I've spent 6+ years as a homeless individual, often resorting to couch-surfing or camping by the river just to have a shelter over my head. I receive disability support from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) but struggle every month to meet my needs, receiving a mere $552 rent allowance. Like me, many individuals with disabilities are in desperate need for affordable housing but are held back due to high rental prices and credit checks.

The credit checks implemented by most rental managements have become a major obstacle as it takes a considerable amount of time to repay debt and improve credit scores. It's noteworthy that a lower credit score doesn't necessarily equate to the inability to pay rent on time. In Ontario, studies show that more than 30% of renter households spend more than 30% of their income on rent, which is deemed unaffordable (source: Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association).

This petition urges our local governments and property owners to reassess the rental prices, especially for those on low-income or disability benefits, and to rethink the necessity of credit checks as a measure of rent payment ability. We need to create an inclusive accommodation system that respects and appreciates people of all income levels.

For six and a half years, I've been on the central housing registry, waiting patiently for affordable housing, but I'm still waiting. My struggles echo in the lives of too many others in our city. If you agree with this cause, please sign this petition. Together we can create a change.