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Like many organizations, Home Suite Hope (HSH) has faced challenges over the years, including fluctuating funding and changing socio-political dynamics. For our Homeward Bound Halton program, some of our original partners have remained committed, while others have shifted their support.
The Region of Halton, Sheridan College, the Oakville Community Foundation, and the YMCA of Oakville have all been crucial contributors to the program’s success. However, as corporate funding cycles tend to shift every three to four years, we have had to adapt and find new avenues of support.
In 2018, we navigated through some of our toughest times, experiencing difficulties in funding shortages, programming, and staff turnover. Thanks to the resilience of our board, staff, and community partners, we were able to recover and strengthen all elements of the organization. This growth continued until 2024, when the cost of living skyrocketed, particularly in the housing market, and corporate funding became increasingly scarce. These shifts have required us to reassess our strategy.
Navigating Housing and Labor Market Challenges: A New Era for HSH
The need for affordable housing has never been greater. As of February 2025, rental prices have skyrocketed across Halton — Oakville’s average two-bedroom is listed at $3252, Burlington’s at $2568, and Milton’s at $2503. For many of our participants, earning less than $25,000 per year, these costs are simply unattainable.
However, housing is only part of the challenge. The labour market is evolving rapidly, and changes to post-secondary education and work permit policies have had a direct impact on the training programs available to our participants. Recent changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have led to the closure of many programs at Sheridan College and other post-secondary institutions, further limiting access to education. Additionally, the shift in demand for skilled labour has caused a move away from traditional post-secondary education toward more applied and on-the-job training programs.
With anticipation of these challenges, HSH has been actively working towards solutions. We began preparing for the housing crisis nearly three years ago by exploring partnerships and fundraising efforts to secure long-term housing for our participants. This foresight allowed us to weather some of the financial challenges, but the situation remains difficult.
Watch for Part III of this blog series next Friday.