ð Housing: A Human Right
According to Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection."
This fundamental right to housing should be available to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. However, the reality in many parts of the world, including here in Canada, is far from this ideal.
Housing has become increasingly out of reach for many, and instead of being treated as a basic human right, it is often regarded as a commodity—an investment opportunity for the wealthy rather than a safe space to live and thrive.
ðĻ The Housing Crisis: A Growing Concern
Housing shortages are not just an issue; they are a crisis. As land and properties are increasingly bought up by foreign investors and large corporations, the dream of homeownership becomes more distant for everyday people.
Meanwhile, we see billionaires living in $82 million homes while countless others remain homeless on the streets. This growing gap between the ultra-wealthy and those just trying to survive affects us all. Homelessness is not a personal failure—it’s a systemic one.
We must also ask ourselves: What does “home” really mean? Is it a place of love, security, and connection—or just an investment? All around us, homes sit empty, decaying, and commodified. What is the true value of a home, and how do we return to putting people before profit?
ðŠķ Indigenous Housing and the Loss of Communal Living
Indigenous communities have long practiced communal housing—where shared spaces and resources supported everyone’s well-being. This model of mutual support stands in stark contrast to today’s obsession with personal ownership and property speculation.
As Indigenous land rights continue to be violated, their housing sovereignty is also under threat. We must learn from Indigenous traditions—bringing back values of sustainability, shared responsibility, and collective care into how we build and share homes.
ð Foreign Investment and Drones: Disrupting Communities
In cities like Vancouver, foreign buyers have caused housing prices to skyrocket, making it nearly impossible for locals to afford a home in their own neighborhood. Homes are flipped, gentrified, or bought and left vacant. This isn’t housing—it’s speculation.
Meanwhile, drones and high-tech sales strategies remove any sense of community connection in the buying process. In places like Kitsilano, young agents come in, sell off historic homes, and move on—often ignoring the real needs of the people who built and nurtured those neighborhoods for generations.
ðą The Need for Collective Action and Change
The housing crisis won’t be solved by waiting. We need collective action now. That means:
- ⚖️ Holding corporations and billionaires accountable for hoarding land and driving up costs
- ð️ Demanding policies that prioritize affordable, community-based housing
- ðŋ Supporting shared spaces, community gardens, and co-housing solutions
- ð ️ Encouraging sustainable and inclusive building practices
Everyone deserves a safe place to live—not just the wealthy, not just investors. Housing is about dignity, roots, and belonging.
ðŽ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Here on the blog, we’ll keep exploring ideas, solutions, and stories that help restore housing as a human right. We’ll highlight the voices of those impacted, the grassroots movements demanding change, and the creative ways communities are fighting back.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a home.
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