Housing is a fundamental human right, but for about 1.7 million households in Canada, housing that is affordable, in decent shape, and suitable for them or their families is simply not available. When people can’t access housing that meets their needs, the impacts ripple throughout their lives, the economy, and our communities.
Maytree works with civil society, people with lived experience of homelessness and housing need, and governments at all levels to improve the housing system and ensure everyone in Canada has a place to call home. Our work includes researching, shaping and sharing policy ideas, investing in innovative solutions, and supporting partners working on finding solutions to homelessness and housing need.
We work on advancing solutions that will further the recognition and protection of housing as a human right, contribute to the progressive realization of this right, prioritize those in greatest need, pave the way for accountability mechanisms, and include ongoing and active participation of those with lived experience of housing insecurity at all stages of decision-making.
Featured housing publications
Designed to fail: How Ontario’s income security policies create and perpetuate homelessness
Ontario’s own records show the province’s social assistance system is fuelling the homelessness crisis. This policy brief highlights how inadequate rates and punitive shelter benefit rules are driving people onto the streets.
Scaling up affordable housing through a ‘Build Canada Homes’ proposal
Build Canada Homes could deliver 200,000 non-market housing units annually – 40 per cent of federal targets – by partnering with non-market developers and retaining government ownership, if supported by $40B in yearly investment.
Why income support is good housing policy: A new case for a permanent housing benefit in Canada
Canada’s housing crisis has forced more families into homelessness and poverty as rising rents outpace incomes. This report argues that income security is housing policy. It advocates for a permanent housing benefit that is simple, predictable, and easy-to-access to provide immediate rent support to low-income families.
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Ontario must correct course after 50 years of stalling on poverty and human rights
Rising homelessness is no mystery – it’s socially assisted
Dear Ministers: Increase funding for the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit in the 2026 Ontario Budget
