Visions Journal

Kamal Arora, PhD

Reprinted from the Housing as a Human Right issue of Visions Journal, 2022, 17 (2), p. 4

In this issue of Visions, we look at the idea of housing as a human right. A human right is a universal right you have simply by virtue of being born. Having a stable and safe home is more than just about having a roof over your head or basic survival. It contributes to your overall well-being in so many ways, whether physical, mental, or socioeconomic. Although Canada has recognized that housing is a human right by ratifying the United Nations’ International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, we have a long way to go. In Vancouver alone, 2095 residents reported experiencing homelessness in 2020.­¹ But getting accurate provincial numbers can be difficult. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many cities across the province weren’t even able to gather data on homelessness in 2021. There is also hidden homelessness, where individuals may have found temporary but unsustainable arrangements, such as sleeping in their vehicle or on a friend’s couch.

Housing can be complex. We know that mental health and substance use problems, and the stigma associated with these challenges, can affect access to safe, dependable housing. In turn, housing insecurity can negatively affect mental health outcomes. 2021 added new layers to BC’s ongoing housing crisis, due to the pandemic and climate-related disasters, including wildfires and floods, in which many residents lost their homes.

Our two guest editors for this issue, Dr. Bernie Pauly from the University of Victoria, and Marc Lee from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, explore issues of housing insecurity in BC and how the pandemic has emphasized the link between our health and our housing. Other contributors discuss their lived experiences of their housing journeys in BC and how housing has affected their mental health, and the importance of culturally safe housing is outlined as well. Housing needs and wants can be different for different people – while some people might want proximity to schools or amenities, others might prioritize an alternative model such as cohousing. Others just want to ensure fair treatment by their landlords and avoid renovictions. Despite these differences, one thing is clear: everyone has the right to a secure, safe and stable home which they thrive."