It seems as if there is no end to the housing crisis in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With an increase in rent prices, very low housing/renting availability, and a lack of desire for change from the governments, homelessness in the city of Halifax is rising as well. 

So how does one go about ending homelessness? The idea is simple. Provide housing for those who are without. This is known as the housing first model. The housing first model provides those who are without housing, housing. This is offered to anyone who qualifies. The qualifications being, in need of a home. 

Housing is a basic human right, with the housing first model, clients are given housing which does not rely on compliance (such as staying sober, etc,). When people have a safe place to lay their head, anything can be accomplished. This is also because you cannot apply for income assistance without a home address, cannot receive mail without a home address, a bank account needs a home address - in order to move forward, a home address is needed. 

The benefits of the housing first model are endless, 1) getting people off the streets and into homes, 2) providing home addresses, 2.1) home address to apply for income assistance, 2.2) home address to get a bank account, 3) less demand for long term shelters, 5) decrease in crime, 6) economic benefits, 6.1) more taxpayers, 6.2) more income in our provincial economy. Once people are empowered with the right of being housed, the things they can accomplish are limitless. 

So please, join me in working towards giving all individuals in Halifax, Nova Scotia their right to having a housing, and ending homelessness in the city.