As a single parent residing in a shelter in Mississauga, Ontario, I am confronting first-hand the harrowing reality of housing unaffordability. I'm one among many others living in the same predicament, and together we appeal to the Canadian government to take urgent action. We are trying to make ends meet in an environment where the minimum wage has remained stagnant, and the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,600, excluding parking and hydro expenses. This is a situation that single parents, particularly those of us who are sole income earners, find increasingly challenging.

Shelter life imposes significant hardships and is an inappropriate setting for a child to grow into a healthy and productive adult. The struggle to cover basic needs coupled with the inadequate living conditions of shelters affects the mental and emotional wellbeing of both parents and children. According to a 2020 report from Peel Region, Mississauga’s shelter use rate is 8.9 per 10,000 residents, significantly higher than the provincial rate of 6.8.

It's high time that our government boosts subsidies for single parents, thereby increasing access to affordable housing options in Mississauga. Meeting this need can make the difference between hardships in a shelter and a stable, safe environment for our families to grow and thrive in.

Please, let us ensure that parents have the resources to provide a quality life for their children. Sign this petition urging the government of Canada to increase access to subsidized housing for single parents in Mississauga.