It’s no secret the country is facing a significant housing affordability and instability crisis, with nearly 45% of Canadians reporting being very concerned about their ability to afford housing because of rising housing costs or rising rent, according to Statistics Canada.
In addition to affordability, access to safe and inclusive living conditions poses a big challenge for marginalized and vulnerable populations, including people living with disabilities and their families.
The Allstate Foundation of Canada
The Allstate Foundation of Canada has been championing inclusive and accessible housing since 2023, in the hopes of helping to lay the foundation for a better life, improved financial stability, physical and mental health, and social interaction for those who experience barriers to financial independence.
By collaborating with and supporting Canadian nonprofit organizations in this space, the Foundation is advancing inclusive and accessible housing by investing in nonprofits that are working on innovative solutions to create real and sustainable change.
Charitable Partners & Their Impact
1. Inclusion Canada
Who They Are
About 750,000 Canadians have an intellectual disability, and 70% of those live below the poverty line. Inclusion Canada is a national federation of 13 provincial and territorial member organizations and over 300 local associations working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families.
Their Impact
This year, Inclusion Canada will continue to expand the impact of their My Home My Community program with the help of a $50,000 grant. The grant will be used to explore how available financial instruments can be structured and leveraged to address the deep affordability challenges people with intellectual disabilities face in accessing homeownership and long-term housing stability.
The goal is to increase knowledge and skills related to financial literacy and increase housing stability for all individuals and families regardless of gender, race, education, disability, sexuality or other characteristics.
2. Habitat for Humanity Canada
Who They Are
Today, 59% of Canadians – including 75% of those who rent, are sacrificing other basic needs, such as food, clothing, living essentials, and education to afford rent or mortgage payments. Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, charitable organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.
Their Impact
This year, the Foundation is contributing a total $100,000 to help expand the impact of two initiatives with the goal of building 916 new energy-efficient homes for people facing barriers to home ownership, and an additional 200 homes for Black families specifically.
These two initiatives are aimed to meet the needs of low-to middle income earners – single parents, Indigenous Peoples, persons with a physical disability, persons with developmental disabilities, Black families, and newcomers to Canada.
The goal is to provide 116 new homes for people facing barriers to homeownership by 2026.
To even further amplify the impact, the Foundation will be matching donations through the spring to encourage individual donors to double their contributions.
3. Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
Who They Are
An estimated 265,000-300,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year. The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) leads a national movement of individuals, organizations and communities working together to end homelessness in Canada through several programs and initiatives, advocacy and policy work and community engagement.
Their Impact
This year, CAEH will use a $50,000 grant to help provide enhanced capacity to identify and address gaps, trends and issues that limit access to safe, inclusive and accessible housing for vulnerable and marginalized populations, as well as increased awareness of the causes and consequences of not having inclusive and accessible housing.
4. WoodGreen
Who They Are
As one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, WoodGreen works with communities and policymakers to deliver life-changing impacts and create new opportunities to thrive.
Their Impact
The Foundation will contribute a $25,000 donation to support the expansion of the Homeward Bound project, to more equity-deserving communities and increase access to support and resources for individuals and families in need of safe and accessible housing.
5. Canadian Urban Institute
Who They Are
Canada is a vastly beautiful country, with each province and city presenting with unique characteristics and challenges. The Canadian Urban Institute works to address these issues by collaborating with urban professionals, policymakers, community leaders and the public, to promote vibrant, equitable and sustainable cities.
Their Impact
This year, the Canadian Urban Institute will receive a $25,000 donation to support its Downtown Action Lab (DAL) program. This program is dedicated to addressing the intertwined challenges of homelessness, mental health, and addiction that significantly impact Canada’s downtowns and main streets.
The Canadian Urban Institute will also develop a Coordinated Action Playbook, that will outline coordinated actions for various stakeholders and will serve as a strategic guide to collaboratively address mental health and substance abuse issues, enhancing service delivery and community impact.
Resources will also be allocated to engage stakeholders through workshops and training sessions, fostering collaboration among housing providers, mental health professionals, addiction service organizations, and other community entities to ensure a unified approach to addressing the challenges faced by downtown communities.
6. Raising the Roof
Who They Are
According to the Government of Canada, an estimated 32,660 Canadians experienced chronic homelessness in 2023. Since 1996, Raising the Roof, a national registered charity, has been leading the way in long-term solutions to homelessness. After two decades of research, advocacy, and policy change, Raising the Roof began building its own affordable and supportive housing for people in desperate need of a permanent place to call home.
Their Impact
This year, the Foundation is supporting Raising the Roof through a $25,000 donation towards the development of the Housing Stability Fund. This program will provide financial assistance to tenants in emergency situations, support local housing providers in offering wrap around services, such as food security and mental health counseling, and help cover costs for social workers. It will also ensure tenants can pay rent during short-term financial crises, allowing them to remain housed.
Improving Communities is At the Core of The Foundation
Supporting Canadian charities that help individuals find housing tailored to their specific needs can lay the foundation for a better life, improve financial stability, physical and mental health, social interactions, and can contribute to safer and more resilient communities.
Join us in advancing solutions to make housing more inclusive and accessible across Canada by visiting our nonprofit partner websites to learn how you can get involved.
Disclaimer: This information has been provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Allstate does not control or guarantee the accuracy of any content on any third-party site. Allstate is not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party site.