Housing First is an established concept in Finland since more than 15 years thanks to the Y-Foundation as a pioneer. The Y-Foundation was also one of the founding members of the Housing First Europe Hub.
In 2016 the Finish Y-Foundation together with FEANTSA established the Housing First Europe Hub. The Y-Foundation has been a key player in establishing Housing First as the main response to homelessness in Finland. Since 2007 national policies shifted towards reducing long-term homelessness through Housing First programmes.
As a result, in Finland, the utilisation of emergency and temporary accommodations, such as shelters, hostels, and temporary supported housing, has significantly declined. The number of homeless individuals residing in hostels or boarding houses decreased by 76% from 2008 to 2017. This reduction is attributed to the widespread adoption of prevention strategies, the replacement of outdated models of communal supported housing with Housing First and housing-led approaches, which largely replaced emergency shelters.
ARA, the Housing Finance and Development Centre, has also been involved in the implementation of Housing First in Finland since the start through subsidising new and renovated homes as well as giving housing advice to municipalities.
As a result, Finland is one of the only European countries that registers decreasing homelessness numbers. The country’s goal is to end homelessness in Finland all together.
Finland has managed to reduce homelessness in recent years, but homelessness as a phenomenon is still alive and well. The homelessness situation often escalates in the context of social and economic crises.
Poor people in Canada pay for funerals through provincial social assistance programs (like BC’s Ministry of Social Development or Ontario Works), the federal Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit.
Many today are choosing simpler, lower-cost options like direct cremation, with funeral homes often guiding families through these limited financial resources. Government aid covers basic services, but often falls short of average funeral costs, requiring families to supplement or choose minimal arrangements.
Government Financial Assistance Provincial Programs: Most provinces have programs, often through social development or welfare ministries, to help with funeral costs if the deceased’s estate and family can’t pay.
British Columbia: The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction provides assistance, covering basic services, burial/cremation, and interment, working directly with funeral homes.
Ontario: Ontario Works helps cover basic funeral expenses for those in need, with a process involving your local office.
FederalProgram: Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit: A one-time payment of $2,500 (a flat rate) is available if the deceased contributed to CPP for a minimum number of years, helping families with costs.
How the Process Works Contact the Ministry: After a death, the legal representative (executor) contacts the provincial ministry (e.g., Social Development) to see if the estate qualifies for assistance.
Work with Funeral Homes: Funeral directors are familiar with these programs and guide families to choose services within the available budget.
Ministry Pays the Funeral Home: If approved, the ministry pays the funeral home directly for approved services, which may cover cremation or burial and other basic costs.
Cost-Saving Options Direct Cremation: This is often the most affordable option, as it avoids embalming, viewing, and elaborate ceremonies. Simplified Services: Choosing basic services (no casket upgrades, flowers, or extensive visitations) keeps costs down.
Challenges Funding Gaps: Government funding often doesn’t cover the full average cost of a funeral, leaving a significant gap for families to fill. Limited Choices: Financial constraints restrict choices, making it hard to provide the send-off families desire.
Peace to All and Best Wishes to All in the New Year of Life and it’s passing encounters.
The Homeless Prevention Program provides portable rent supplements and support services to individuals in identified at-risk groups facing homelessness.
About the program
The Homeless Prevention Program is an initiative aimed at providing individuals in identified at-risk groups facing homelessness with portable rent supplements and support services to help them access rental housing in the private (non-subsidized) housing market.
The rent supplements and support services help recipients access rental housing in the private (non-subsidized) housing market and community-based services.
The Homeless Prevention Program operates, in many instances, as an enhancement to the existing Homeless Outreach Program / Indigenous Homeless Outreach Programs and targets individuals at transition points that put them at greater risk of homelessness.
Cost: None. Services are free.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you (or someone you know) are at immediate risk of homelessness. This includes:
Youth transitioning out of foster care
Women who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence
Individuals leaving the correctional or hospital systems
Individuals of Indigenous descent
Age
Rent supplements are for eligible individuals aged 19 years and older
Poverty in the developed world exists as a paradox: affluent nations with vast resources still grapple with systemic inequality, homelessness, and food insecurity.
This reality underscores how poverty is not merely an economic issue but a political one, shaped by policy choices, power dynamics, and the structural forces of capitalism.
While capitalism has driven unprecedented wealth creation, its association with poverty reveals a complex interplay of exploitation, inequality, and insufficient social safeguards.
1. The Structural Roots of Poverty in Capitalist Systems Capitalism’s core mechanism—profit-driven markets—has historically generated prosperity but also entrenched inequality.
In developed nations, poverty persists despite economic growth because wealth concentrates at the top. For instance, the top 10% of earners in the U.S. control 70% of wealth, while the bottom 50% own just 2.6%.
This disparity stems from policies favoring capital over labor, such as tax cuts for corporations and weakened union protections. The decline of unions, from 34% of U.S. workers in the 1950s to 10% today, correlates with stagnating wages and rising precarious work.
Capitalism’s “creative destruction” also perpetuates poverty. Technological advancements and globalization displace workers, while austerity measures—often justified under neoliberal ideologies—slash social safety nets.
For example, post-2008 austerity in Europe increased poverty rates, particularly in Greece and Spain, where public spending on healthcare and education was curtailed.
2. Political Choices: Reinforcing or Alleviating Poverty? Poverty in developed nations is not inevitable but a product of political decisions.
Governments shape economic systems through taxation, labor laws, and welfare programs. The U.S., despite its wealth, has a higher poverty rate (11.6%) than peer nations like France (8.1%), partly due to weaker social transfers.
Countries with robust welfare systems, such as Nordic nations, demonstrate that poverty can be mitigated through progressive taxation and universal healthcare. However, corporate influence often skews policy.
Lobbying by wealthy elites undermines reforms like minimum wage increases or affordable housing initiatives. For example, the 2017 U.S. tax reform disproportionately benefited high earners, exacerbating income gaps.
Similarly, privatization of public services—a hallmark of neoliberal capitalism—shifts costs to individuals, deepening poverty among low-income households.
3. Globalization and Its Discontents Globalization, while boosting aggregate growth, has unevenly distributed benefits. In developed nations, offshoring jobs to low-wage countries decimated manufacturing sectors, leaving communities in “rust belts” like the U.S. Midwest or northern England.
These regions now face entrenched poverty, with limited access to high-skilled employment. Meanwhile, corporate profits soar: Apple’s $394 billion revenue in 2023 starkly contrasts with the 44 million Americans living below the poverty line.
Political globalization—trade agreements and deregulation—often prioritizes corporate interests over workers’ rights. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), for instance, displaced U.S. factory workers while enriching multinational firms.
4. Capitalism’s Contradictions: Growth vs. Equity Proponents argue capitalism reduces poverty through innovation and growth. Indeed, extreme poverty globally fell from 94% in 1820 to 9.6% in 2015, largely due to market expansion. Yet, in developed nations, relative poverty—measured against national standards—remains stubborn.
The U.S. federal poverty for a family of 4 is 19 times higher than the global threshold of $2.15 day, yet 37 million Americans still fall short. Critics highlight that capitalism’s focus on profit often neglects human needs.
For example, pharmaceutical companies prioritize lucrative drugs over affordable medicines, leaving millions in debt or untreated 11. Similarly, speculative housing markets in cities like London and San Francisco price out low-income residents, fueling homelessness.
5. Pathways to Reform: Reimagining Capitalism Addressing poverty in developed nations requires rebalancing capitalism with equity-driven policies:
• Wealth Redistribution: A 1% tax on billionaire wealth could fund global poverty eradication.
• Labor Empowerment: Reviving unions and mandating living wages can reduce income inequality.
• Social Safety Nets: Expanding programs like universal childcare and housing subsidies, as seen in Finland, lifts marginalized groups from poverty.
• Green Transitions: A Global Green New Deal could create jobs while combating climate-driven poverty.
Conclusion: A Political Imperative Poverty in the developed world is neither accidental nor natural—it is a political outcome.
Capitalism’s role is dual edged: it generates wealth but distributes it inequitably. Tackling poverty demands dismantling systemic barriers through progressive taxation, corporate accountability, and robust social policies.
As philosopher Lisa Herzog notes, markets prioritize “moneyed desires over unmoneyed needs”. Redirecting this focus toward justice and equity is not just an economic necessity but a moral imperative.
The choice lies with policymakers: perpetuate a system where poverty coexists with opulence or forge a new paradigm where prosperity is shared. The latter path, though fraught, offers the only route to a just society.
Central Heights Church in Abbotsford is planning a 30-bed emergency shelter for older adults. Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News file
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A 30-bed emergency shelter for older adults is being planned at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford.
The plan came before city council on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 25), when a temporary-use permit and housing agreement were approved.
A staff report to council states that 30 individual “sleeping units” will be provided in an existing building on the church property at 1661 McCallum Rd.
That area at the north end of the building has been operating by Sparrow Community Services Society as a severe weather shelter for older adults.
A letter to the city from BC Housing in September 2024 states that in order to accommodate the emergency shelter, the building will be renovated to include sufficient washroom and shower facilities, accessible entry and operator spaces.
The space is expected to be completed this winter.
The Central Heights Church Shelter will continue to be run by Sparrow – which serves older adults (50+) who are at risk of homelessness – under an agreement with BC Housing.
Support services will be provided 24/7 under the Homelessness Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) and Homelessness Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) programs.
The staff report to council says a temporary-use permit was required to accommodate the proposed use as it abuts an existing residential use.
The permit will be valid for three years, with the opportunity to request one three-year extension.
The housing agreement includes that the operators must form a good neighbour committee with monthly meetings for the first four months and then on an as-needed basis.
The operators must also provide support services – directly or through referrals – such as life-skills training, counselling and substance-use services.
They must also at least have two staff on site 24/7, and ensure that guests “do not disturb the peace, quiet and enjoyment of the neighbourhood.”
The project has drawn support from Fraser Health and the Abbotsford Police Department, which states that the current services offered at the site have required fewer police resources than comparable facilities.
The city says there are currently 40 encampments and more than 400 unhoused individuals across Abbotsford.
They may be small and swift, but if you notice this tiny silver creature scurrying around your home, you could be facing a significant and costly issue. Experts are advising anyone who spots a silverfish in their property to promptly check for dampness.
These shiny, teardrop-shaped insects thrive in moist conditions and are particularly fond of areas with water.
If you see one darting into or out of your skirting boards or crevices around window sills, it’s likely a sign of damp and moisture within your property. If not addressed, dampness can lead to a host of problems, including cracked bricks, rotting joists, decaying plaster, and spreading mould spores. In extreme cases, it can even compromise the structural integrity of the property and impact air quality.
Dampness can result from various factors, such as leaky drainpipes, condensation, ageing damp proofing, or inadequate ventilation, especially in bathrooms or kitchens where water vapour tends to linger. Identifying the cause can be tricky, but the presence of silverfish indoors usually signals that there’s dampness requiring attention.
Silverfish can be a sign of huge issues -Credit:Getty
The sooner signs of dampness are detected, the easier it will be to eradicate the bugs. It recommends looking for indications on walls like wet or damp patches, peeling wallpaper, and flaking plaster.
Other telltale signs include damp and musty smells, rotting wood, and the emergence of mould and mildew on walls, floors, or ceilings.
Among the proposed remedies are utilising a dehumidifier, maintaining good ventilation in your home, inspecting your gutters for leaks, applying damp-proof paint to your walls and, if necessary, engaging a professional to address areas impacted by rising dampness.
A slumlord is a derogatory term used to describe a landlord who knowingly maintains rental properties in poor or unsafe conditions, often while charging high rents. Slumlords typically neglect necessary repairs, ignore health and safety codes, and exploit tenants, often those in low-income or vulnerable situations who have limited housing options.
Characteristics of a Slumlord:
Poor Property Maintenance: Failing to address issues like leaky roofs, broken heating systems, mold, pest infestations, or structural problems.
Health and Safety Violations: Ignoring building codes, fire safety regulations, or sanitation standards.
Exploitation of Tenants: Charging high rents for substandard housing, often targeting tenants who lack the resources or knowledge to advocate for themselves.
Lack of Responsiveness: Ignoring tenant complaints or requests for repairs.
Illegal Practices: Engaging in unethical or illegal activities, such as wrongful evictions, rent gouging, or refusing to return security deposits.
The Shifting Sands of the Hourglass of World States, is there a Fourth World?
Legal Context in Canada and the US:
Both Canada and the US have laws and regulations to protect tenants from slumlords, but enforcement varies by region.
Canada: Provincial and territorial laws govern rental housing. Tenants can file complaints with local housing authorities or tenant boards if landlords fail to meet their obligations. For example, in Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act outlines landlord responsibilities, and tenants can seek recourse through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
US: Housing regulations are enforced at the state and local levels. Tenants can report violations to local housing authorities or take legal action. Many cities have tenant rights organizations that assist renters in dealing with slumlords.
Tenant Rights:
Tenants in both countries have the right to:
Live in a safe and habitable environment.
Request necessary repairs.
Withhold rent or take legal action if the landlord fails to address serious issues.
Be free from retaliation for reporting violations.
Addressing Slumlord Practices:
Document Issues: Tenants should keep records of complaints, repairs, and communication with the landlord.
Report Violations: Contact local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups.
Legal Action: In severe cases, tenants may sue for damages or force the landlord to make repairs.
Slumlords contribute to the broader issue of housing inequality and the lack of affordable, safe housing in many urban areas. Combating their practices requires stronger enforcement of housing laws and increased support for tenants.
Dealing with a slumlord can be incredibly frustrating and stressful, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights and improve your living situation. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the situation:
1. Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with local tenant laws and housing codes. These vary by location but generally guarantee your right to a safe and habitable living environment.
Common landlord responsibilities include providing:
Working utilities (heat, water, electricity).
Proper sanitation and waste disposal.
Structural integrity (no leaks, mold, or pest infestations).
Safe and secure locks on doors and windows.
If your landlord is failing to meet these standards, they may be violating the law.
2. Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of all issues, including:
Photos and videos of unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
Written notes about when problems started and how they’ve been ignored.
Copies of all communication with your landlord (emails, texts, letters, etc.).
This documentation will be critical if you need to take legal action or report the landlord.
3. Communicate with Your Landlord
Notify your landlord in writing about the issues and request repairs. Be specific, polite, and keep a copy of the letter or email.
If they don’t respond or refuse to make repairs, send a follow-up notice and mention your legal rights.
4. Report Code Violations
Contact your local housing authority, health department, or building code enforcement agency to report unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
An inspector may visit your property and issue a violation notice to the landlord, forcing them to make repairs.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA – Some abandoned townhouses standing in Uptown district
5. Withhold Rent or Repair and Deduct
In some areas, tenants are allowed to withhold rent or pay for repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent. However, this can be risky, so:
Check your local laws to ensure this is allowed.
Notify your landlord in writing before taking action.
Keep receipts and documentation for all repairs.
6. Join or Organize with Other Tenants
If other tenants are experiencing similar issues, consider organizing as a group. Landlords are more likely to respond to collective action.
You can also reach out to local tenant unions or advocacy groups for support.
7. Seek Legal Help
If your landlord continues to neglect their responsibilities, consult a tenant attorney or legal aid organization.
You may be able to:
Sue for damages or compensation.
Break your lease without penalty.
Force the landlord to make repairs through a court order.
8. Consider Moving
If the situation doesn’t improve and your health or safety is at risk, it may be best to find a new place to live.
Before moving, ensure you’re not violating your lease and that you’ve followed proper legal procedures to protect yourself from retaliation or eviction.
9. Report to Local Media
If the situation is severe and widespread, contacting local news outlets can bring attention to the issue and pressure the landlord to act.
10. Stay Safe
If you feel threatened or unsafe due to your landlord’s actions, contact local law enforcement or a tenant advocacy group immediately.
Resources to Help You:
Local Housing Authority: For reporting code violations or unsafe conditions.
Legal Aid Organizations: For free or low-cost legal advice.
Tenant Unions: For advocacy and support in organizing with other tenants.
State or Local Tenant Rights Websites: For information on your specific rights.
By taking these steps, you can hold your landlord accountable and work toward a safer, healthier living environment.
Market Necessity: In areas with severe housing shortages, slumlords may provide the only available option for low-income individuals, preventing homelessness.
Economic Realities: Some landlords claim they cannot improve properties without raising rents, which could displace tenants. Low-income tenants might prioritize cost over quality due to limited options.
Criticisms of Slumlords as a Blight:
Exploitative Practices: Charging high rents for substandard housing capitalizes on tenants’ desperation, often violating health/safety codes.
Health and Safety Risks: Poor conditions (e.g., mold, pests, structural issues) harm physical and mental health, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Moral Concerns: Profiting from inadequate housing perpetuates inequality and dehumanizes tenants, prioritizing profit over human dignity.
Community Impact: Neglected properties contribute to neighborhood blight, reducing investment and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Systemic Context:
Root Causes: Slumlords thrive in systems with inadequate affordable housing, weak regulation, and income inequality. They are a symptom of broader failures in housing policy.
Regulatory Gaps: Weak enforcement of housing standards allows slumlords to operate, while insufficient subsidies or public housing leave tenants with few alternatives.
Conclusion:
Slumlords are primarily a blight, exacerbating poverty and inequality through exploitation and neglect. While they may fill a temporary gap in housing supply, their practices harm individuals and communities. Addressing the issue requires systemic solutions:
Ethical Alternatives: Promote public housing, rent control, and community land trusts to provide dignified, sustainable housing.
Ultimately, the existence of slumlords underscores the need for structural reforms rather than tolerating exploitative stopgaps.
slumlords provide affordable housing. In many cities, there’s a shortage of affordable housing, so even if the housing is substandard, it might be the only option for low-income individuals or families. Without these slumlords, maybe there would be even fewer options, leading to homelessness. But then, the counterargument is that the conditions in these properties are terrible, possibly violating health and safety codes. So even if it’s affordable, is it acceptable for people to live in such conditions?
You’ve highlighted a critical tension in the debate about slumlords and affordable housing: the trade-off between availability and quality. Let’s break this down further:
The Argument That Slumlords Provide Affordable Housing:
Housing Shortages: In many cities, affordable housing is scarce due to rising costs, gentrification, and insufficient public housing. Slumlords fill a gap by offering low-cost options, even if the conditions are poor.
Preventing Homelessness: For some low-income individuals or families, substandard housing may be the only alternative to living on the streets or in shelters, which can be even more precarious.
Market Realities: Slumlords often operate in neighborhoods where property values are low, and the cost of maintaining or improving housing exceeds what tenants can pay. Without them, these properties might remain vacant or be redeveloped into unaffordable housing.
The Counterargument: Unacceptable Living Conditions:
Health and Safety Risks: Substandard housing often violates health and safety codes, exposing tenants to hazards like mold, lead paint, pests, faulty wiring, and structural instability. These conditions can lead to serious health problems, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Exploitation: Slumlords often charge rents that are disproportionately high relative to the quality of the housing, exploiting tenants who have no other options.
Moral and Ethical Concerns: Allowing people to live in such conditions raises ethical questions about dignity and human rights. Affordable housing should not come at the cost of basic safety and well-being.
Long-Term Costs: Poor housing conditions can perpetuate cycles of poverty by affecting tenants’ health, education, and employment opportunities, ultimately costing society more in healthcare, social services, and lost productivity.
The Broader Systemic Issue:
The existence of slumlords is a symptom of deeper systemic failures:
Lack of Affordable Housing: Governments and private developers have not built enough affordable housing to meet demand, leaving low-income individuals with few options.
Weak Regulation and Enforcement: In many places, housing codes are not strictly enforced, allowing slumlords to operate with impunity.
Economic Inequality: Rising income inequality and stagnant wages make it difficult for many people to afford decent housing, forcing them into substandard options.
Is It Acceptable?
While slumlords may provide a temporary solution to housing shortages, the conditions they offer are fundamentally unacceptable. Affordable housing should not come at the cost of health, safety, or dignity. The solution lies in addressing the root causes of the problem:
Policy Solutions: Governments should invest in affordable housing, enforce stricter housing codes, and provide subsidies or incentives for landlords to improve properties.
Community Initiatives: Nonprofits and community land trusts can develop and maintain affordable, high-quality housing for low-income residents.
Tenant Protections: Stronger tenant rights and rent control measures can prevent exploitation and ensure that housing remains affordable and habitable.
In conclusion, while slumlords may fill a gap in the short term, their existence is a symptom of systemic failures that need to be addressed. Affordable housing should not mean substandard housing, and society must strive to provide safe, dignified living conditions for all.
Getting a loan without a job can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Lenders typically look for a stable source of income to ensure you can repay the loan. However, if you don’t have a job, you may still qualify for a loan if you can demonstrate other sources of income or assets. Here are some options to consider:
1. Show Alternative Income Sources
If you don’t have a traditional job, you may still have income from other sources. Lenders may accept:
Government benefits (e.g., Social Security, disability, or unemployment benefits).
Retirement or pension payments.
Rental income from properties you own.
Alimony or child support.
Freelance or gig economy work (e.g., Uber, DoorDash, freelance writing).
Investments or dividends.
Be prepared to provide documentation, such as bank statements or tax returns, to prove these income sources.
2. Use Collateral for a Secured Loan
If you have valuable assets, you can apply for a secured loan, which uses collateral to reduce the lender’s risk. Examples include:
Home equity loans or lines of credit (if you own a home).
Auto title loans (using your car as collateral).
Secured personal loans (using savings accounts, jewelry, or other assets).
Be cautious with secured loans, as you could lose the asset if you fail to repay.
3. Get a Co-Signer
A co-signer with a stable income and good credit can help you qualify for a loan. The co-signer agrees to repay the loan if you can’t, which reduces the lender’s risk. This can be a family member or close friend who trusts you to make payments.
4. Consider a Payday Alternative Loan (PAL)
Some credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs), which are small, short-term loans designed for borrowers with limited income. These loans typically have lower interest rates than traditional payday loans.
5. Explore Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors. These platforms may have more flexible requirements than traditional banks. Examples include LendingClub and Prosper.
6. Borrow from Family or Friends
If traditional lenders aren’t an option, consider asking family or friends for a loan. Be sure to formalize the agreement with a written contract to avoid misunderstandings.
7. Improve Your Credit Score
A strong credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan, even without a job. Pay down existing debt, make payments on time, and check your credit report for errors.
8. Look for No-Income-Verification Loans
Some lenders offer no-income-verification loans, but these often come with high interest rates and fees. Be cautious, as they can lead to a cycle of debt.
Sackcloth money bag with loan inscription and metal coins
9. Use a Credit Card or Line of Credit
If you already have a credit card, you can use it for cash advances or purchases. Alternatively, you may qualify for a new credit card or line of credit based on your credit history.
10. Consider Nonprofit or Community Assistance
Some nonprofits and community organizations offer low-interest or no-interest loans to individuals in need. These programs are often designed to help people cover emergency expenses.
Important Tips:
Avoid Predatory Lenders: Be wary of payday loans or high-interest loans that can trap you in debt.
Compare Options: Shop around for the best terms and interest rates.
Have a Repayment Plan: Make sure you can afford the loan payments, even without a job.
If you’re struggling financially, consider reaching out to a financial counselor or nonprofit organization for guidance.
