Research summary
Resilient communities have ecological integrity. They also offer their residents economic security, social well-being and access to affordable housing. Yet a shortage of affordable housing is an ongoing crisis in many nations. To establish and sustain resilient communities, we need to figure out how to meet residents’ needs and make housing more affordable.
As Canada Research Chair in Resilient Communities, Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik is investigating the role of housing affordability, locational inequality and poverty in shaping community advantage. She and her research team are exploring what needs residents have while they wait for (and after they receive access to) public, rent-geared-to-income housing or rent supplements. They plan to share their results with these residents and invite them to establish a resident-led intervention to help meet community needs.