHS programs. The review focused on Canada, but researchers extended the search to international sources where relevant.

This review covers the following key elements:

• identified housing needs and the extent to which these needs are met/unmet
  • housing features
  • home supports
  • locational features
  • other needs specific to each group
• challenges and barriers in accessing suitable housing
• Intersectionality with other identities (e.g., race, gender, age, family status, indigeneity, health, location
• the potential and proven solutions for meeting housing needs

Key findings:

• Affordable housing is one of the most consistently identified needs for all racialized groups identified in the literature.
• Discriminatory barriers include additional eligibility requirements:
  • Private landlords required additional proof of Canadian credit history or proof of employment.
  • Mortgage lenders, Airbnb hosts, and those managing student housing also used these discriminatory strategies.
• Architecture or the spatial design of units may not be aligned with cultural practices:
  • Some groups require gender designated washrooms, prayer rooms, or enhanced ventilation for specific cooking practices.
  • Among First Nations groups, smudging is a key practice that may be prohibited in some housing units due to anti-smoking policies.
• Women who are newcomers to Canada may not report abuse or seek independent status from their husband due to fear. The fear includes losing legal status, rising rents, and unfamiliarity with the dominant social fabric or the housing system.
• Racialized individuals who are also part of LGBTQ2+ communities are often afraid of being ostracized by both communities and face the homophobia of housing providers and agencies. Housing agencies and providers have acknowledged the complex needs of these groups, and their lack of knowledge to assist in servicing them.

Author:

CMHC

Document Type:

PDF

Date Published:

May 13, 2021