St. Lawrence Centre Forum and the Affordable Housing Office of the City of Toronto present a free community forum entitled "Affordable Housing: Finding Solutions!".

Affordable housing is a powerful positive contributor to the health of Toronto's economy, environment, neighbourhoods and residents. But for some 200,000 families and individuals, affordable housing is a rapidly fading dream.

A shocking number of people including single-parent families and low-income earners, Aboriginal and disabled persons, young people and seniors are living in sub-standard or over-crowded housing. They often pay more than 50 per cent of their income on rent. Home ownership is certainly not within their financial reach. Indeed many are in danger of losing their homes.

As the UN's special housing envoy reported in October 2007, the federal and provincial governments need to get back into the affordable housing business across Canada. City Hall has a key role to play, as does the private sector, co-ops, non-profit and charitable organizations.

The City of Toronto is preparing a 10-year affordable housing plan and this timely Forum will contribute to the shape of Toronto's housing future.

The evening will feature a showing of Meet the Dream Team, a short film produced for the Ontario Non Profit Housing Association.

Panelists

• Angie Hains, Executive Director, Ecuhome Corporation, past president of the Ontario Non-profit Housing Association.
• David Hulchanski, Director, Centre for Urban and Community Studies, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
• Diane MacLean, Board Member, Regent Park Neighbourhood Initiative.
• Sean Gadon, Director of Partnerships, Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto.
• Federal and provincial representatives have been invited.

Panel followed by question and answer period with 1st line questioners and members of the audience.

Organized by the St. Lawrence Centre FORUM and the Affordable Housing Office of the City of Toronto.

For more information contact:

Website: http://forum.stlc.com/flyer/Housing07.pdf